NEWARK, N.J. — A major milestone in New York and New Jersey’s transportation infrastructure overhaul is officially underway, as a joint venture between Tutor Perini and O&G Industries has broken ground on the $3.5 billion AirTrain Newark replacement project at Newark Liberty International Airport, according to an Oct. 7 news release from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
The project will replace the existing 2.5-mile AirTrain system, which first opened in 1996 and has long been criticized for outdated technology and service delays. Once completed, the new automated people mover is expected to serve up to 50,000 passengers daily, connecting directly to the airport’s recently opened Terminal A and integrating with future expansions.
“Breaking ground on a new AirTrain system marks another milestone in the complete transformation of Newark Liberty International Airport into a world-class gateway,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “This project is about more than just replacing outdated infrastructure.”
Under the contract, Tutor Perini and O&G will design and build the elevated guideway, while also developing three new stations that will connect with future airport facilities, including plans for a new Terminal B. The existing AirTrain system will remain operational during construction, with only intermittent outages spread across 28 months — and crucially, no disruptions during peak summer or holiday travel periods, according to the Port Authority.
Engineering firm Stantec was selected to design the 70,000-square-foot maintenance and control facility, while Doppelmayr, a global leader in people mover systems, will design, construct, operate, and maintain the rail system and vehicles.
Even as some national leaders criticize diversity requirements in public contracting, the Port Authority reaffirmed its stance.
The agency noted that its “good faith” subcontracting requirements will remain in force and will prioritize participation from a broad range of firms, including Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) and local workforce initiatives.
Doppelmayr, for example, has been directed to establish a workforce development pipeline that recruits local residents for long-term operations and maintenance roles tied to the AirTrain.
“This groundbreaking comes at a fraught moment: Republicans have shut down the federal government, hurting Americans across the country,” said U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver, D-N.J. “But this project is an important one, right now maybe more than ever.”
The AirTrain replacement project is a key component of the Port Authority’s broader EWR Vision Plan, a multi-year strategy to fully modernize Newark Liberty International Airport. In addition to the people mover, upcoming phases include:
The Port Authority estimates that the new AirTrain system will officially enter service in 2030.
Originally reported by Sebastian Obando in constructiondive.com
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