Construction has begun on the $3.5bn AirTrain monorail system at New York’s Newark Liberty International Airport, undertaken on behalf of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
The 4km elevated railway will replace the existing system, which has been in use since 1996 and can no longer be expanded or upgraded. The new AirTrain will boost daily passenger capacity from 33,000 to 50,000 and include three new stations.
In May 2024, Parsons was appointed as the AirTrain’s guideway and station designer, while Stantec was selected in July to design a 70,000-square-foot maintenance and control facility as well as pedestrian connectors. In November, a joint venture between Tutor Perini and O&G Industries won a $1.1bn design-and-build contract—later increased by about 75% to $3.5bn, reportedly due to pandemic-related delays, supply chain challenges, and market risks.
The new route will eliminate the current 15-minute walk between the AirTrain station and Terminal A, with a new stop planned adjacent to Terminal B.
“Newark Airport is the front door to our region – and modernising the AirTrain system is part of our commitment to reimagining a world-class airport that is worthy of our state,” said New Jersey governor Phil Murphy.
“Building on the transformation of Terminal A, the new system will serve an increasing number of travellers and deliver the airport experience they deserve.”
State senator Renee C. Burgess added: “The AirTrain Newark replacement program is an exciting and much-needed project that will enhance the experience of passengers, airport workers, small business owners, and the broader community.”
The new AirTrain is scheduled to begin operations in 2030.
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