HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has announced a critical step forward in the Scranton to New York Penn Station (NYP) Passenger Rail Corridor project, a long-anticipated initiative designed to restore intercity rail connections between northeastern Pennsylvania and metropolitan New York City.
As one of the first five projects nationwide to achieve this milestone, this major infrastructure initiative marks a significant moment for the region’s economic growth and mobility. PennDOT is now crafting a comprehensive Service Development Plan (SDP) to chart the path forward. This next phase will focus on analyzing service options, engaging stakeholders, and addressing critical transportation, environmental, and financial planning aspects.
“Under Governor Josh Shapiro’s leadership, PennDOT is aggressively putting additional federal and state transportation investments to work for Pennsylvanians, whether it’s fixing our roads and bridges or restoring and improving passenger rail service,” stated PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “Advancing this project ensures we will leave no stone unturned as we grow the northeastern region’s economy and mobility. We are steadfast in our commitment to the public, business leaders, and many more who look forward to restoring this passenger rail connection.”
A Vision for Connectivity and Growth
The Scranton-NYP corridor is poised to deliver substantial benefits for both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. By linking Scranton to New York City, the rail project will improve accessibility to employment opportunities, tourism, recreation, and educational institutions along the route. It will also provide a much-needed intercity transportation option in a corridor currently marked by heavy automobile traffic and unpredictable travel times.
Specifically, the project is aimed at rejuvenating underserved communities in northeastern Appalachian Pennsylvania while creating stronger regional ties with northwestern New Jersey. The connection also aligns with long-term regional plans, including Amtrak’s Connects US Corridor Vision, which underscores growing demand for rail services in high-traffic corridors like this one.
Amtrak Vice President of Network Development Nicole Bucich expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Amtrak looks forward to supporting PennDOT and PNRRA as they advance the proposed Scranton-to-New York City route through the federal planning process. This is an important next step to better understand the costs and benefits of this new service and to serve new communities in Northeastern Pennsylvania. We are excited about the future of this, and other, new routes across America!”
Funding and Federal Support
Central to the project’s progress is funding provided under the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Corridor Identification and Development (Corridor ID) program through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This framework supports preliminary planning and engineering for new and enhanced intercity passenger corridors.
Currently, the SDP scope’s $500,000 cost has been fully funded by the Corridor ID program, while the broader SDP planning phase is estimated to cost $5.46 million. Of this, 90 percent will be covered by federal funding, with PennDOT contributing the remaining 10 percent. The partnerships between PennDOT, Amtrak, the Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Rail Authority (PNRRA), and New Jersey-based agencies reflect a coordinated effort to realize this ambitious transportation upgrade.
Historical Context and Route Overview
Passenger rail service on the Scranton-NYP corridor has been inactive since 1970, with the route historically operated by the Erie Lackawanna Railroad. Despite years of dormancy, the majority of the original right-of-way remains intact, making restoration feasible with targeted investments.
- The first 60 miles of the route, including the segment from Scranton to the Delaware River, is owned by PNRRA and is currently used for freight rail operations. One mile south of Slateford Junction will require reconstruction.
- The Lackawanna Cutoff, a 28-mile segment from Slateford, PA, to Port Morris, NJ, had its tracks removed in 1984. Efforts to reconstruct seven miles of this route near Andover, NJ, are already underway by New Jersey Transit (NJT). The remaining 20 miles from Andover to the Delaware River will require restoration.
- From Port Morris, the rail line will connect to NJT’s commuter network, which extends to Kearny, NJ.
- The route’s final eight miles, running east from Kearny, will merge into Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor to reach New York Penn Station.
This phased restoration strategy demonstrates the cooperation between multiple stakeholders, including NJT, the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), and Amtrak. NJ TRANSIT Chief Planner Jeremy Colangelo-Bryan noted, “We at NJ Transit look forward to continuing our participation with project partners PennDOT, NJDOT, and Amtrak on this endeavor.”
Economic and Sustainable Implications
The Scranton-NYP project is more than a transportation investment; it is a strategy for regional revitalization. By offering a reliable rail service option, it aims to reduce congestion on roadways, decrease environmental pollution, and promote economic activity in communities along the corridor. With a focus on sustainability and mobility equity, the project will address the needs of a region long reliant on inconsistent automobile-based connection to larger markets.
Larry Malski, President of PNRRA, emphasized the project’s far-reaching benefits, stating, “I commend the experience, financial support, and leadership of PennDOT in advancing this vital Amtrak Corridor after many years of acquiring and developing this crucial Transportation and Economic Development Corridor.”
The Road Ahead
While there is still significant work to be done, the Scranton-NYP Passenger Rail Corridor project represents a bold step forward for northeastern Pennsylvania’s integration into one of the nation’s most vital transportation networks. Spearheaded by PennDOT and supported by federal resources, the project exemplifies what collaboration and sustained commitment to infrastructure development can achieve.
With the partnership of state and regional agencies as well as national operators like Amtrak, northeastern Pennsylvania is closer than ever to re-establishing its historic link to New York City through an efficient, modern, and sustainable rail system.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.