New York Construction Report staff writer
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has awarded a $1.18 billion contract to the joint venture of Tutor Perini Corporation and O&G Industries for the design and construction of a new AirTrain Newark system. This move marks a key step in the agency’s multi-phase effort to replace the outdated AirTrain Newark, which has served passengers since 1996.
Construction is expected to begin in 2025 and be completed by 2030.
The contract includes the construction of a 2.5-mile elevated rail guideway and three new stations. With this award, the Port Authority has completed 80% of the procurement process for the new automated people mover system, which will provide modern and reliable transit service for passengers and airport workers at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
“This project marks a significant step in transforming Newark Liberty International Airport into a world-class gateway,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “A modern, efficient AirTrain system is essential for accommodating growing passenger volumes and improving the overall experience at Newark Liberty.”
The new AirTrain system is designed to meet the increasing demand at Newark Liberty, which recently opened the much larger Terminal A. The existing AirTrain has become inadequate for handling the airport’s growing traffic and aging infrastructure.
Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton stressed the importance of providing reliable transit to major airports. “A modern AirTrain is vital for accommodating future growth and ensuring passengers have a world-class experience at Newark Liberty,” he said.
The Tutor Perini/O&G joint venture has extensive experience with large-scale infrastructure projects, including work on Los Angeles Metro and Los Angeles International Airport. The firms also have a long history of collaboration on transit projects.
In accordance with Port Authority guidelines, Tutor Perini/O&G has committed to hiring minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses, as well as prioritizing local contractors from Newark and Elizabeth. The company will also establish workforce development programs to provide job opportunities for local residents.
The new AirTrain system will serve as a critical link between the airport terminals, parking areas, and the Newark Airport Rail Link station, which connects to NJ Transit and Amtrak services. The system currently serves more than 5.5 million passengers annually.
The Port Authority Board also approved an increase in the project’s budget to $3.5 billion, a rise of $1.45 billion due to factors such as inflation, delays caused by the pandemic, and increased construction costs. Despite these challenges, the Port Authority’s phased procurement strategy has helped mitigate additional costs.
In addition to replacing AirTrain Newark, the Port Authority is working to improve community access at the Newark Airport Rail Link station to benefit underserved communities in Newark and Elizabeth.
