Traffic disruptions expected as Port Authority Bus Terminal construction begins Thursday

Starting Thursday, commuters may experience slower bus operations as construction progresses on the midtown bus terminal, an $11 billion renovation that will necessitate several bus re-routes into the city.

A spokesperson for the Port Authority mentioned, “The new Midtown Bus Terminal will deliver a modern terminal with faster, more reliable commutes, including new ramps that provide extra lanes for buses to navigate around breakdowns. As construction advances, we must remove existing ramps and temporarily reroute buses.” The new arrangements will direct buses onto West 39th Street, which will be restricted to most traffic, adding new loops for those approaching from the Lincoln Tunnel and potentially lengthening commute times.

Port Authority encourages riders to allow extra time for their trips and stated that morning rush hour services for express buses will remain unaffected. Additionally, they are coordinating with the New York City DOT to manage traffic and aid bus operations as work commences.

The renovation, designed to keep pace with modern needs, includes a new staging area for buses to enhance efficiency. The entire project, which aims to replace the 76-year-old terminal, is expected to span multiple years, with completion not anticipated until 2035.

The initial phase of the overhaul will last until 2030.