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Rochester Intermodal Station Construction Update
Posted by: Mike Governale, president and co-founder of Reconnect Rochester

Since ground broke on Rochester’s new intermodal station last October, people have been asking us, “What’s happening with the new station? …When’s it going to be finished?!”

The grounds surrounding Rochester’s current Amtrak station have been swarming with construction activity since the springtime. But with any project of this size and significance, progress may at times appear agonizingly slow. The bottom line is: work is progressing and rail passengers should be using the new station by September 2017.

You can find all of this information on the NYSDOT website external link but so you don’t have to go digging, here’s an overview of what’s been happening…

A bird's eye view of the job site looking north. 5-22-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
This summer the parking lot on the east side of the property is being constructed along with a temporary station so that passenger service may continue uninterrupted while the new station is built. The temporary station will be opened in November 2015. At that time Rochester will say goodbye to the old 1970s “Amshack” station for good. Demolition will take place this November/December.

N. Clinton Avenue closed April 20, 2015, for the railroad bridge to be strengthened to handle the track realignment above. May 8, 2015. [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
This summer you may have noticed several road detours around the railroad overpasses on Saint Paul Street, Clinton Avenue, and Joseph Avenue. That’s because work is now underway to repair the railroad bridges and make improvements to the tracks above.

The new elevated island platform will provide access to trains in both directions. [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
The main tracks are being shifted to the north in order to accommodate construction of a new passenger concourse/tunnel which will route passengers to a new 855-foot-long elevated platform, now being constructed in the center area between the east and westbound tracks. The new island platform will have access to trains in both directions, eliminating the need for trains traveling in opposite directions to share one track, as well as resulting delays as one train waits for another to load or unload. The platform will be elevated to a level high enough to match the train doors for a much easier transition for passengers to board the train.

By next summer (2016) construction will be underway on the two-floor station, including the ground level and the concourse level leading to the underground passageway to the new train platform. Stairs, an escalator and an elevator will be available.

When the new station is opened for service in Summer 2017, the temporary structure will be removed and attention will shift to the landscaping & grounds.

For now, Greyhound and Trailways operations will remain where they are at 186 Cumberland Street across the street from the train station. A future project may (hopefully) add onto the train station to accommodate these buses. But as far as we know, funding for that project has not yet been identified. The new train station however, will be ready to accept the addition when and if it happens.

• • •

Removal of Canopy Roof

Removal of Canopy Roof. May 8, 2015. [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
Work was underway in May to remove the canopy roof. Portions of it are being salvaged for possible use elsewhere in the future. We’ve reached out to NYSDOT about this, but as of now we don’t know where it will be relocated.

Sheet Piles for Ramp

Construction of the sheet piles for the ramp started the week of May 8, 2015. [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
Construction of the sheet piles for the ramp started the week of May 8, 2015.

Overview of Job Site – N. Clinton Ave

Overview of the bridge strengthening work on the railroad bridge over N. Clinton Avenue. 5-22-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
Overview of the bridge strengthening work on the railroad bridge over N. Clinton Avenue. 5-22-15

Sheet Pile

Sheet pile wrapping around south baggage ramp. 5-22-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
Sheet pile wrapping around south baggage ramp. 5-22-15

Static pile test

Close up of the static pile test. Workers loaded the jack under the green beam to apply the force to the pile. 5-22-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
Close up of the static pile test. Workers loaded the jack under the green beam to apply the force to the pile. 5-22-15

N. Clinton Bridge

Carpenters form up the south east abutment of the railroad bridge over N. Clinton Ave to reface it. 5-22-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
Carpenters form up the south east abutment of the railroad bridge over N. Clinton Ave to reface it. 5-22-15

N. Clinton Bridge

Placement of I-beams to fill in the skylights on the N. Clinton Ave RR bridge. 5-22-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
Placement of I-beams to fill in the skylights on the N. Clinton Ave RR bridge. 5-22-15

West End of RR Tracks

Pit with water line and valve in foreground. Background is a concrete block at the end of former tracks. 5-22-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
Pit with water line and valve in foreground. Background is a concrete block at the end of former tracks. 5-22-15

Job Site Overview

This week's view of the project site. 6-4-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
This week’s view of the project site. 6-4-15

1914 Passenger Tunnel

The passenger tunnel from 1914 was exposed during excavation. 6-4-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
The passenger tunnel from 1914 was exposed during excavation. 6-4-15

1914 Passenger Tunnel

An old heater unit from the passenger tunnel. 6-4-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
An old heater unit from the passenger tunnel. 6-4-15

Screening Spoils

The contractor is screening spoils for reuse (east of existing station). 6-4-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
The contractor is screening spoils for reuse (east of existing station). 6-4-15

Driving Piles

Driving piles for new platform between the rails east of the existing station. 6-4-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
Driving piles for new platform between the rails east of the existing station. 6-4-15

Clinton Skylight

The skylight on the RR bridge over N. Clinton Ave is ready to be filled. In the background, platform piles are being cut to elevation. 6-4-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
The skylight on the RR bridge over N. Clinton Ave is ready to be filled. In the background, platform piles are being cut to elevation. 6-4-15

Surveying Rail

Surveyors are verifying there is no movement on the rails. 6-4-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
Surveyors are verifying there is no movement on the rails. 6-4-15

Clinton Skylight

Placing concrete to fill in the Clinton Ave skylight #2. 6-23-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
Placing concrete to fill in the Clinton Ave skylight #2. 6-23-15

Sheeting and Shoring

Sheeting and shoring is being installed between railroad tracks in preparation to excavate, drive piles and form the platform. 6-23-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
Sheeting and shoring is being installed between railroad tracks in preparation to excavate, drive piles and form the platform. 6-23-15

Clinton Ave Bridge

Clinton Ave bridge crew is replacing bridge beam components. I-beams and jacks support the bridge while repairs are made. 6-23-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
Clinton Ave bridge crew is replacing bridge beam components. I-beams and jacks support the bridge while repairs are made. 6-23-15

Mail Tunnel

Top of the mail tunnel removed. Photo is taken from between the tracks facing south with the post office in the background. 6-26-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
Top of the mail tunnel removed. Photo is taken from between the tracks facing south with the post office in the background. 6-26-15

Mail Elevator Ramp

Another picture of the mail tunnel with the top removed. Ramp was the mail elevator. 6-26-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
Another picture of the mail tunnel with the top removed. Ramp was the mail elevator. 6-26-15

Sheeting for New Platform

Sheeting and shoring continues in front of the 1914 passenger tunnel. Sheeting will allow for excavation to drive piles and construct the new platform. 6-26-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
Sheeting and shoring continues in front of the 1914 passenger tunnel. Sheeting will allow for excavation to drive piles and construct the new platform. 6-26-15

Rail bed

Undercut and rough grading with bulldozer and excavator in preparation for the new rail bed. Concrete pile is from the demolished rail terminus blocks. Picture is taken from the far west end of the project facing east. 6-26-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
Undercut and rough grading with bulldozer and excavator in preparation for the new rail bed. Concrete pile is from the demolished rail terminus blocks. Picture is taken from the far west end of the project facing east. 6-26-15

Delivery of CSX RR Ties

CSX had a delivery of railroad ties delivered behind the freight line. 6-26-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
CSX had a delivery of railroad ties delivered behind the freight line. 6-26-15

Clinton Ave Skylight

Clinton Ave skylight. South parapet wall being removed to infill grade elevation is shown on the right. 6-26-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
Clinton Ave skylight. South parapet wall being removed to infill grade elevation is shown on the right. 6-26-15

Shoring continues through 1914 passenger tunnel

Concrete block is staged to bulk head the tunnel. 7-1-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
Concrete block is staged to bulk head the tunnel. 7-1-15

Mail Tunnel South

The concrete block bulkhead is installed. 7-1-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
The concrete block bulkhead is installed. 7-1-15

Mail Tunnel 2

North plywood bulkhead installed. 7-1-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
North plywood bulkhead installed. 7-1-15

Pouring Flowable Fill

A mixture of sand and cement are being placed into the mail tunnel under the tracks. 7-1-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
A mixture of sand and cement are being placed into the mail tunnel under the tracks. 7-1-15

Capital for a Day

NYSDOT Commissioner Driscoll gives a presentation about the Rochester Station. 7-9-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
NYSDOT Commissioner Driscoll gives a presentation about the Rochester Station. 7-9-15

Capital for a Day

NYSDOT Commissioner addresses stakeholders in the project field office. 7-9-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
NYSDOT Commissioner addresses stakeholders in the project field office. 7-9-15

Drainage structures

Drainage Structures are Installed. This photo is looking north from the construction trailers. 7-17-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
Drainage Structures are Installed. This photo is looking north from the construction trailers. 7-17-15

Mail Tunnel Foundation

The mail tunnel is filled in. Looking south with the post office in the background. 7-17-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
The mail tunnel is filled in. Looking south with the post office in the background. 7-17-15

Sheeting in 1914 passenger tunnel

The sheeting is stalled through the tunnel. Looking west. 7-17-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
The sheeting is stalled through the tunnel. Looking west. 7-17-15

Platform concrete formwork begins

Form work on the west end of the new platform begins. Looking southwest. 7-17-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
Form work on the west end of the new platform begins. Looking southwest. 7-17-15

Clinton Skylight

Waterproofing material is applied on the skylight on the bridge over N. Clinton Ave. 7-17-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
Waterproofing material is applied on the skylight on the bridge over N. Clinton Ave. 7-17-15

Temporary Station Foundation Piers

Form work for the foundation piers for the temporary station is underway. Looking southeast with post office in the background. 7-17-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
Form work for the foundation piers for the temporary station is underway. Looking southeast with post office in the background. 7-17-15

Job Site Overview

Facing north, installation of the foundation for the temporary station is underway in the upper right hand corner of the photo. 7-27-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
Facing north, installation of the foundation for the temporary station is underway in the upper right hand corner of the photo. 7-27-15

Clinton skylight #3 demolition

North Clinton Ave. skylight #3 demolition. Point of view is under the bridge looking northwesterly. 7-28-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
North Clinton Ave. skylight #3 demolition. Point of view is under the bridge looking northwesterly. 7-28-15

Pike Safety Meeting Demo

Preparation for PIKE company wide quarterly safety meeting with excavation demonstration. 7-28-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
Preparation for PIKE company wide quarterly safety meeting with excavation demonstration. 7-28-15

CSX New Track Crossing

New track crossing installed by CSX contractor to the East of the existing crossing. Existing track crossing in background. 7-28-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
New track crossing installed by CSX contractor to the East of the existing crossing. Existing track crossing in background. 7-28-15

Platform sheeting and Shoring Installation

Platform sheeting and shoring, bottom horizontal support installation. Looking East. 7-28-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
Platform sheeting and shoring, bottom horizontal support installation. Looking East. 7-28-15

1914 Passenger Tunnel

1914 Passenger Tunnel Filled in Between tracks. Photo taken from between 1914 mail tunnel and passenger tunnel looking West. 8-3-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
1914 Passenger Tunnel Filled in Between tracks. Photo taken from between 1914 mail tunnel and passenger tunnel looking West. 8-3-15

Support Installation View Southeast

Platform sheeting and shoring, bottom horizontal support installation. Looking Southeast. 8-3-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
Platform sheeting and shoring, bottom horizontal support installation. Looking Southeast. 8-3-15

Support Installation View East

Platform sheeting and shoring bottom horizontal support installation looking East. 8-3-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
Platform sheeting and shoring bottom horizontal support installation looking East. 8-3-15

Rebar Cage

Rebar delivery and cage preparation to be placed within platform formwork. 8-3-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
Rebar delivery and cage preparation to be placed within platform formwork. 8-3-15

St.Paul NB Bridge Support

St. Paul Street North Bound Lane installation of bridge supports. 8-3-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
St. Paul Street North Bound Lane installation of bridge supports. 8-3-15

New Switches for the Rail arrive

A switch is a mechanical installation enabling railway trains to be guided from one track to another, such as at a railway junction or where a spur or siding branches off. 8-14-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
A switch is a mechanical installation enabling railway trains to be guided from one track to another, such as at a railway junction or where a spur or siding branches off. 8-14-15

High Level Platform Bracing and Sheeting

Continued installation of horizontal bracing, sheeting and shoring to the High Level Platform. Photo taken looking West. 8-14-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
Continued installation of horizontal bracing, sheeting and shoring to the High Level Platform. Photo taken looking West. 8-14-15

Skylight 3 demolition complete

Clinton Ave. skylight #3 demolition is completed and ready for steel placement. 8-14-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
Clinton Ave. skylight #3 demolition is completed and ready for steel placement. 8-14-15

New Rail Road Crossing

New Rail Road Crossing at the west end of the project. Bulldozer in background grading sub-ballast looking west. 8-14-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
New Rail Road Crossing at the west end of the project. Bulldozer in background grading sub-ballast looking west. 8-14-15

High Falls from Western Limit of Project

Photo over seeing High Falls from western most limit of project. Location is not accessible to the public. 8-14-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
Photo over seeing High Falls from western most limit of project. Location is not accessible to the public. 8-14-15

St Paul Bridge Setting 3 Beams

St. Paul Bridge closure, setting 3 beams in existing bridge corrugation deck. 8-14-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
St. Paul Bridge closure, setting 3 beams in existing bridge corrugation deck. 8-14-15

1913 Curb Line

At the temporary construction entrance from Central Ave. From under a sidewalk construction workers have uncovered what is assumed to be the 1913 curb line. 8-14-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
At the temporary construction entrance from Central Ave. From under a sidewalk construction workers have uncovered what is assumed to be the 1913 curb line. 8-14-15

Temporary RR Station Arrives

Temporary Rail Road Station Arrives on site. Leveling and securing to foundation. 8-14-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
Temporary Rail Road Station Arrives on site. Leveling and securing to foundation. 8-14-15

Overview of Rail Station Location

View of Old and New Temporary RR Stations. Rochester's temporary Rail Road Station (Middle Right side of photo). Old Station located on left side of photo. 4-15-15 [PHOTO: NYSDOT]
View of Old and New Temporary RR Stations. Rochester’s temporary Rail Road Station (Middle Right side of photo). Old Station located on left side of photo. 4-15-15

Construction update continued…

• • •

— 5 Comments —

  1. Thanks for the link to the construction site! A lot has certainly been going on. Is the new underground passenger tunnel going to use any part of the 1914 passenger tunnel? If not, will the new one follow the old footprint, or is the 1914 passenger tunnel completely filled in? It is not clear from the construction photos.

  2. Thanks for the post Reconnect! The old tunnels are so cool! My favorite part about the new station will be the underground tunnel to an awesome new elevated platform. It’s going to feel like a big-city station. Can’t wait to ride the train back in to Rochester from Chicago for Thanksgiving.

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