KOOLjock1 posted:A pipe dream... https://www.architecturaldiges...ory/new-penn-station
Jon
I read the attached article. It says that the current Penn Station is just as confusing and dirty today as it was 20+ years ago when I was last there. That is a shame.
During this same period, San Francisco has built and opened a new $2 billion + train station to serve commuters. It is modern and beautiful.
The ultimate goal for this station is to serve California's high speed rail system that will run between LA and SF. The overhead catenary is being constructed between San Jose and SF right now. The SF to SJ commuter service will be electrified in a few years.
None of us in California know if the high speed rail will ever be completed. I am betting that it will be done before the end of the century but it may not be completed in my lifetime.
The station had the usual multi-million cost overruns and engineering problems. It was opened and then had to be shut down for repairs for about 6 months when inspectors found that the steel support beams were cracking. Someone underestimated the weight of the garden that was built on top of the station.
I don't know why New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Amtrak can't get together and find the funding to build a new and better Penn Station that will be a credit to the citizens or all three states and the national rail system. I would think if San Francisco can do it, then New York can do it. NH Joe
