Lower Manhattan-Jamaica/JFK Transportation Project

Project Feasibility

In 2003, a feasibility study was started by the LMDC, the MTA, the PA, and the NYCEDC to evaluate the feasibility providing new rail service between Lower Manhattan and the Jamaica LIRR station for commuters, and between Lower Manhattan and JFK Airport for air travellers. Over 40 alternatives were evaluated, and a short list of four alternatives was identified for further study:

New Tunnel Option: A new rail service from Jamaica to Downtown Brooklyn via the LIRR Atlantic Branch, with a track connection at Jamaica from the Atlantic Branch to the AirTrain system. Trains would continue to Lower Manhattan, through a new two-track tunnel under the East River. A Terminal station would be built in the vicinity of the WTC Site/Fulton Street Transit Center.

Cranberry Tunnel Option: A new rail service from Jamaica to Downtown Brooklyn via the LIRR Atlantic Branch, with a track connection at Jamaica from the Atlantic Branch to the AirTrain system. In Downtown Brooklyn, a track connection would be built connecting the line to the existing Fulton Street subway line ( trains). Trains would operate into lower Manhattan via the existing Cranberry Street subway tunnel.

Montague Tunnel Option: A new rail service from Jamaica to Downtown Brooklyn via the LIRR Atlantic Branch, with a track connection at Jamaica from the Atlantic Branch to the AirTrain system. In Downtown Brooklyn, a track connection would be built connecting the line to the existing 4th Avenue subway line ( trains). Trains would operate into lower Manhattan via the existing Montague Street subway tunnel.

Cranberry/Montague Option: A new rail service from Jamaica to Downtown Brooklyn via the LIRR Atlantic Branch, with a track connection at Jamaica from the Atlantic Branch to the AirTrain system. In Downtown Brooklyn, track connection would be built connecting the line to both the existing Fulton Street and 4th Avenue subway lines. Trains would operate into lower Manhattan via both the Cranberry Street and Montague Street subway tunnel, in order to reduce the burden on either route.

Map of alternatives
(click for larger image)

The study determined that the most feasible strategy to address both goals was the "New Tunnel" option, providing a direct rail link from Jamaica to Lower Manhattan via the existing LIRR Atlantic Branch and a new tunnel underneath the East River and Lower Manhattan, with an intermediate stop provided for access to the Downtown Brooklyn CBD. Commuter service trains would originate from a new platform at the LIRR Jamaica station, while direct airport service would be provided via a flyover connection from the Atlantic Branch to the AirTrain JFK system at Jamaica.

Map of Recommended Alternative
(Click for larger image)