Location: Queens, NY
Client: Port Authority of New York & New Jersey
Architect: STV
Photo Credit: STV

The JFK Light Rail project is a $1.9 billion design-build-operate-maintain infrastructure development venture constructed for the Port Authority of NY & NJ. It’s plan provides increased fast access in and around the JFK International Airport.

An 8.1 mile network of elevated and sub-grade rail lines links JFK International Airport to the Long Island Railroad in Jamaica, Queens. Within the airport, a 1.8 mile rail loop links the nine terminal buildings, car rental areas, and other airport facilities.

Our firm has played an integral part in the design of complicated stretches of the elevated rail line supports, including the Federal Circle Light Rail Station, the Howard Beach Light Rail Station, and the new Howard Beach Subway Station. YAS performed intense 3-dimensional computer analyses of the structures, considering a multitude of potential load scenarios. In some cases, special bearing connections between the box-girders and piers were necessary to control forces on critical elements.

Each of the light rail stations consists of a 240 ft. long glass enclosed platform with an architecturally expressed structure. The designs were intended to provide a consistently light and airy feel for passengers throughout the entire project. The buildings provide access to the elevated platforms by wide escalators, elevators, and stairways. All of the vertical transportation areas are enclosed in glass curtain wall. Light is also filtered into the stations by translucent roof enclosures.