Most of America’s next transit contracting opportunities result from a familiar passenger frustration: a station that is difficult to reach, a boarding platform that is inaccessible, or a connection that requires navigating busy streets. Upcoming projects across the country will address these problems while delivering new stations, elevated rail infrastructure, passenger terminals and improvements to surrounding streets.
A Sept. 10 financial announcement illustrates the continuing investment in station modernization. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced $233 million for eight projects in five states through the All-Stations Accessibility Program. Awards include $80 million for trolley station improvements in southeastern Pennsylvania, $48 million for upgrades at two Maryland commuter rail stations and $20 million to modernize seven light-rail stations in Cleveland. The work will include elevators, raised platforms, safer passenger crossings and improved wayfinding. These investments address a persistent problem: hundreds of older American transit stations still present barriers to passengers who use wheelchairs or strollers.
The upcoming projects also illustrate how transit investment reaches beyond rail infrastructure. Station modernization and new transportation hubs usually require roadway reconstruction, utility relocation, structural engineering, parking facilities, pedestrian improvements and extensive coordination among public agencies. The following projects offer examples of current opportunities that are still in pre-launch stages.
Officials at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) are advancing the modernization of Lynn Commuter Rail Station. The authority’s Fiscal 2027–2031 capital investment plan identifies a $51.3 million authorized budget for the station’s Phase 2 project, which remains in design. Improvements will replace aging passenger infrastructure, provide accessible boarding and strengthen connections to the city’s transportation network.
Plans call for a 600-foot-long, high-level center-island platform. New elevators and stairways will connect the platform to ground-level access points, while canopy and architectural improvements will upgrade passenger boarding areas. Other work will include accessible circulation routes and supporting rail infrastructure. The project also contemplates acquiring and demolishing structures beneath the station’s viaduct and planning documents call for replacing the existing parking garage with surface parking.
The authority has stated a preference for a construction manager at-risk delivery method but a construction procurement date has not been confirmed.
Officials in Illinois are advancing a $54.5 million transportation infrastructure project in downtown Glen Ellyn. The project will replace the aging Metra commuter rail station along the Union Pacific West Line. It will also improve accessibility, pedestrian safety and downtown transportation connections.
Plans include a new station building, reconstructed passenger platforms, warming shelters and an accessible pedestrian underpass beneath the railroad tracks. Additional improvements will provide bicycle parking, passenger pickup and drop-off areas, and upgraded pedestrian connections. The project will also incorporate the fourth phase of the village’s Central Business District Streetscape and Utility Improvements Project. Work along Crescent Boulevard and Forest Avenue will include water mains, sewers, gas infrastructure, roadway and sidewalk reconstruction, lighting, landscaping and decorative crosswalks.
Final engineering is approximately 95 percent complete, with design work expected to be nearly finished by the end of 2026. Officials are securing approvals and negotiating easements for improvements on Union Pacific property and the goal is to advance the project to competitive bidding by summer 2027.
Traffic conflicts between light-rail trains and vehicles near University Drive and Rural Road in Tempe, Ariz., could be addressed through a proposed grade separation project. Early estimates placed the project’s cost at $117.3 million. Other concepts under evaluation include elevating tracks above University Drive, Rural Road and Terrace Road, along with an elevated station near the existing boarding location. Related work could include track realignment, supporting structures, roadway modifications and improvements to pedestrian and bicycle connections. The final configuration will depend on technical feasibility, utility conflicts, property requirements and construction staging. A feasibility study will update construction cost estimates and evaluate operational and safety benefits. A construction start date has not been established.
Officials with the Broward County Transit Authority have announced plans for the West Broward Intermodal Center in Sunrise, Fla. Early cost estimates of $109.9 million have been announced. Located near Sawgrass Mills, the proposed facility will connect local and express buses, high-frequency service, planned bus rapid transit and other passenger transportation options.
Plans outlined an approximately 10.7-acre property that will include bus boarding areas, covered passenger waiting facilities, customer service and ticketing kiosks, public restrooms and bicycle amenities. A multilevel parking garage is envisioned, along with connections for community shuttles, taxis, private carriers and passenger pickup services. The facility will also accommodate a potential future light-rail station associated with the county’s planned Mall Connector.
A 2026 county presentation identifies property approval, a design consultant selection in 2026 and a target opening in 2030. When completed, the center will serve as a major transfer point as the county expands the area’s transit network.
A proposed $65 million West Lot improvement project at New Haven’s Union Station will create a multimodal transportation hub combining commuter parking, bus operations and other passenger services. The Connecticut Department of Transportation is designing the project with the objective of improving connections between regional rail, local transit and surrounding streets.
Plans include a multi-story parking garage with a ground-level depot for local and intercity buses, rental car parking and commuter parking. A pedestrian plaza will connect the facility to Union Station. Modifications to Union Avenue will provide traffic calming, improved access and accommodation for multiple transportation modes. Design is expected to continue through 2027, and construction will follow in 2028.
Transit projects such as these will make public transit easier to use while creating opportunities for companies with a wide range of capabilities. Architects, engineers, construction managers, utility contractors and technology providers will all have roles in delivering the projects. Tracking projects of interest should begin now as solicitations could be released at any time and early positioning always provides a competitive advantage to contractors who make that effort.
