Opening of Newport News Amtrak transit hub delayed until fall

Travelers eager to catch a ride at the new transportation center in Newport News will have to wait a few more months, as the city now estimates the center will open in the fall.

The transit center, on Bland Boulevard between Warwick Boulevard and Interstate 64, will be a hub for trains, buses, taxis and airport shuttles. It’s about a mile from the Newport News/Williamsburg Airport and replaces the undersized Amtrak station 9 miles to the south on Warwick Boulevard. It’s 10,050 square feet, with an 8,066-square-foot station and a 1,984-square-foot canopy designed to protect travelers from the elements.

The city previously estimated the center would open in May or June .

City spokesperson Kim Bracy said there have been contractor delays with completing construction. Furthermore, she said Amtrak must test the construction — ensuring that all 2 miles of new trackwork function as intended.

Despite the delay, Bracy reassured that the project is still on budget at $53 million. The bulk of the cost is covered by federal and state grants, with the city contributing $1.48 million.

This is not the first time the opening date has been delayed. The transportation center was initially slated to open in 2022. One delay involved the construction and relocation of water and sewer lines. In addition, surcharging — the process of compressing soil to make it strong enough to support the weight of a project — took much longer than expected.

Newport News Acting Director of Engineering Craig M. Galant said last year that supply chain issues also caused further delays.

Once complete, the new, larger center is expected to accommodate a recent surge in Amtrak ridership.

Josh Janney, joshua.janney@virginiamedia.com