New President Confirms Active Study of Long-Discussed Connection
NEW YORK – A long-discussed proposal to build a Metro-North rail spur connecting New York Stewart International Airport to the Salisbury Mills station on the Port Jervis Line may be gaining traction.
In a recent interview with Mid-Hudson News, Justin Vonashek, the new president of Metro-North Railroad, confirmed that a formal study is currently underway to assess the feasibility of such a connection. This marks a significant development in a project that has resurfaced periodically for over a decade but never advanced beyond early planning discussions.
Potential Boost for Stewart Airport
Supporters of the project have long argued that a direct rail link between Stewart Airport and Metro-North’s existing network could significantly enhance the airport’s appeal. By offering travelers a seamless transit option to and from Manhattan, the airport could attract more passengers, flights, and investment.
Local leaders and transportation advocates believe improved rail access could position Stewart as a more competitive alternative to the congested New York City-area airports.
Regional Support, Lingering Skepticism
Jim O’Donnell, Orange County’s representative to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Board, welcomed the news with cautious optimism.
“That would be a great help to the airport, so it’s good to hear that the president of Metro-North is studying it,” said O’Donnell. “But they’ve been studying it for 15 or 20 years.”
His comments reflect a broader sentiment in the region—hopeful that real progress is being made, but wary of delays and stalled momentum that have plagued past infrastructure proposals.
Connecting the Mid-Hudson to Manhattan
The proposed spur would link Stewart Airport with the Salisbury Mills station, part of the Port Jervis Line, which offers service into New Jersey and on to Penn Station via NJ Transit connections. With a direct shuttle or rail extension, passengers arriving at or departing from Stewart could bypass road traffic entirely.
While no timeline or budget estimates have been made public, Vonashek’s acknowledgment of the active study has rekindled local interest in the plan. Officials say a successful project could not only improve air travel options but also drive economic development in the region.
Looking Ahead
For now, Metro-North continues its analysis, which could determine whether the long-envisioned rail link moves closer to becoming a reality or remains shelved like past proposals. As Stewart Airport looks to grow its role in the region, transportation access will be a key factor—and the rail spur could play a pivotal part in its future.
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