The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has engaged a joint venture (JV) of Jacobs and HDR to provide engineering consultancy for the Interborough Express (IBX) Light Rail Project in New York. The $5.5 billion project will feature a 14-mile light railway linking Brooklyn and Queens, enhancing connectivity between these densely populated boroughs.

The Interborough Express will be a 14-mile light railway connecting communities in Brooklyn and Queens, New York

The Jacobs-HDR JV will oversee design development for freight integration, tunnel retrofits, and major bridge modifications. In addition, the team will advise the MTA on delivery strategy to ensure the project meets schedule and performance targets. Jacobs’ executive vice-president Katus Watson said: “The line would set a new standard for modern transit.”

The IBX project recently advanced from planning to delivery, a milestone announced by New York State Governor Kathy Hochul last month. She stated: “The IBX is the sort of project that future generations will describe as a no-brainer, and thanks to funding we secured for the MTA’s Capital Plan, we’re not just talking about it, we’re getting it done.”

MTA chair and chief executive Janno Lieber emphasized the impact on local communities: “The IBX is a life-changer for millions. It’s about time Brooklyn and Queens residents could move directly between our two most populous boroughs – for jobs, education, recreation and everything else.”

The light rail will integrate with existing transit infrastructure while incorporating modern technologies to improve efficiency, reliability, and passenger experience. It will include station upgrades, pedestrian access improvements, and new signaling systems to support safe and rapid operations.

The IBX also aims to reduce travel times for commuters and enhance freight capacity along the corridor. By connecting residential, commercial, and industrial areas, the project is expected to support economic growth in both boroughs and provide a sustainable alternative to road transport.

The Jacobs-HDR JV will coordinate closely with local authorities, contractors, and stakeholders to implement modular construction techniques, minimize disruption to communities, and optimize project delivery. This collaboration is part of the MTA’s broader Capital Plan to modernize transportation infrastructure across New York City.

Construction is expected to progress in phases, with initial works focusing on critical retrofits and bridge modifications, followed by track installation and station development. Once completed, the IBX will offer a direct, high-frequency transit option, improving accessibility for millions of residents and contributing to the city’s long-term mobility strategy.

The project underscores New York’s commitment to expanding transit options and reducing travel times, while setting a benchmark for urban light rail development in the United States.