After the horrific day of September 11, 2001, all agency staff members came together as one family to console and help families who tragically lost loved ones. All Port Authority resources were used to help survivors and families who lost their loved ones. On September 11th and the days after, each department worked with HR to identify staff who survived and staff that were missing. The HR Department could not do enough and provided needed services such as medical, psychological, insurance, pension support and so much more. Individual staff members reached out to families who were still waiting to hear about their loved ones. It was a very emotional time, and words cannot fully describe what each of us experienced.
Even though the Port Authority could not take control of the World Trade Center site until recovery efforts were completed, it began planning the rebuilding and returning PATH train service back to the World Trade Center site as soon as possible. As a professional engineer my career was in management of the World Trade Center, and I was asked to help lead the restoration of PATH. The overall program included expanding Exchange Place station platforms, by drilling out the tunnels on the west and also creating a new track interlocking so the station could operate as a stub end terminal. Concurrently the tunnels under the Hudson River were stripped of everything and structural repairs were made. New tracks, third rail, direct fixation roadbed, power, signals, and emergency lighting were installed.
While all this work was going on, construction of the temporary station in the World Trade Center site was under way. On June 29, 2003, PATH resumed service from Exchange Place to Hoboken and Newark. On November 23, 2003, one month ahead of schedule, service was restored back to the World Trade Center. The successful completion of this program was made possible because of the dedicated efforts of the Engineering Department, PATH, staff with various expertise, consultants, contractors and so many others. It was a privilege for me to be given this opportunity to help rebuild for the future.
Louis Menno
General Manager WTC/ Program Director PATH Restoration
