CHRISTIE ADMINISTRATION UNVEILS DESIGN PLANS FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF ELIZABETH STATION
$55 million project will create state of the art facility
January 12, 2015
NEWARK, NJ — Transportation Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chairman Jamie Fox and NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Veronique “Ronnie” Hakim today announced the unveiling of the preliminary design plans for a $55 million restoration of Elizabeth Station. The project includes construction of a new station building, new elevators and stairs, vendor space and reconstruction of the passenger platforms. The project will be funded through state and federal sources.
“This project is a prime example of Governor Christie’s commitment to invest in our public transportation system,” said Commissioner Fox. “Working with our partners at Amtrak, which owns the Northeast Corridor, this station will be primed to promote economic development in a city that continues to work hard at improving the quality of life for its residents.”
“The reconstruction of Elizabeth Station will provide a state-of-the-art facility for the residents and riders that also reflects the character of the historic business district” stated Executive Director Hakim. “We recognize the importance of this facility to passengers on the Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast lines and are committed to providing a safe and modern facility.”
The design of the station includes a two-story station building with a street-level ticket office, waiting room and vendor space. New, extended high-level train platforms will accommodate longer, 12-car trains and the platforms will feature covered, heated and air conditioned waiting areas. The station will include upgraded passenger information and security systems. Additional elevators, renovations to existing elevators and additional stairways will enhance platform access. The westbound plaza entrance will be highlighted by a marquee façade, new stairs, and new vendor space. NJ TRANSIT and the City of Elizabeth will collaborate to incorporate art into the design of the station.
NJ TRANSIT has coordinated the design package with Amtrak to accommodate Amtrak’s future plans to add a fifth track to the Northeast Corridor, which affects station platform placement and final design approval. Upon final Amtrak approval, NJ TRANSIT will procure a design-build contractor to construct the project, with an expected completion date in 2018.
Elizabeth Station serves NJ TRANSIT's Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast Rail Lines as well as local bus service, including 9 NJ TRANSIT bus lines. The Elizabeth Station serves an average of 7,526 weekday passenger trips (FY2014), with 113 daily trains utilizing the station.
About NJ TRANSIT
NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system providing more than 915,900 weekday trips on 262 bus routes, three light rail lines, 12 commuter rail lines and through Access Link paratransit service. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 165 rail stations, 62 light rail stations and more than 19,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.