NJ TRANSIT ADVANCES PROJECT TO EXTEND HUDSON-BERGEN LIGHT RAIL TO 8TH STREET IN BAYONNE
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April 17, 2008
NJT-08-030
NEWARK, NJ ¿ Plans to extend Hudson-Bergen Light Rail service farther into Bayonne advanced today, with the NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors awarding a contract for the final design and construction of a one-mile extension of the track alignment and a new station at 8th Street.
The Board awarded a $58.4 million contract to George Harms Construction, Inc. of Howell, NJ, for work to extend the light rail line from its current southern terminus at 22nd Street that includes the design and construction of foundations, viaduct structure, track work, intersection improvements, a new station building, landscaping, lighting and customer amenities.
¿The Hudson-Bergen Light Rail line has been serving Waterfront communities since opening eight years ago,¿ said Transportation Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chairman Kris Kolluri. ¿The one-mile extension south in Bayonne will provide new neighborhoods with connections to NJ TRANSIT rail services, trans-Hudson ferries, PATH trains and park-and-ride facilities.¿
In September 2006, the Board authorized the work needed to advertise a design/build contract, including completion of preliminary design work on the track alignment and the new station, as well as environmental work and other tasks associated with preparation of the design/build package.
¿This project will provide ready access to employment, education and recreational opportunities for thousands of new customers,¿ said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Richard Sarles. ¿By extending the light rail one mile south, we will connect more Bayonne neighborhoods with other communities, as well as to trans-Hudson trains and ferries.¿
¿This is good news for the residents of Bayonne as it expands our commuting options and paves the way for new opportunities,¿ said Bayonne Mayor Terrence Malloy. ¿The extension also will help to boost economic development in our City; we look forward to the day of taking the inaugural ride,¿ he said.
From the elevated 22nd Street Station, the light rail tracks will be extended south, hugging the existing Conrail right-of-way along Avenue E. A viaduct will carry light rail vehicles over local streets to an elevated platform at the new 8th Street Station, which will feature an elevator and stairs between street and platform levels.
As a result of community meetings, the station will be located at Avenue C and 8th Street, with architecture reminiscent of the old Central Railroad of New Jersey (CNJ) station that once stood near the site.
Construction is expected to start later this year with completion in 2010.
About Hudson-Bergen Light Rail
Hudson-Bergen Light Rail provides more than 35,000 weekday trips between 23 stations in Bayonne, Jersey City, Hoboken, Weehawken, Union City and North Bergen. The system provides a vital link between waterfront destinations, NJ TRANSIT rail and bus routes, PATH trains and trans-Hudson ferry services.
The one-way adult fare on Hudson-Bergen Light Rail is $1.90. Discounted monthly passes are available for $58. Children, senior citizens and passengers with disabilities save 50 percent or more at all times. In addition, NJ TRANSIT customers holding a monthly or weekly rail pass, or a bus pass for two or more zones, can ride the system at no additional charge simply by displaying their pass.
About NJ TRANSIT
NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system providing nearly 865,000 weekday trips on 240 bus routes, three light rail lines and 11 commuter rail lines. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 164 rail stations, 60 light rail stations and more than 18,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.