NJ TRANSIT BEGINS WORK TO EXTEND HUDSON-BERGEN LIGHT RAIL TO 8TH STREET IN BAYONNE
New station will serve Bergen Point residents
September 13, 2006
NJT-06-117
Contact: Dan Stessel 973 491-7078
NEWARK, NJ ¿ Plans to extend Hudson-Bergen Light Rail service in Bayonne moved forward today with the NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors approving work needed to advertise a design/build contract to construct a one-mile extension of the track alignment and a new station at 8th Street.
The light rail line, which has enhanced the quality of life for thousands of residents and commuters since it opened in 2000, will be extended from its current southern terminus at 22nd Street.
Today¿s Board action allows for completion of preliminary design work on the track alignment and the new station, as well as environmental work and other tasks associated with the preparation of the design/build package.
¿I am happy that this extension of the light rail will provide the residents of Bayonne's Bergen Point section with ready access to convenient, clean and timely public transportation,¿ said Bayonne Mayor and State Senator Joseph Doria. ¿The extension will serve existing residents and those who will move into new housing that Bayonne officials recently approved for the 8th Street area.¿
¿The Hudson-Bergen Light Rail line has been a catalyst for the renewal of neighborhoods and business districts by providing convenient, reliable and affordable transportation,¿ said NJ TRANSIT Chairman and Transportation Commissioner Kris Kolluri. ¿This project is much more than a one-mile extension of track ¿ it¿s an investment in Bayonne¿s future.¿
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 anelevated platform at the new 8th Street Station, which will feature an elevator and stairs between street and platform levels.
¿This project connects light rail to thousands of new customers,¿¿ said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director George D. Warrington. ¿Already embraced by the communities it serves, the light rail system provides convenient and affordable access to employment, education and recreational opportunities.¿
As a result of community meetings, the station will be located on the east side of Avenue C and on the south side of 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 in 2008 with completion in late 2009. NJ TRANSIT plans to award a design/build construction contract for the project in mid-2007.
Once open, 8th Street will be the 24th Hudson-Bergen Light Rail station.
About Hudson-Bergen Light Rail
Hudson-Bergen Light Rail provides more than 34,000 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 $1.75. Discounted monthly passes are available for $53. 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.
For Hudson-Bergen Light Rail schedules or information, visit www.mylightrail.com or call 1-800-772-2222.
About NJ TRANSIT
NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system providing nearly 857,000 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 162 rail stations, 60 light rail stations and more than 18,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.