OFFICIALS MARK COMPLETION OF REBUILT SOMERVILLE STATION
$15.3 million construction provides accessibility to customers with disabilities; helps spark development
August 24, 2011
NJT-11-049
NEWARK, NJ — Transportation Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chairman James Simpson today joined NJ TRANSIT Executive Director James Weinstein and Somerville Mayor Brian Gallagher to mark the completion of major improvements to Somerville Station, including high-level platforms that provide accessibility to customers with disabilities and amenities that make the station more convenient for all customers.
“Rebuilding Somerville Station demonstrates Governor Chris Christie’s commitment to improving access to public transportation for all New Jersey residents and creates an asset that the Borough can use to promote long-term economic development,” said Commissioner Simpson. “With Somerville designated as our 22nd Transit Village last year, the newly rebuilt station is a fitting complement to the Borough’s transit-oriented development efforts.”
In March 2009, the NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors authorized a $15.3 million contract with Terminal Construction Co. of Wood-Ridge, NJ, to rebuild the train station, including construction of two new 710-foot-long high-level platforms with canopies and heated shelters, a climate-controlled inbound waiting room with a ticket agent office and restrooms, two new elevator cabs, ramps, stairs and a head house for the pedestrian tunnel entrance.
In addition, the existing elevator shafts, pedestrian tunnel, tunnel stairs and exterior stairs to South Bridge Street were rebuilt. Closed-circuit television cameras, new ticket vending machines (TVMs) and electronic customer information signs were also installed.
“The new Somerville Station ensures accessibility for customers with disabilities and enhances comfort and convenience for everyone who uses it,” said Executive Director Weinstein. “The completion of this work also brings NJ TRANSIT one step closer to completing our initiative to make ADA upgrades at 35 key commuter rail stations.”
NJ TRANSIT designated Somerville Station as a Key Station under its Commuter Rail Accessibility Plan, which gave priority for accessibility projects to 35 key stations, based on location and usage. With the completion of Somerville Station improvements, accessibility upgrades have now been completed at 34 of the key stations, with work on the final key station—Ridgewood—to be completed this fall.
Today, 75 of NJ TRANSIT’s 164 rail stations and 55 of its 61 light rail stations are accessible. When construction is finished on the final key station, 131 NJ TRANSIT rail and light rail stations will comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“Somerville is on the move. This project and investment in Somerville demonstrates NJ TRANSIT’s commitment to the Borough and our redevelopment plans, as well as to our residents and commuters who use the station every day,” said Mayor Gallagher. “As we move forward with our redevelopment plans, we look forward to our continued partnership with NJ TRANSIT to improve not only the landfill and station area but downtown Somerville as well.”
Located on the Raritan Valley Line, Somerville Station provides about 1,300 customer trips on a typical weekday.
About NJ TRANSIT
NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system providing more than 895,000 weekday trips on 240 bus routes, three light rail lines and 12 commuter rail lines. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 164 rail stations, 61 light rail stations and more than 19,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.