OFFICIALS MARK COMPLETION OF SOUTH AMBOY STATION IMPROVEMENTS
High-level platform provides amenities and accessibility for customers
January 5, 2010
NJT-10-001
NEWARK, NJ — NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Richard Sarles joined Assemblyman John Wisniewski, South Amboy Mayor John O’Leary and other officials today to mark the completion of a newly reconstructed South Amboy Station. A new center-island, high-level platform makes the station accessible to customers with disabilities, and climate-controlled waiting shelters enhance comfort and convenience for all customers.
“The newly reconstructed South Amboy Station will encourage more area residents to take advantage of public transportation and leave their cars behind,” said Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. “I am proud to have worked to secure federal funding for a project that enhances commuter safety, accessibility and convenience.”
"The completed South Amboy Station project provides a true gateway for the residents of South Amboy, Sayreville and Middlesex County," said Assemblyman John Wisniewski. "The new platform and station improvements, together with the pedestrian overpass and new grade crossing that were previously completed, provide a safe, comfortable commuting environment for all who use the station."
The $46 million reconstruction project was built with a combination of federal and state funding sources.
The new South Amboy platform features a canopy, climate-controlled waiting shelters, a ticket office, restrooms, elevator and stairs. Other improvements include closed-circuit security cameras and modern customer communication systems including variable message signs and a public address system. The platform connects to a surface parking lot via a pedestrian overpass. The overpass, which opened in 2005, links the station to downtown South Amboy.
“The improvements at South Amboy Station benefit commuters and residents alike, ensuring safe rail access for everyone and augmenting the value of our city’s downtown,” said South Amboy Mayor John T. O’Leary. “The completed project ensures that the station will remain a focal point of our community for generations to come.”
“The South Amboy high-level platform project represents our commitment to making New Jersey’s rail system a safe and convenient travel option for all residents,” said Transportation Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chairman Stephen Dilts. “This project complements the other capital investments we have made in recent years to improve pedestrian and customer safety at this station.”
“The new South Amboy Station ensures full accessibility for customers with disabilities and enhances comfort and convenience for everyone who uses it,” said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Richard Sarles. “With the winter weather upon us, customers can now take advantage of the climate-controlled shelters as they wait for their trains.”
South Amboy Station—which serves approximately 1,200 customers on a typical weekday—is one of nine stations along the North Jersey Coast Line to receive high-level platforms as part of NJ TRANSIT’s Commuter Rail Accessibility Plan.
The new center-island high-level platform improves the overall safety and functionality of the station. The project follows other recent capital investments aimed at improving pedestrian and customer safety, including the pedestrian overpass, a new grade crossing at John T. O’Leary Boulevard that opened in 2006, and the closure of the Augusta Street grade crossing.
In January 2007, work began on the relocation of overhead power and signal structures and the realignment of tracks to accommodate the new center island high-level platform. Construction of the platform broke ground in August 2008.
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 165 rail stations, 60 light rail stations and more than 18,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.