$18M Upgrade At Newark Penn To Benefit NJ Transit, Amtrak Riders

NEWARK, NJ — One of the most vital transit hubs on the Northeast Corridor is getting a $18.4 million upgrade, officials announced Tuesday.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has earmarked $18,445,000 in federal funding to “rehabilitate and enhance service” at Newark Penn Station. The project includes repairing Platform D at the busy station, which services Tracks 3 and 4 and is a crucial transfer point for both Amtrak and NJ Transit.

Newark Penn is owned and operated by NJ Transit. The station provides service for commuters on several NJ Transit rail lines, the Port Authority’s PATH system and Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor.

• See related article: How Many Riders Use NJ Transit's Train Stations In Newark?

According to NJ Transit, the work will include replacing structurally compromised reinforcement where necessary and applying a corrosion resistant membrane on the platform surface. In addition, the proposed project entails rebuilding platform edges, installing new tactile strips and timber rub rails, repairing and/or replacing the overhead canopy and lighting fixtures, as well the replacement of deck joints throughout the platform.

Several elected officials praised the funding boost in a joint news release.

U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez – “Newark Penn Station is one of the busiest transit hubs on the vital Northeast Corridor that generates nearly one-fifth of the entire U.S. economy. This critical funding will help modernize our aging rail infrastructure, keep us economically competitive and improve the safety and reliability of rail service in and out of Newark.”

U.S. Sen. Cory Booker – “As a Newark resident, I see firsthand what an important economic driver Penn Station is for local businesses and our community. By putting much-need resources into modernizing Newark’s Penn Station, we are taking important steps to keep passengers safe while creating jobs and bolstering New Jersey’s economic competitiveness.”

U.S. Rep. Albio Sires (District 8) – “Newark Penn Station is a linchpin in New Jersey’s rail transportation network that moves thousands of daily commuters and generates millions in economic activity for our state. This $18.4 million Federal State Partnership for State of Good Repair grant is well deserved and much needed. By using the funds to upgrade the station’s platform infrastructure, we can ensure the station’s safety and better the quality of service that Newark Penn provides our commuters.”

U.S. Rep. Donald Payne Jr. (District 10) – “I’m excited to hear that Newark Penn will get this funding for much needed upgrades. This will make it faster and easier for residents of our community to commute to work.”

U.S. Rep. Tom Malinowski (District 7) – “Every day thousands of commuters from my district make the ride to and from New York City. This grant will improve the infrastructure at Newark Penn Station, and will make their commute safer and more reliable.”

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