Project Scope
The project includes:

• Construction of one mile track extension, three new stations and a maintenance facility;
• New 70 percent low-floor light rail vehicles;
• Installation of new signaling and communications systems;
• Installation of fans and dampers along existing ventilation shafts;
• Conversion of the existing trolley wire system to a catenary system to operate the new pantograph equipped vehicles; and
• Accessibility improvements at Branch Brook Park, Washington Street and Newark Penn Stations to increase the platform height to 14 inches above top of rail to accommodate level boarding into the new low-floor cars and installation of elevators and ramps at underground and below-grade stations.

Project Cost
Existing subway modernization: $25 million
Penn Station, Washington Station and Branch Brook Park Station Accessibility Improvements: $25.5 million
Emergency Ventilation Improvements: $18.5 million
Extension and Maintenance Facility: $78 million

Current Status
The new light rail vehicles began service in summer 2001. Branch Brook Park Station is now accessible to persons with disabilities. Construction of accessibility improvements is complete at Washington Street Station and is proceeding at Newark Penn Station.

Next Milestone
Accessibility improvements at Newark Penn Station are expected to be complete in the winter of 2006.

Benefits
The extension will provide expanded rapid transit service to Newark, Bloomfield and Belleville.

NJ TRANSIT Department of Capital Planning and Programs
November 2005