Background
The Meadowlands Railroad and Roadway Improvement Project (MRRIP) is a multi-agency cooperative effort to provide a rail mass transportation alternative to access the New Jersey Meadowlands Sports and Entertainment Complex in East Rutherford, NJ. The overall construction program encompasses both railroad and highway projects to be jointly undertaken by NJ TRANSIT, the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA), NJ Department of Transportation and the New Jersey Turnpike Authority. Funding for the new rail station and related work is being provided by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Project Scope
The initial phase of the project includes the construction of two new tracks, each approximately 12,300 feet in length and connected to the Pascack Valley Line. The Rail Station involves the construction of one and one side island platform, each approximately 950 feet in length. The platform will include a waiting area for passengers and all elements for code required egress and passenger flow, including passenger overpasses, escalators, stairs and elevators. The station will be located generally equidistant between the new Xanadu commercial and entertainment complex currently under construction, the Big M Racetrack and the new football stadium planned to be jointly built by the two local NFL football franchises. The facility will consist of two levels to house management, customer service and security operations, and will provide for a direct aerial connection to the new stadium.

Project Cost
$150 million (Estimate)

Current Status
The project's Environmental Impact Statement has been approved by NJDEP and the NJMC. Several state issued permits have also been approved by the NJDEP whereas the federal permit applications are still being reviewed by the US Coast Guard and the Army Corps of Engineers. Two small advance contracts have been completed to demolish and/or reconstruct existing sports authority facilities.

Next Milestone
Construction work is anticipated to commence on the project's first major contract by Spring 2006, the scope of which includes railroad embankments and utility relocation work. A second major contract, which shall include railroad viaducts, bridges, roadway work, etc. is also scheduled to be awarded by NJSEA by spring 2006. The remaining contract, which will include construction of the station building, platforms and related facilities, is expected to be awarded by NJSEA by Fall 2006.

Benefits
Visitors to the Meadowlands Complex will be able to attend sporting and entertainment venues via rail from all parts of New Jersey, as well as the greater New York Metropolitan area. The project could also provide commuter opportunities if the Meadowlands area is used as a Park & Ride. Commuters would have a link to Midtown Manhattan or Hoboken from the new station, reducing the current congestion along Route 3.

NJ TRANSIT Department of Capital Planning and Programs
January 2006