CONSTRUCTION BEGINS TO IMPROVE RIDGEWOOD STATION
New high-level platforms will make station ADA-accessible
February 24, 2009
NJT-09-017
NEWARK, NJ — NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Richard Sarles joined Ridgewood Mayor David Pfund today to break ground on a project that will make Ridgewood Station fully accessible to customers with disabilities and more convenient for all customers.
The project includes construction of two full-length, high-level platforms with elevators, canopies, stairs and lighting, as well as the addition of accessible parking spaces, curb ramps and sidewalks. Improvements will also be made to the restrooms and ticket window in the station building.
“The improvements at Ridgewood Station represent the type of projects that will create construction-related jobs and help jumpstart the economy,” said Transportation Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chairman Stephen Dilts.
“We thank Ridgewood elected officials for their cooperation on this important project, which will improve the overall functionality of the station, ensuring full accessibility for customers with disabilities and enhancing convenience for everyone who uses it,” said Sarles.
“The Village worked very closely with NJ TRANSIT to ensure that community feedback was incorporated into this project, and we are pleased that the end result will enhance the station, which is a vital centerpiece for our residents,” said Mayor Pfund.
A new 710-foot-long center island platform and 640-foot-long side platform will replace the three existing low-level platforms. Canopies over each platform will be 350 feet long.
The project will bring the station into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and improve the functionality of the station, while incorporating practical and aesthetic suggestions made by Village officials.
Located on NJ TRANSIT’s Main Line, Ridgewood Station serves an average of 1,573 weekday customers. The station building is owned by the Village of Ridgewood and is listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places.
NJ TRANSIT designated Ridgewood 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.
In October 2008, the NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors authorized a $24 million contract with Terminal Construction Corp. of Wood-Ridge, NJ, for the construction of the two new high-level platforms and related improvements—creating 230 jobs as part of the project.
The project is expected to be completed in 2011.
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 11 commuter rail lines. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 164 rail stations, 60 light rail stations and more than 18,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.