MURPHY ADMINISTRATION AND NJ TRANSIT AWARD FIRST CONTRACT FOR NEWARK PENN STATION’S MODERNIZATION
The Project will Restore and Revitalize the Historic Station within the Heart of New Jersey’s Largest City
January 10, 2022
NEWARK, NJ – NJ TRANSIT’s Board of Directors today approved an innovative and first of its kind all-inclusive professional services contract to perform Master Planning, Design Services, and Construction Support Services as part of a long-term project for the major restoration and renovation of historic Newark Penn Station. In addition, the Board of Directors approved funding for Phase One of the contract, which includes the preparation of a Master Plan and completion of a 10% concept design.
“Newark Penn Station is one of the most significant transportation hubs in the Northeast, and a gateway to downtown Newark,” said Governor Murphy. “Newark has undergone a historic renaissance in recent years, and our Administration is proud to do its part through this historic $190 million investment in revitalizing Newark Penn Station. Newark residents, workers, commuters, and visitors deserve a world-class experience when traveling through the station. I am happy to see this project moving ahead and look forward to its completion.”
“This contract marks the next big step in our efforts to restore and update Newark Penn Station, honoring its past as a cultural focal point, and ensuring that it remains a vibrant hub for New Jersey residents and visiting travelers,” said New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chair Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti. “Governor Murphy’s steadfast commitment to preserving this historic treasure strengthens this facility’s connection to Newark’s business and entertainment district with a robust network of trains, buses and light rail options.”
“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, NJ TRANSIT continues to aggressively advance the large-scale overhaul and revitalization of this indispensable, multi-modal transit hub,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin S. Corbett. “Thanks to the Board action today, this award will build on the extensive work already underway to restore this vital transit center to its rightful place as one of the crown jewels of New Jersey.”
“Newark Penn Station is one of our city’s greatest assets. It is a historic structure, a brilliant expression of architecture, and a critical element of our city’s economy and transportation network,” said Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka. “I thank Governor Murphy, his administration, and NJ TRANSIT for their commitment, as this investment will improve the lives of so many of our residents, businesses, and commuters.”
As part of the master contract, construction plans will be created which address state-of-good-repair needs as well as long-term capital improvements to Newark Penn Station. These plans will outline present and future opportunities to better integrate the station within the framework of the growing needs of its surrounding communities.
The first phase of renovations will focus on aesthetics, and longer-term enhancements will focus on improving the station’s openness and overall customer and visitor experience.
In December 2020, Governor Murphy joined NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin Corbett, community leaders and municipal, county and state officials to announce this major investment that will renovate the 86-year-old station and help spur economic prosperity by providing the opportunity for additional dining and shopping in the concourse area.
In August 2021, NJ TRANSIT sought proposals from design and construction professionals to restore and modernize Newark Penn Station. These proposals were judged based on their ability to ensure the station features amenities and functionality that will meet the modern-day expectations of both customers traveling through the station, as well as those of residents and businesses.
As part of the Phase One $9.2 million contract award to Parsons Transportation Group, they will utilize a team consisting of the world renowned Grimshaw Architects alongside a strong transit-focused consultant firm, Steer Group, to lead the Newark Penn Station Master Planning and Design portion.
The project continues NJ TRANSIT’s commitment to providing the highest quality customer experience.
About NJ TRANSIT
NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system providing more than 925,000 weekday trips on 253 bus routes, three light rail lines, 12 commuter rail lines, and through Access Link paratransit service. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 166 rail stations, 62 light rail stations and more than 19,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.