NJ TRANSIT BOARD APPROVES RECONSTRUCTION OF WOODBRIDGE STATION

Heated shelters on platforms, ADA accessible platforms and restrooms

July 27, 2005
NJT-05-087

NEWARK, NJ ¿ The NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors today approved the reconstruction of the Woodbridge rail station, which will mean a larger waiting area, heated platform shelters and wheelchair-accessible restrooms.

The construction phase of project, which will begin in August, will replace the existing high-level platforms, waiting room, ticket office, and both sets of stairs. The existing station building, which currently closes at 1 p.m. will be replaced with larger waiting areas that will be open to customers 24 hours a day. Upon completion, commuters will be protected from inclement weather under new glass-enclosed shelters, which are equipped with translucent windscreens and heaters. Customers will also benefit from new and enhanced signage, benches, passenger information display boards, and waste receptacles.

"Our public transportation system needs to be safe and easily accessible to all riders. Making these improvements will not only make the Woodbridge station better for riders who utilize it, it will improve safety and it will provide easier access to the trains for people with disabilities," said Assemblyman John S. Wisniewski (D-19), Chairman of the Assembly Transportation Committee.

¿With customers in mind, NJ TRANSIT is always looking to improve the overall commuting experience,¿ said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director George D. Warrington. ¿Reconstruction of the Woodbridge platforms will provide customers with a safe and comfortable new station.¿

The station¿s 1,600 daily passengers can look forward to a new 800-foot center island high-level platform and rebuilt stairs to street level. In an ongoing effort to continue its ADA Key Station Program, new high-level platforms will replace the existing structure, and the current elevator to platform level will be preserved and incorporated as an element of the rebuilt facility. At the Pearl Street entrance, modifications will be made to the street level retail space, which will include new wheelchair-accessible rest rooms for the public.

To minimize inconvenience to customers, the station will remain open throughout all phases of construction. During the final phase, however, the elevator will be out of operation, and NJ TRANSIT will provide bus service to another accessible station for customers with disabilities.

The $23.4 million project is scheduled for completion in March 2007.

NJ TRANSIT is the nation¿s largest statewide public transportation system providing more than 779,200 daily 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 162 rail stations, 52 light rail stations and more than 17,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.