SOUTH AMBOY STATION PROJECT ENTERS FINAL PHASE
Center-island platform will provide new amenities and accessibility for customers
August 15, 2008
Contact: Dan Stessel (973) 491-7078
NEWARK, NJ ¿ Elected officials joined NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Richard Sarles in a ceremony today to break ground for the construction of a new center-island high-level platform that will provide secure, comfortable waiting shelters as well as greatly enhanced accessibility for customers with disabilities.
When the federal- and state-funded South Amboy Station reconstruction project is completed, 127 of NJ TRANSIT¿s 224 rail and light rail stations will be accessible.
¿I proudly worked to secure federal funds for this project because public transportation benefits the economy and the environment, and a safe, inviting station encourages residents to take transit and leave their cars at home,¿ said Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr.
¿This reconstruction of South Amboy Station will benefit thousands of residents,¿ said Assemblyman John Wisniewski. ¿It also demonstrates the importance of replenishing transportation funding on both federal and state levels.¿
The groundbreaking ceremony coincided with the first week of construction activity on the platform, which will be equipped with a canopy, climate-controlled waiting shelters, a ticket office and restrooms.
Other improvements include closed-circuit security cameras, new customer communication systems including variable message signs and a public address system, elevator and stairs. The platform will be connected to a surface parking lot by a pedestrian overpass that was opened in 2005.
¿This project will help NJ TRANSIT continue to serve record number of customers who reap the benefits of our integrated, multimodal transit network every day,¿ said
NJ TRANSIT Chairman and Transportation Commissioner Kris Kolluri.
¿By providing convenient, accessible and secure facilities, we make it easier for New Jerseyans to leave behind congested roadways, avoid the high cost of gasoline and opt for us as their preferred travel mode,¿ said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Richard Sarles.
¿Middlesex County hosts ten NJ TRANSIT rail stations and thousands of our residents rely on the system every day. So this investment in South Amboy Station is both warranted and appreciated,¿ said Middlesex County Freeholder Director David Crabiel.
¿This station enhances the quality of life for residents of South Amboy, and with these significant improvements now under way, the station will remain a focal point of our community for generations to come,¿ said South Amboy Mayor John T. O¿Leary.
The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2009. The first phase, completed earlier this year, realigned the tracks to make room for the platform and included work to improve signal, switch and overhead power systems.
About 1,300 customers use the station each weekday.
The platform is being built by Hall Construction Co., Inc, of Howell, NJ. Total project cost for both phases is $46 million, with the Federal Transit Administration providing $18 million and the state Transportation Trust Fund contributing $28 million.
About NJ TRANSIT
NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system providing nearly 865,000 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.