NEWARK, N.J. – Plans to extend Hudson-Bergen Light Rail service in Bayonne are moving forward, as the N.J. Transit Board of Directors agreed to advertise a design/build contract to construct a one-mile extension of the track alignment and a new station at 8th Street.
The light rail line, which opened in 2000, will be extended from its current southern terminus at 22nd Street.
The Board action, handed down Sept. 13, allows for completion of preliminary design work on the track alignment and the new station, as well as environmental work and other tasks associated with the preparation of the design/build package.
“I am happy that this extension of the light rail will provide the residents of Bayonne’s Bergen Point section with ready access to convenient, clean and timely public transportation,” Bayonne Mayor and State Senator Joseph Doria said. “The extension will serve existing residents and those who will move into new housing that Bayonne officials recently approved for the 8th Street area.”
From the elevated 22nd Street Station, the light rail tracks will be extended south, hugging the existing Conrail right-of-way along Avenue E. A viaduct will carry light rail vehicles over local streets to an elevated platform at the new 8th Street Station, which will feature an elevator and stairs between street and platform levels.
“The Hudson-Bergen Light Rail line has been a catalyst for the renewal of neighborhoods and business districts by providing convenient, reliable and affordable transportation,” said N.J. Transit Chairman and Transportation Commissioner Kris Kolluri. “This project is much more than a one-mile extension of track – it’s an investment in Bayonne’s future.”
Construction is expected to start in 2008 with completion in late 2009. N.J. Transit plans to award a design/build construction contract for the project in mid-2007.
Once open, 8th Street will be the 24th Hudson-Bergen Light Rail station.
The Hudson-Bergen Light Rail provides more than 34,000 weekday trips between 23 stations in Bayonne, Jersey City, Hoboken, Weehawken, Union City and North Bergen. The system provides a vital link between waterfront destinations, N.J. Transit rail and bus routes, PATH trains and trans-Hudson ferry services.
