NEWARK, N.J. — N.J. Transit officials have awarded a contract for the final design and construction of a one-mile extension to the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail line.
The transit’s board last month awarded a $58.4 million contract to George Harms Construction Inc. of Howell, N.J., for work to extend the light rail line to at 8th Street from its current southern terminus at 22nd Street. The extension includes the design and construction of foundations, viaduct structure, track work, intersection improvements, a new station, landscaping, lighting and customer amenities.
“The Hudson-Bergen Light Rail line has been serving Waterfront communities since opening eight years ago,” said Transportation Commissioner and N.J. Transit Board Chairman Kris Kolluri. “The one-mile extension south in Bayonne will provide new neighborhoods with connections to N.J. Transit rail services, trans-Hudson ferries, PATH trains and park-and-ride facilities.”
The transit board in September 2006 authorized the work needed to advertise a design/build contract, including completion of preliminary design work on the track alignment and the new station, as well as environmental work and other tasks associated with preparation of the design/build package.
“This project will provide ready access to employment, education and recreational opportunities for thousands of new customers,” said N.J. Transit Executive Director Richard Sarles. “By extending the light rail one mile south, we will connect more Bayonne neighborhoods with other communities, as well as to trans-Hudson trains and ferries.”
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.
As a result of community meetings, the station will be located at Avenue C and 8th Street, with architecture reminiscent of the old Central Railroad of New Jersey station that once stood near the site.
Construction is expected to start later this year with completion in 2010.
— Railfanning.org News Wire based on a press release
