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NJTransit Approves Upgrades for Historic Perth Amboy Train Station

Perth Amboy Rail Station

Press Release 12/12/19

PERTH AMBOY – The New Jersey Transit Board of Directors unanimously approved nearly $7 million in funding to provide supplemental final engineering design services and construction assistance for the Perth Amboy Station Accessibility Improvements project, which has been a mission of Perth Amboy Mayor Wilda Diaz since her election in 2008.

The NJ Transit board awarded the contact in an amount not to exceed $2,700,000, plus five percent for contingencies, subject to the availability of funds, to Stantec Consulting Services, Inc., of Rochelle Park, New Jersey, for continuation of supplemental final engineering, design services, and construction assistance. Stantec, which is already under contract with NJ Transit, has a total contract amount of $5,950,703.40.

“Although we are proud of its designation on the National Register of Historic Places and the New Jersey Registry of Historic Sites, our 91-year-old train station is overdue for a renovation,” said Mayor Diaz. “This is welcome news to the residents of Perth Amboy and a project that I have been advocating for more than 10 years. During that time, I have watched other municipalities reap the benefits that updated, commuter-friendly transit centers provide.”

Built in 1928 by the Central Railroad of New Jersey, the Spanish-style train station is badly in need of a major renovation. The approximate 1,000 daily commuters who travel on the North Jersey Coast Line must climb 20 steep stairs to access the train platforms. In addition, the station is not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Besides those with disabilities, the planned renovations will benefit the elderly, parents with strollers, and young children, as well.

Renovation plans call for the installation of four elevators, new stair landing, upgraded east and west bound station entries, and an up-to-date commuter communication system. Two high-level island platforms, canopy and ramps with enclosures will connect to the existing pedestrian bridge.

“These much needed renovations will make the train station safe, secure and convenient for riders,” said the mayor. “Making the train station easier to navigate will encourage more passengers to shop in our city, making it a destination with extraordinary potential for tourism, commerce and urban development.”

Perth Amboy’s population, which has been increasing at a consistent rate for the last two decades, is another motivation for a modern train station. Ease of transportation encourages new residents to move in, thus spurring housing development and bringing additional customers to the city’s shops and restaurants.

“The train station is centrally located in the business district, so it can act as an economic driver,” observed the mayor. “This is an extra stimulus for the city of Perth Amboy that is already enjoying a revitalization.”

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