Mayor Wilda Diaz is pleased to announce that NJ Transit has committed the necessary funding totaling nearly $47 million to renovate and improve the Perth Amboy Station.
"Since 2008 I have been advocating for our station's upgrades, including ADA compliance.I am so thankful for the work of NJ Transit and for their dedication to our community. I know this will completely change our commuter experience and enhance our downtown area for greater economic development opportunities. Most importantly, this ensures the safety and best service to all residents and visitors," said Mayor Wilda Diaz.
In 2013, the NJ Transit Board approved $2,051,128 for the completion of the final design and engineering services, which at this time has reached thirty percent completion. In 2014, $9.6 million of funding was allocated for the Perth Amboy Train Station conceptual design and future construction.
Mayor Wilda Diaz, City and NJ Transit officials recently met to discuss the progress of the project, which is currently at 30 percent design.The Environmental Assessment (EA) process has commenced and is expected to last between six to nine months.The DEP's Community Collaborative Initiative will be involved to help advance the Environmental Assessment process.A public meeting will be held thereafter. Conservatively, the station's design is expected to be completed by the end of 2018 and construction to begin early 2019.
"The Perth Amboy Station Accessibility Improvement Project is a priority project currently advancing through our design process. Funding for this project will be a combination of state and federal resources," said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Steve Santoro. "Once the station improvements are completed, the more than 840 customers who use the station on a daily basis will benefit from improved accessibility."
The Perth Amboy Station Accessibility Improvements Project will make the historic Perth Amboy Railroad Station more accessible for riders in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The project will include construction of two new side high-level platforms, in addition to four new elevators, and accompanying stairs and ramps to access the new high level platforms. Additional platform access will be provided at Smith Street. The plan also includes upgrading existing restrooms. The project also includes rehabilitation and repairs to the Eastbound Station and Westbound Station buildings.
Located on the North Jersey Coast Line, Perth Amboy Station serves approximately 1,700 trips on a typical weekday. The station has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places since 1984, and the station improvements will preserve the 1920s historical architecture design and features. There are also plans to see if the city's art gallery can be moved into the southbound building.