The board of commissioners of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey approved $160 million for design and construction of the EWR Station Access project during its March 21 meeting.

The initiative adds a new entry point to the Newark Liberty International Airport Rail Station – which the Port Authority says will greatly improve transit accessibility for underserved Newark and Elizabeth neighborhoods. Officials note the project will transform transit access for residents in North Elizabeth and Newark’s South Ward.

The new facility will allow for transit trips to both the airport and Newark Penn Station in under 10 minutes, versus the nearly 40 minutes it can currently take from these neighborhoods with existing transit options.

Some features of the project include:

• An extension of the existing pedestrian bridge over station platforms and tracks to a new public access area off Frelinghuysen Avenue.
• The public access area will include a pick-up/drop-off point for private vehicles, taxis, buses and for-hire vehicles, along with bicyclist and pedestrian access.
• The 16,350 square-foot facility will include a cellphone lot for private vehicles.
• The new facility will provide elevators and escalators between the bridge and street level. It will be ADA-accessible and display real-time bus and train arrival information alongside ticket vending machines.
• Anticipated to generate 1,380 total job-years directly and indirectly, $125 million in direct wages, and nearly $300 million in economic activity over the life of the project

Construction is expected to be completed in 2026.

Building bridges

“My administration is proud to partner with the Port Authority on the latest components in the ambitious plan to transform Newark Airport into a modern, world-class getaway,” said Gov. Phil Murphy in a press release. “This latest project will be a crucial bridge – literally and figuratively – for local residents, many of whom help power one of the world’s busiest airports. An extended pedestrian bridge will provide access to multiple modes of transportation, cutting down travel time significantly, and providing greater and easier access not only to multiple modes of transportation, but to a world of opportunities.”

The Port Authority said that access to Newark Airport has been a constant request from community members during outreach sessions as part of the agency’s EWR Vision Plan. They note that the process for this project has included significant community engagement, governmental outreach, and coordination with regional transportation and technical partners.

The agency affirms that community outreach will continue through the project’s final design and construction phases. That will include direct outreach to civic organizations, additional town hall meetings in the local area prior to the start of construction, and status updates throughout construction.

‘The Port Authority at its best’

Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole said this project is a true example of how transit access can transform a community.

“This project will fill in a critical link that had been missing for too long in the South Ward and North Elizabeth, giving residents in these previously underserved neighborhoods far easier access not just to Newark Airport – but to our regional transit system and all the opportunities that come with it,” said O’Toole.

“This project represents the Port Authority at its best – breaking down barriers and expanding economic opportunity all around our facilities,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “Transit access is proven to be a game changer – expanding job options, shortening commutes, and promoting sustainability. We’re proud to help deliver those opportunities to these Newark and Elizabeth neighborhoods.”