Amtrak and New Jersey Transit are investing a joint $31 million to improve railroad infrastructure along the Northeast Corridor (NEC) in New Jersey and to conduct renewal work throughout spring and summer 2019.

The work will be conducted at Newark Penn Station, the Portal Bridge spanning the Hackensack River between Secaucus and Kearny, and in Trenton. Amtrak said the financial investment will enhance the customer experience for commuter and intercity rail customers.

“The bridges and rails that cross New Jersey serve as a lifeline for our state’s economy, and the Northeast Corridor is an indispensable branch,” Gov. Phil Murphy said in a statement. “I’m proud to stand beside Amtrak and NJ Transit as they work together to keep our infrastructure in good repair and serve as much-needed partners as we work to keep our region’s economy at full strength, ensuring that New Jersey moves in the right direction.”

“We are proud to continue our strong and cooperative relationship with NJ Transit,” Amtrak Chairman Tony Coscia said. “Together, we are improving our shared infrastructure, the safety of the railroad, and our customer experience through projects of every size, from basic track work up to the Gateway Program.”

New Jersey Transit Executive Director Kevin Corbett called Transit’s partnership with Amtrak critical to restoring and renewing the infrastructure along the NEC, moving critical capital projects forward like the new Elizabeth Station and expanding their presence in Penn Station New York.

Beginning May 20 at Newark Penn Station, Amtrak crews will begin a block tie replacement program on tracks 1 and 4 at Newark Penn Station.

Amtrak crews will perform total timber deck replacement on tracks 2 and 3 on Portal Bridge this summer.

Beginning August 5, Amtrak crews will begin extensive timber and switch replacement work at Fair Interlocking located in Trenton.

Amtrak crews are currently working toward completing catenary upgrades to support improved reliability and capacity for Amtrak and New Jersey Transit trains and the upcoming next-generation Acela fleet, which is scheduled to enter service in 2021.