The basics:

• $160M project improves airport and transit access for underserved areas
• Initiative adds new entry point to EWR Train Station
• Cuts typical travel time from 40 minutes by bus to 10 by train
• Expected to create 675 jobs and $300M in economic activity

A new project broke ground June 13 at Newark Liberty International Airport. The latest work aims to expand transit and airport access for historically underserved areas of Newark and Elizabeth.

“Today marks the beginning of a transformative effort to enhance regional connectivity surrounding Newark Liberty International Airport,” said Gov. Phil Murphy.

The $160 million project adds a new entry point to the EWR Train Station served by AirTrain Newark, Amtrak and NJ Transit. It includes an extension of the existing pedestrian bridge over platforms and tracks at the station to a new public access area off Frelinghuysen Avenue.

Currently, residents in Newark’s South Ward and North Elizabeth face a long and often complicated transit route to reach the airport for travel or employment. Officials say the new connection will transform transit access to EWR and Newark Penn Station for residents of nearby neighborhoods. The work anticipates reducing typical travel times from up to 40 minutes by bus to less than 10 minutes by train. It will also improve access to the Northeast Corridor – including the one-seat ride to New York-Penn Station.

Key project details:

• A 16,350-square-foot access area with dedicated drop-off lanes for cars, taxis, buses and for-hire vehicles
• Will offer temperature-controlled indoor areas, accessible elevators and escalators linking the bridge to street level
• Pedestrian and bicycle access, along with a cellphone lot for private vehicles
• Real-time train and bus arrival displays alongside ticket vending machines

The work expects to generate 675 total jobs with $125 million in direct wages as well as nearly $300 million in total economic activity.

“This investment will save New Jerseyans time and money, and bolster the local economies of Newark’s South Ward and northern parts of Elizabeth while supporting EWR employees and customers,” said U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J. “Since my days as mayor, I have been advocating for this kind of investment in transportation infrastructure to increase connectivity to Newark’s South Ward and parts of the city where the lack of public transit options has taken a toll on their quality of life – despite living in the largest city in New Jersey.”

This investment will save New Jerseyans time and money …
– U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-NJ

A literal and symbolic bridge

Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole said this project is both a literal and symbolic bridge. He said the work will link communities cut off for too long from the region’s broader transportation network.

“Access to efficient transportation can change lives,” said O’Toole. “It connects people to jobs, education, health care, and family. Today, we are breaking ground on access to economic opportunities that will no longer fly over residents of these neighborhoods in Newark and Elizabeth.”

“Breaking ground on this project is a major step toward ensuring that Newark Liberty is a gateway for everyone – international travelers and local residents alike,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “As we continue to modernize Newark Liberty, we’re committed to working with the communities around the airport to share the benefits of its transformation.”

Opening doors

“This project will not only improve mobility, but it will open doors for the communities that have been excluded from access to this major transportation hub,” said Murphy. “Through this critical investment, we will ensure that Newark Liberty International Airport is a world-class gateway for all New Jerseyans while bolstering economic opportunity in the communities that surround it.”

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said that this neighborhood is a thriving community. He added that this project gives some life to it.

“I appreciate the Port Authority for putting this on and making it a reality for us in the city of Newark and beautifying it at the same time while that happens, using art and community folks, and making sure the community is involved at the same time,” said Baraka. “I look forward to the ribbon-cutting now that we did this groundbreaking.”

Watch the groundbreaking ceremony here: