New Jersey Transit secured final environmental permits required to begin work on the Delco Lead Storage and Inspection Facility and County Yard Improvement Project, with approval granted by the Delaware & Raritan Canal Commission.

Transit says the D&R Canal approval is the last major environmental permit necessary for construction to begin on the secure storage facility that will be capable of storing 400 or more rail cars.

Transit says the $370 million project will advance as a result of a grant awarded by the Federal Transit Administration through its Emergency Relief Program. It is expected to begin construction in late 2020 and be completed in early 2025.

“NJ Transit remains committed to advancing important capital projects like the Delco Lead Storage and Inspection Facility,” NJ Transit President and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Corbett said. “Securing this final permit puts us one step closer to safely storing, inspecting and servicing trains before, during and after an extreme weather event.

“This will enable customers to get back to business sooner and reduce the impact on regional economic productivity,” he added.

Transit says the project site is situated along the Northeast Corridor in New Brunswick and North Brunswick, and alongside the Amtrak-owned county yard.

The expansion project would allow for a significant increase in rail car storage capability and inspection facilities to ensure cars and engines can be returned to safe service quickly after a major weather event.