Listen to this article

Officials marked the re-opening of the NJ Transit Elizabeth Station during a ribbon-cutting last week, following its complete renovation.

The $74.5 million project took place over multiple phases. Eastbound station building work wrapped up and reopened for customers in September. The June 18 reopening of the westbound facility marks completion of the broader project.

Overall, the work includes additional platform capacity as well as access, with upgraded elevators and additional staircases; new station buildings; a renovated public plaza; security and communications system enhancements; and more.

The fête was a bright spot for the agency in an otherwise tough stretch. NJ Transit is at the center of the state budget fight over its funding and impending fiscal cliff. Meanwhile, the agency is at the center of riders’ ire, after a series of service meltdowns during the recent heat wave.

“With the fully upgraded and modernized Elizabeth Station, NJ Transit is delivering on its commitment to optimizing the customer experience and maximizing accessibility,” said NJ Transit President and CEO Kevin Corbett. “We’re grateful to our partners at the USDOT [U.S. Department of Transportation], Federal Transit Administration, and New Jersey’s congressional delegation for the federal funding that makes these important projects a reality.”

“This beautiful new facility provides additional capacity on the platforms, improved accessibility, and safety features – and is a crown jewel that is fitting for the great city of Elizabeth,” said NJ Transit board Chair Fran O’Connor.

“The grand re-opening of the Elizabeth Station marks another important milestone in our rebuilding and modernizing of New Jersey’s transportation infrastructure,” said U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J.

A ‘game changer’

FTA Regional Administrator Michael Culotta commended NJ Transit for the project. The department provided $58 million to support the project.

“These renovations are a game changer for residents of Elizabeth and nearby communities, providing them with a better link to the vital Northeast Corridor,” said Culotta. “Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, there will be even more opportunities to support transit rider across New Jersey and New York.”

Elizabeth Mayor Christian Bollwage said the city was thrilled to re-open Elizabeth Station. He stressed that the extensive upgrades were designed to meet the needs of the growing community – with improved comfort, enhanced service reliability  and elevated quality of experience for all passengers.

“This is a proud moment for the City of Elizabeth as we continue improving public transit – while supporting our local workforce,” said Bollwage.