Photo courtesy of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
The board of commissioners of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) approved $160 million for design and construction of the Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) Rail Station Access project during its March 21 meeting.
NJBIZ reported that the initiative adds a new entry point to the transit station, which the Port Authority said 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 PANYNJ facility will allow for transit trips to both the airport and Newark Penn Station in under 10 minutes, in contrast to the nearly 40 minutes it can currently take from these neighborhoods with existing transit options.
Some features of the proposed 16,350 sq.-ft. station include:
- An extension of the existing pedestrian bridge over station platforms and tracks to a new public access area off Frelinghuysen Avenue.
- A public access area designed as a pick-up/drop-off point for private vehicles, taxis, buses and for-hire vehicles, along with bicyclist and pedestrian access.
- A cellphone lot for private vehicles.
- Elevators and escalators between the bridge and street level. It also will be ADA-accessible and display real-time bus and train arrival information alongside ticket vending machines.
In addition, the new station is anticipated to generate 1,380 total job-years directly and indirectly, according to PANYNJ, along with $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.
"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," New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said 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," he continued. "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."
Port Authority Responding to Public Demand
PANYNJ officials noted that better access to the Newark Airport has been a constant request from community members during outreach sessions as part of the agency's EWR Vision Plan. As a result, 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, including direct outreach to civic organizations, additional town hall meetings in the area prior to the start of construction and status updates throughout the work.
Port Authority Chair Kevin O'Toole said the EWR Station effort 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," he explained.
His colleague Rick Cotton, PANYNJ's executive director, added, "This project represents the Port Authority at its best — breaking down barriers and expanding economic opportunity all around our facilities. Transit access is proven to be a game changer [in] expanding job options, shortening commutes, and promoting sustainability. We're proud to help deliver those opportunities to these Newark and Elizabeth neighborhoods."
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