New York (TAN): Amtrak will collaborate with United States-based NJ Transit to invest USD 31 million towards improving railroad infrastructure along the Northeast Corridor in New Jersey state. The investment will also be used for carrying out renewal work during this spring and summer.
NJ Transit, or New Jersey Transit Corporation, is a state-owned mass transportation system that serves the state of New Jersey.
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The renewal work will be implemented throughout the state, starting with the Newark Penn Station and Portal Bridge in the north end to plans in Trenton in the south.
Amtrak board chairman Tony Coscia said: “We are proud to continue our strong and cooperative relationship with NJ TRANSIT. 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.”
“Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT’s commitment to investment in infrastructure would not be possible without Governor Murphy’s support, as he shares our dedication to improving the overall customer experience,” he added.
The joint investment is expected to better customer experience for both commuter and intercity rail passengers. This followed an announcement last February when Amtrak and NJ Transit finalised financial arrangements that will lead to improvements in areas of infrastructure, customer experience, and safety in future.
NJ Transit Executive Director Kevin Corbett said: “As I stated back in February alongside Tony Coscia, our partnership with Amtrak is critical to restoring and renewing the infrastructure along the NEC, moving critical NJ TRANSIT capital projects forward like the new Elizabeth Station and expanding our presence in Penn Station New York – all with an eye toward improving the customer experience.”
He continued: “Through our partnership with Amtrak, the contributions from NJ TRANSIT are being reinvested back into Amtrak’s infrastructure in the state, ensuring our customers continue to enjoy the safe and reliable service they deserve.”
Amtrak will start a block tie replacement programme on tracks 1 and 4 of Newark Penn Station from May 20 which will involve replacement of the current wooden ties with concrete ones.
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On Portal Bridge, the company will replace total timber decks on tracks 2 and 3 this summer in order to improve bridge conditions until a new bridge is built.
From August 5, Amtrak will replace timber and switch at Fair Interlocking in Trenton.
Amtrak is presently working on the NJ High Speed Rail Program to support better service for Amtrak and NJ Transit trains as well as the new Acela fleet that will start running in 2021.
“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. 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,” said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy.
