Elizabeth Rail Station Celebrates Grand Reopening

On Jun 19, 2024

NJ TRANSIT yesterday officially cut the ribbon on the fully renovated Elizabeth Station, which includes additional platform capacity and access with upgraded elevators and additional staircases, new station buildings and a renovated public plaza. NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin Corbett was joined by New Jersey Congressman Rob Menendez, Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Region 2 Administrator Michael Culotta, Acting DOT Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chair Fran O’Connor, state Senator Joseph Cryan and Elizabeth Mayor J. Christian Bollwage to celebrate the completion of the work at this critical station along the busy Northeast Corridor rail line.

The re-opening of the westbound station building marks the completion of this major $74.5 million renovation. In September 2023, work on the eastbound station building was completed and reopened for customer use. Both sides of the station feature longer platforms for additional boarding capacity, accessibility improvements including renovated elevators as well as additional staircase access, security and communications system enhancements. In addition, the plaza surrounding the westbound station building was renovated to tie the new facility into the community.

“The grand reopening of the Elizabeth Station marks another important milestone in our rebuilding and modernizing of New Jersey’s transportation infrastructure,” said Senator Cory Booker. “The $74.5 million reconstruction project, supported by the Federal Transit Administration’s Urbanized Area Formula Funding program, will benefit commuters, enhance regional connectivity, and drive economic growth along the Northeast Corridor. I will continue working with the Biden Administration and my colleagues to continue bringing home the funding necessary to invest in our infrastructure and provide New Jerseyans safer, more reliable service.”

“Today, we celebrate the transformation of Elizabeth Station—a vital hub on the Northeast Corridor,” said Congressman Rob Menendez. “With increased capacity and improved accessibility, these upgrades ensure a more seamless and efficient experience for commuters and visitors alike. This project exemplifies our commitment to investing in modern, reliable public transportation for our community here in the 8th District and New Jersey.”

“We commend NJ TRANSIT for modernizing the Elizabeth Station to ensure it is accessible to all who want to ride,” said Michael Culotta, Regional Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration, which 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. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, there will be even more opportunities to support transit riders across New Jersey and New York.”

“This project demonstrates our commitment to preserving our rail stations as valuable assets for the communities we serve,” said Acting DOT Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chair Fran O’Connor. “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.”

“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 & CEO Kevin S. Corbett. “We’re grateful to our partners at the USDOT, FTA and New Jersey’s congressional delegation for the federal funding that makes these important projects a reality.”

“We are thrilled to announce the grand re-opening of the Elizabeth Station, showcasing the dedication to delivering exceptional service for our commuters. The extensive upgrades were all designed to meet the needs of our growing community, with improved comfort, enhanced service reliability, and an 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 Elizabeth Mayor Christian Bollwage.

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