Lautenberg, Menendez Announce $495K for Upgrades at MetroPark Station
Grant to Help Improve Passenger Safety, Reduce Crowding on Train Platforms

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) will award New Jersey Transit $495,000 in federal funds for platform upgrades at Metropark Station.

“Thousands of New Jerseyans use the Metropark Station every day.  With record number of passengers traveling by train, we must continue to upgrade our stations so travelers get to destinations safely, comfortably and on time,” Sen. Lautenberg said.  “These funds go a long way in the effort to modernize our public transportation systems, giving commuters options and helping keep cars off the road.”

“Metropark is essential for so many New Jerseyans to get around the state and beyond,” said Sen. Menendez.  “This is the type of investment that can increase the safety and efficiency of our public infrastructure.  Ultimately, we want to help New Jerseyans commute and travel with ease, reduce the number of cars on the road, ease traffic congestion, and spur economic growth.”

This grant, administered by the DOT’s Federal Transit Administration, aids the Metropark Platform Reconstruction project which involves constructing new high-level platforms on both ends of the station to improve passenger safety and reduce existing platform crowding.  The westbound platform will be approximately 1,135 feet and the eastbound will be approximately 1,050 feet—making the station able to accommodate 12-car trains.  Both platforms will also be widened to 14 feet.

The new platforms will also include heated and air-conditioned passenger waiting shelters, new lighting, canopies, windscreens, signs and electronic displays to inform passengers of arriving trains.  In addition, all stairs leading to the eastbound platform will be replaced, and the existing under-track pedestrian tunnel and westbound platform stairs will be refurbished.

Metropark is one of the busiest stations in the region, serving nearly 9,000 passengers a day.  The Woodbridge Township station is served by four Amtrak routes, including the Northeast Regional and Acela lines.  It is also served by NJ Transit’s Northeast Corridor line and connecting bus services.

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