PANYNJ, Metra break ground on rail station projects

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) last week broke ground on a $160 million project to add a new entry point to the Newark Liberty International Airport Train Station, which is served by AirTrain Newark, Amtrak and New Jersey Transit.

The project will expand access to public transit and the airport for historically underserved areas of Newark and Elizabeth, PANYNJ officials said in a press release. The project includes extending an existing pedestrian bridge over platforms and tracks at the airport train station to a new public access area off Frelinghuysen Avenue. The public access area will feature a pickup and drop off point for motor vehicles, as well as bicycle and pedestrian access.

The new entry point is expected to open in 2026. Presently, residents in Newark's South Ward and North Elizabeth face long and complicated transit routes to reach the airport. The new connection is expected to reduce typical travel times from up to 40 minutes by bus to just 10 minutes by train, PANYNJ officials said. 

Meanwhile, Chicago commuter railroad Metra broke ground on a $8.7 million project to improve the 115th Street/Morgan Park Station on the Rock Island Line.

The project involves replacing the existing platform shelters, creating a new plaza and sidewalks, and addressing stormwater management needs, Metra officials said in a press release. The station's two parking areas will also be resurfaced. The original station opened in 1892.

IHC Construction Cos. LLC is the construction contractor.