The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has announced that the Hoboken PATH station will be closed from 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, August 28, until 5 a.m. on Tuesday, September 2. The closure is necessary for urgent repairs to the track and interlocking system, which allows PATH trains to switch tracks and access different platforms at the station.
The last trains before the closure will arrive just before midnight on August 28. The final 33rd Street-bound train will reach Hoboken at 11:56 p.m., while the Journal Square-bound train will arrive at 11:57 p.m.
The interlocking system was installed during a month-long closure in February but has experienced mechanical failures recently due to design issues. Emergency repairs allowed limited service to two of the three platforms at reduced speeds and frequency. According to the Port Authority, “Long-term repairs to the interlocking will enable the return of more frequent train service during peak hours.”
This particular interlocking is custom-designed for its location outside Hoboken station, where sharp turns and narrow tunnel walls complicate both design and repair work. Replacement parts had to be specially fabricated and shipped by the manufacturer for these long-term repairs, which are scheduled over Labor Day weekend when ridership is typically lower.
During this period, new parts will be installed and tested extensively. The Port Authority stated, “Any failure of this new equipment is unacceptable and the manufacturer, installation contractor or any party if at fault for its failure will be held accountable.” The agency added that it prioritizes rider safety and reliability of PATH service.
To help affected customers during the closure, several alternative travel options have been arranged:
– Cross-honored ferry service via New York Waterway with special $3 tickets available for trips between Hoboken terminals (PATH/NJ TRANSIT terminal and 14th Street) and Manhattan’s Brookfield Place/Battery Park City or Midtown/West 39th Street terminals.
– Additional ferry services are scheduled during peak times on Friday as well as throughout Saturday, Sunday, and Labor Day Monday.
– Free PATH shuttle buses connecting riders from Hoboken to Newport and Exchange Place stations.
– NJ TRANSIT will increase buses on its No. 126 route between Hoboken station and Midtown Bus Terminal.
– On Friday there will be direct PATH service between 33rd Street–World Trade Center; normal service continues between Newark Penn Station–WTC and Journal Square–33rd Street routes.
– From Saturday through Labor Day Monday (10 a.m.–9 p.m.), direct JSQ–33rd Street trains run every ten minutes; Newark Penn Station–WTC runs every twenty minutes; supplemental JSQ–WTC trains operate every ten minutes.
– NJ TRANSIT rail lines will cross-honor PATH fare cards between Hoboken, Secaucus, New York Penn Station, and Newark Penn Station.
– Hudson-Bergen Light Rail also cross-honors PATH customers traveling between Hoboken, Newport, and Exchange Place stations.
The Port Authority expressed regret for inconvenience caused by both recent disruptions related to mechanical failures in the interlocking system as well as this upcoming closure needed for comprehensive repairs.
