Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT have reported significant progress in their joint efforts to improve the infrastructure and reliability of the Northeast Corridor (NEC). This follows a series of inspections and repairs conducted over the past five months. Governor Phil Murphy, alongside Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT officials, highlighted these developments in Newark.
Governor Murphy initiated a joint action plan with Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT following several major service disruptions earlier this year. "This summer, I brought Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT together to address unacceptably long, disruptive rail delays on NJ TRANSIT that were a consistent problem in the spring and early summer," he stated. He expressed optimism about future infrastructure investments improving transit for New Jerseyans.
Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner emphasized the importance of collaboration: "Our partnership with NJ TRANSIT and joint commitment to Governor Murphy to ensure that our collective customers have safe and reliable train service is achieving results." He noted ongoing efforts to secure funding for long-term modernization projects.
NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin S. Corbett acknowledged improvements but stressed continued diligence: "While we are pleased with the progress that has improved reliability for tens of thousands of NJ TRANSIT rail customers, our joint efforts will continue."
Since June, Amtrak has inspected 240 track miles of catenary systems between Trenton and New York City, replacing approximately 2,000 hardware components. Helicopter inspections identified further defects leading to 839 hardware replacements near New York Penn Station. Additional measures included photo inspections using hi-rail vehicles at critical locations like tunnels within New York Penn Station.
Both organizations increased equipment inspections using high-definition video technology on locomotives. Furthermore, visual inspections covered around 82 route-miles of overhead catenary systems on NJ TRANSIT's territory.
Recent grants totaling nearly $300 million from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) aim to modernize infrastructure further. Projects include:
- The Sawtooth Bridges Replacement Project received $187.5 million for design services.
- Substation 41 Renewal Project secured $80.2 million for construction.
- Signal system upgrades between New Brunswick and Elizabeth obtained $18.6 million.
- Catenary upgrades from New Brunswick to Newark received $13.4 million for design completion.
These initiatives are expected to enhance service quality across one of America's busiest rail corridors.
