By: Najla Alexander
Middlesex County officials announced that the North Brunswick Train Station is advancing under the management of Middlesex County Improvement Authority (MCIA) with a recent announcement of 30% design approval and funding agreement with NJ TRANSIT for the final design phase of the project.
The project is now moving towards 60% design completion, with the construction drawings covering items such as the passenger platform, the overhead pedestrian bridges, foundation elements, steel connections, methods of structural support, and the DEP approval process.
“These milestones are important as the design phase now moves from the conceptual stage to actual construction drawings,” said Executive Director H. James Polos. “We are eagerly completing the necessary foundational work to move full steam ahead with construction of the new train station in the very near future.”
Under a unique partnership established in 2020 with NJ TRANSIT, the MCIA is managing the North Brunswick Train Station project. The agreement permits the MCIA to serve as the project manager overseeing the design and construction of the project.
Under the agreement, the MCIA coordinates input from NJ TRANSIT, AMTRAK, New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), the township of North Brunswick, and Middlesex County.
“The MCIA has streamlined what is normally a cumbersome process,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios.
“Collaboration amongst all agencies through regular design team meetings has been a major benefit in moving this project forward expeditiously.”
"The North Brunswick Train Station is a vital component of Middlesex County’s Destination 2040 strategic economic plan, which will make Middlesex County a thriving, attractive destination to live, work, and play for generations to come,” said Chairman of the MCIA James Nolan.
“Additionally, we expect the station to help manage traffic congestion along the Route 1 corridor and provide a more sustainable way to travel and commute.”
“We remain grateful to our partners at the MCIA for managing this effort and celebrate the steady progress for the train station we have sought, which is now approaching 60% design completion,” said North Brunswick Mayor Francis M. Womack.
“Progressing to this design phase of the North Brunswick Train Station is a key milestone in our efforts to enhance mobility along the Northeast Corridor and support economic development in the region,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin S. Corbett.
“Our funding agreement and strong partnership with the MCIA underscore our shared commitment to delivering a modern, accessible, and efficient train station that will benefit North Brunswick and the surrounding communities for decades to come.”
The New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund (NJTTF) has provided $50 million in funding for the project. MCIA manages WSP USA, the contracted design and engineering firm.
The MCIA will also manage the design and construction of the New Brunswick Train Station renovations performed by AECOM.