NJ Transit Approves Study Exploring Light Rail Extension Over Route 440
By Jon Whiten • Sep 16th, 2009 • Category: Blog, News
The NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors approved a study today that explores the feasibility of extending the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail from its current western terminus at West Side Avenue Station across Route 440 to a huge mixed-use redevelopment zone along the Hackensack Riverfront.
The study will be undertaken by consulting group AKRF, Inc., which scored the $251,000 first-phase “alternatives analysis” contract.
The alternatives analysis will mark the first step in the federal environmental process for an extension, specifically evaluating potential alignments, station planning, park and ride locations, operational needs, cost estimates and integration with redevelopment.
“This study will enable us to examine the potential for improved transit options near the redevelopment and existing residential areas along Route 440,” NJ TRANSIT Board Chairman Stephen Dilts said in a statement. “An extension of light rail to this area would both support the development and address traffic congestion along the heavily-used Route 440 and secondary roads.”
Federal funding for the study was in part secured by U.S. Rep. Albio Sires. “Light rail has already proven to support economic development goals, reduce traffic on city streets and increase personal mobility for residents,” Sires said in a statement. “This study presents an opportunity to link transportation planning with local land use planning, extending these benefits into new neighborhoods.”
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Jon Whiten is the founding editor of the Jersey City Independent; he now works for a public-policy nonprofit in Trenton.
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