Metropark to get $30 million makeover
NJ Transit to replace high-level platforms and add amenities by 2010
BY KATHY CHANG
Staff Writer

NJ Transit will spend $29.8 million to make much-needed improvements to the Metropark Station in Iselin, which is NJ Transit's busiest outlying rail station. Construction will begin early this year, and it expects to be completed in 2010.

WOODBRIDGE - New Jersey Transit will spend $29.8 million to make much-needed improvements to the Metropark Station in Iselin, which is NJ Transit's busiest outlying rail station.

"Over time, heavy use of the station has taken its toll on platforms," said NJ Transit Executive Director George D. Warrington. "Though repairs have been made over the years, we are now at the point in the station's life where platform replacement is necessary."

Warrington added that the work that will be started at Metropark Station represents the second of two major projects NJ Transit has undertaken in Woodbridge - the first being the newly renovated Woodbridge Station, which benefits nearly 9,000 customers.

The NJ Transit Board of Directors awarded a $29.8 million contract to Anselmi & DeCicco Inc., of Maplewood, for station improvements and the construction of high-level platforms.

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The Metropark Station, which was constructed in 1971, now serves 106 trains and approximately 7,200 NJ Transit customers on a typical weekday.

"These improvements will ensure that Metropark Station remains an efficient and modern gateway for commuters in the growing central New Jersey region," said Transportation Commissioner and NJ Transit Board Chairman Kris Kolluri. "While providing an enhanced customer experience, the project will also enable the station to serve more riders in the future to support capacity expansion projects such as the Access to the Region's Core tunnel project."

Mayor John E. McCormac said the improvements will benefit the township.

"NJ Transit's commitment to invest millions of dollars to upgrade the busy Metropark station and infrastructure is good news to Woodbridge Township residents and area visitors," he said. "The renovations will improve the safety, security, and comfort of commuters moving through Woodbridge via the Metropark Station."

The new, longer and wider high-level platforms will be capable of accommodating longer trains - up to 12 cars in length.

The project will also result in increased canopy and windscreen coverage as well as climate-controlled waiting shelters, an expanded and refurbished station building, new staircases, a renovated pedestrian tunnel, and other customer amenities, which include new customer communication systems, lighting and signage.

The project will also feature new pedestrian connections from Route 27 to the station platforms, making the station more convenient for area residents.

Construction on the project will begin early this year, and is expected to be completed in 2010.