First stage of Newark Penn Station modernization ready to go, Murphy says

A proposed $190-million renovation of Newark Penn Station moved forward on Friday with Gov. Phil Murphy’s announcement that New Jersey Transit has released a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the initial planning and design phase.

“Newark Penn Station is a focal point of the Northeast Corridor and is a gateway to our state for many travelers,” Murphy said. “This major renovation and restoration project is an important step in the continuing revitalization of Newark. With this significant investment, our state’s largest city will greet commuters and travelers in a manner worthy of it’s great history and stature.”

The move allows Murphy to tout improvements to the state’s hallmark train station – it was built for $42 million in 1935 — as he seeks re-election to a second term this year.

The project includes the installation of modernized amenities, pedestrian spaces and improvements to infrastructure, some to meet the impact on climate change on future transportation needs.

“Through the release of this RFP, we will transform Newark Penn Station – building on the significant work already underway as part of master plan that focuses on both state-of-good-repair work and major infrastructure improvements to enhance every aspect of the customer experience,” said Kevin Corbett,  the president and CEO of the agency.   “NJ Transit thanks both Governor Murphy and Commissioner Gutierrez-Scaccetti for recognizing the urgent need to restore Newark Penn – one of the busiest, most historic, and most vital multi-modal transportation hubs in our region – to its former glory.”

New Jersey Commissioner of Transportation Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti, who chairs the NJ Transit board, said the release of the RFP “helps us ensure that the enduring legacy of Newark Penn Station be protected while simultaneously improving and renovating the station to fit current customer needs.”