The New Jersey Transit board of directors has approved the purchase of 26 dual-powered locomotives to replace its diesel fleet.

The contract was awarded to Bombardier Transit Corp. for the purchase of the locomotives — which can operate in both electrified and non-electrified territory — at a total cost of approximately $310 million, including design, engineering, manufacturing, training and spare parts, with the option to purchase additional locomotives in the future.

The first dual-powered locomotives are expected to arrive in 2011, with complete delivery anticipated in late 2012.