NJ Transit rail station rebuild adds accessibility features

NJ Transit marked the completion of major improvements to its Somerville Station, including high-level platforms that provide accessibility to customers with disabilities and amenities that make the station more convenient for all customers.

In March 2009, the NJ Transit board of directors authorized a $15.3 million contract with Terminal Construction Co. of Wood-Ridge, N.J., to rebuild the train station, including construction of two new 710-foot-long high-level platforms with canopies and heated shelters, a climate-controlled inbound waiting room with a ticket agent office and restrooms, two new elevator cabs, ramps, stairs and a head house for the pedestrian tunnel entrance.

In addition, the existing elevator shafts, pedestrian tunnel, tunnel stairs and exterior stairs to South Bridge Street were rebuilt. Closed-circuit television cameras, new ticket vending machines (TVMs) and electronic customer information signs were also installed.

NJ Transit designated Somerville Station as a key station under its Commuter Rail Accessibility Plan, which gave priority for accessibility projects to 35 key stations, based on location and usage. With the completion of Somerville Station improvements, accessibility upgrades have now been completed at 34 of the key stations, with work on the final key station — Ridgewood — to be completed this fall. 

Today, 75 of NJ Transit’s 164 rail stations and 55 of its 61 light rail stations are accessible. When construction is finished on the final key station, 131 NJ Transit rail and light rail stations will comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Located on the Raritan Valley Line, Somerville Station provides about 1,300 customer trips on a typical weekday.