The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey officially launched construction on a transformative project to improve access to Newark Liberty International Airport and regional transit. 

The new entry point to the Newark Liberty International Airport Train Station aims to bridge longstanding mobility gaps for historically underserved communities in Newark’s South Ward and North Elizabeth.

The $160 million initiative will add a new western entrance to the station off Frelinghuysen Avenue. The expansion, scheduled to open in 2026, includes a temperature-controlled pedestrian bridge extension, elevators, escalators, bike and pedestrian infrastructure, and a 16,350-square-foot access plaza with drop-off zones for cars, buses, taxis, and for-hire vehicles. AirTrain Newark, Amtrak, and NJ TRANSIT serve the station.

Transforming Access and Opportunity

Residents of nearby neighborhoods, who previously faced long commutes to the airport, will now have direct access to Newark Liberty and the Northeast Corridor rail lines, with typical travel times reduced from 40 minutes by bus to less than 10 minutes by train. This critical improvement aligns with the Port Authority’s EWR Vision Plan and is part of a broader redevelopment effort that includes upgrades to terminals, airside infrastructure, and AirTrain Newark.

“The Newark Airport station access project enhances the customer experience and provides more access to travel for everyone,” said Amtrak EVP Eliot Hamlisch. 

NJ TRANSIT CEO Kris Kolluri added, “This project strengthens the connections that fuel opportunity and mobility for the communities who depend on public transit.”

The project is expected to generate nearly $300 million in total economic activity, creating 675 jobs and $125 million in direct wages. 

The improved station access also supports community-led efforts for transit-oriented development and lays the groundwork for future enhancements to Newark Liberty’s regional connectivity.

The groundbreaking marks the latest step in the Port Authority’s larger effort to turn Newark Liberty into a world-class transportation hub, reinforcing the airport’s role as a critical economic engine for New Jersey and the wider Northeast corridor.