The NJ Transit board of directors approved its first federal stimulus-funded construction contract for a project that will more than double parking capacity at Edison Station on the Northeast Corridor. 

Under a $4.7 million construction contract awarded to Petillo Inc. of Flanders, N.J., the agency will create nearly 500 new parking spaces — more than enough to accommodate everyone currently on a waiting list for parking at the station. In addition, the project will generate approximately 110 jobs during construction, expected to start in June.

"Federal funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is making a real difference here in New Jersey with transportation construction projects such as this one in Edison, creating well-paying jobs that are helping to jumpstart our economy," said Gov. Jon Corzine.

The new parking lot, along with new lighting and sidewalks, will be built adjacent to the outbound platform with access from Kilmer Road. A traffic signal will be installed at the intersection of Kilmer Road and the entrance road to the new lot. 

The project also includes repaving and reconfiguring one of two existing lots on the inbound side of the tracks to optimize capacity and improve traffic flow, and creating a public space south of the station building.

The project is expected to be completed by early 2010.