Transportation Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chairman Jamie Fox and NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Veronique “Ronnie” Hakim announced the unveiling of the preliminary design plans for a $55 million restoration of Elizabeth Station. The project includes construction of a new station building, new elevators and stairs, vendor space and reconstruction of the passenger platforms. The project will be funded through state and federal sources.

The design of the station includes a two-story station building with a street-level ticket office, waiting room and vendor space. New, extended high-level train platforms will accommodate longer, 12-car trains and the platforms will feature covered, heated and air conditioned waiting areas.

The station will include upgraded passenger information and security systems. Additional elevators, renovations to existing elevators and additional stairways will enhance platform access. The westbound plaza entrance will be highlighted by a marquee façade, new stairs and new vendor space. NJ TRANSIT and the City of Elizabeth will collaborate to incorporate art into the design of the station.

NJ TRANSIT has coordinated the design package with Amtrak to accommodate Amtrak’s future plans to add a fifth track to the Northeast Corridor, which affects station platform placement and final design approval. Upon final Amtrak approval, NJ TRANSIT will procure a design-build contractor to construct the project, with an expected completion date in 2018.

Elizabeth Station serves NJ TRANSIT's Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast Rail Lines as well as local bus service, including nine NJ TRANSIT bus lines. The Elizabeth Station serves an average of 7,526 weekday passenger trips (FY2014), with 113 daily trains utilizing the station.