NJ Transit Board approves close to $8 million in state-of-good-repair projects

The NJ Transit Board of Directors approved several contracts that will enhance both safety and reliability, including work to install a new roof at Newark Penn Station, inspections of undergrade rail bridges and a new rail vehicle to inspect the overhead power system. "NJ Transit's continuous focus on critical infrastructure needs over the years has put the state's public transit network in good shape going forward," said Transportation Commissioner and NJ Transit Board Chairman James Simpson. "Ongoing investments in our facilities, infrastructure and equipment allow us to maintain the system in a state of good repair, ensuring continued safe and reliable service for New Jersey residents." Among the projects approved, the board authorized a $3 million contract with G & M Eastern Contracting, Inc., of Neptune City, N.J., for the installation of new roofing and drainage systems at Newark Penn Station, as well as associated masonry repairs over selected rail platforms. "The historic Newark Penn Station can be likened to NJ Transit's own Grand Central Station, serving as a gateway to the City of Newark and beyond," said Weinstein. "As home to numerous retail facilities that serve employees of area business, Newark residents and visitors to the city, as well as our customers, we are making an investment in one of the most vital NJ Transit assets in the state." Work will include removing all layers of roofing systems in several areas of the station down to the concrete deck. A new membrane roofing system will be installed and elements of the roof drainage system will be repaired and replaced as necessary. The project is expected to be completed early next year. In addition to the Newark Penn Station re-roofing contract, the Board of Directors also authorized the following contracts at today's regularly scheduled meeting: Undergrade Railroad Bridge In-Depth Inspections The board authorized $2.07 million in three separate contracts for in-depth structural inspections of 15 undergrade bridges, 13 moveable and two fixed, as follows: • $856,293 contract with HNTB Corporation of New York, N.Y. • $566,287 contract with TranSystems of Paramus, N.J. • $644,483 contract with Hardesty & Hanover, LLP, of West Trenton, N.J. Replacement of Two Undergrade Bridges on the Raritan Valley Line The Board also authorized a $975,000 contract with HNTB Corporation for design, engineering and construction assistance for the replacement of two undergrade bridges on the Raritan Valley Line in the City of Plainfield. A subsequent construction contract will replace the bridges, repair the masonry abutments and increase the bridges' vertical clearance. Replacing the bridges will ensure continued safe and reliable service and continues NJ Transit's long-term commitment to the city of Plainfield to rehabilitate or replace all 13 railroad bridges in the city, bringing the total completed to nine. Purchase of an Overhead Catenary Inspection Vehicle The Board authorized a $1.95 million contract with ARVA Industries, Inc., of St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada, for the purchase of a catenary inspection vehicle to replace an aging vehicle. The new vehicle will replace the older of the two vehicles NJ Transit owns, which is more cost-effective than rehabilitation. The parts from the older vehicle will be used to refurbish the other existing car. The new vehicle is expected to be delivered late next year.