NJ Transit awards first contract for the Meadowlands “innovation challenge” project
Written by David C. Lester, Editor-in-Chief
Federal funding continues to support transit systems as they deal with impact of Covid-19.
NJ Transit
The NJ Transit Board of Directors this week approved a contract with HNTB Corporation of New York for the concept phase of the “Innovation Challenge” Meadowlands Transitway Project.
The approximately $3.5 million contract will help NJ Transit implement environmentally friendly transit access between Secaucus Junction and the Meadowlands Sports and Entertainment Complex.
“The Meadowlands Complex is home to many of our state’s premier attractions, including MetLife Stadium and American Dream,” said Governor Murphy. “This forward-thinking initiative by NJ Transit will explore ways to get more people to and from the many sporting and entertainment events and venues in the Meadowlands, in a safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly manner. This is yet another significant step in the reform and transformation of NJ Transit into an agency that once again reliably serves commuters and travelers.”
“Awarding this contract brings us closer to implementing a new, sustainable, and creative public transportation system in the Meadowlands,” said NJDOT Commissioner and NJ Transit Board Chair Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti. “This innovative partnership with the industry will generate environmentally friendly transportation solutions that meet both present and future needs.”
“Today, NJ Transit takes another step towards advancing an innovative, original, and environmentally friendly solution that will allow us to seamlessly move far more customers between Secaucus Junction and the Meadowlands Complex,” said NJ Transit President & CEO Kevin Corbett. “This critical initiative will support economic growth in the state, while effectively meeting the anticipated travel demand to New Jersey’s premier sports, retail and entertainment destination.”
In February 2021, NJ Transit advertised the RFP for the “Innovation Challenge” at the Meadowlands. By April, four interested firms had submitted their proposals which were thoroughly evaluated by NJ Transit. HNTB Corporation of New York was deemed the highest and best qualified firm to provide Conceptual Development for the project at a final cost of approximately $3.5 million.
The Meadowlands represents a very distinct set of challenges to mass transit which must be carefully planned for and addressed as the project progresses. The area is densely populated and includes heavily congested roadways and an existing rail line to Secaucus Junction. Environmentally, the project will be completed with careful attention to the Hackensack River and its surrounding meadows.
The goal of the project is to offer solutions to increase service capacity capable of seamlessly moving customers between the Meadowlands Sports and Entertainment Complex and Secaucus Junction. This important infrastructure investment will ensure that the area has the necessary public transportation system in place to attract and maintain some of the world’s largest entertainment and sporting events. Thus, creating a boost in economic prosperity in the region, and throughout all of New Jersey.
The proposals also had to be configured to include the capability of either being implemented with zero emission vehicles or be readily transitioned to zero emission vehicles in the future. Creating an environmentally sound, efficient transportation solution.
For more information on the NJT “Innovation Challenge” visit njtransit.com/challenge.
