Despite protestors, N.J. governor officially signals start of light rail extension project

The chants were overpowering the cheers. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy announced the start of construction of the Hudson-Bergen light rail extension project. However, protestors disturbed the moment as they chanted against plans to build TransitGrid, a gas-powered generating plant that will power part of the rail system in the event of a power outage.

According to the group Food and Water Action, the plant may be responsible for up to 576,000 metric tons of pollution. The group wants New Jersey to build a solar-powered plant.

Crews will begin construction of the 440 connection, which will take riders from the Hudson-Bergen to an 8,000-unit Bayfront residential development located on the Hackensack River. The half-mile extension could cost as much as $220 million. Construction work officially began in December, and the extension is expected to be complete in mid-2023.

The 440 connection also will bridge the Hackensack River and Hudson River. The project includes the construction of a rail bridge over the bodies of water.

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