PANYNJ To Install 12,250 Composite Ties

Track ties provide support for the rail between the rail and ground. Caption and image courtesy of Port Authority.

NEWARK/NEW YORK - Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced it is installing 12,250 composite ties from recycled plastic as part of larger $430 million modernization efforts.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), PANYNJ announced the news:

This will take place along more than two miles of track, according to the press release. In October 2024, crews will install the first ties in one of the tunnels between Grove Street station and Newport station. While the 12,250 ties to be installed are composite, the current majority of the network is wood or concrete ties.

These composite ties made from recycled plastic keep that plastic from ending up in landfills. PANYNJ states that because these composite ties are moisture-resistant, they are also less quick to rot and crack. Additionally, they do not require creosote or other chemicals for upkeep. With a lifespan of 50 years, these composite ties also last longer than wood ties. This work comes as part of a $430 million PATH Forward program investment into the infrastructure as it modernizes its 116-year-old system. PATH also plans to install 5,500 feet of concrete ties as part of a project located west of the Journal Square station.

PATH Deputy Director Tom Crowell said, “By using composites, we’re pressing forward on building a network of ties that are more sustainable and durable, require less maintenance, and contribute to the protection of the environment.”

PATH Director Clarelle DeGraffe said, “Applying 21st century solutions to address 21st century challenges, we’re building a more stable, reliable, and cost-efficient network for the railroad and the surrounding communities we serve. Our commitment to more environmentally friendly resources is just one example of that.”