New Jersey Transit Extension Goes Back to the Drawing Board After Federal Reversal

The Federal Transit Administration rescinded a clearance it granted in 2007, and a planned extension of New Jersey light rail line will suffer the consequences.

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September 5, 2023, 5:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


A map of the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail system.

The existing map of Hudson-Bergen Light Rail system. | Hudson-Bergen Light Rail System Map

The Federal Transit Administration recently delt a setback to a proposed extension of Hudson-Bergen Light Rail into Bergen County, New Jersey—a project under the purview of NJ Transit.

“The Federal Transit Administration decided Monday to rescind a "notice of intent," which was granted in 2007 and gave NJ Transit the green light to begin working on a required environmental report for the project, known as an environmental impact statement,” reports Colleen Wilson.

“The FTA rescinded the notice because of "all-encompassing changes in the project design and environmental impacts," it said, including changes in flood plains, stormwater management, cultural resources, hazardous materials, traffic and parking, and air quality.”

The extension project, officially known as the HBLR Route 440 Extension Project, will add approximately about .7 miles to the existing light rail line, according to the project website, as well as one new station west of the state highway, supporting Jersey City’s planned development on the Hackensack waterfront.

Wednesday, August 30, 2023 in NorthJersey.com

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