Congressman Andrews joins officials to break ground on new Pennsauken Rail Center

PENNSAUKEN, NJ — Congressman Rob Andrews joined U.S. Senator Robert Menendez, NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Richard Sarles and other officials and guests to break ground on NJ TRANSIT’s new Pennsauken Transit Center, a project that will offer convenience and new travel options to South Jersey rail customers by directly linking the River Line with the Atlantic City Rail Line (ACRL).

The $40 million Pennsauken Transit Center, accelerated with American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding, will create or sustain hundreds of jobs throughout the project’s two construction phases. Phase I covers River Line elements of the project, including construction of a 200-foot platform with 60-foot canopy for customers boarding light rail trains.  The contract also includes installation of infrastructure and conduit for communications, security and ticket vending machines, grading, drainage, lighting and public art.

In Phase II, two 300-foot-long, high-level platforms will be built on either side of the ACRL tracks.  Stairs and two elevators will be constructed to provide access to customers with disabilities. Also, the second phase includes construction of a 280-space parking lot, installation of passenger communications, ticket vending machines as well as resurfacing, curbing and lighting improvements

 “The construction of the new Pennsauken Rail Center is another great example of how South Jersey is continuing to benefit from the Stimulus bill’s near $365 million investment in our region,” said Congressman Robert Andrews.  “While our economic recovery will not occur overnight, the President’s plan to overhaul our country's transportation system has begun to set the course for economic prosperity by creating hundreds of local jobs while promoting cleaner, more efficient travel throughout our neighborhoods.” 

Upon the project’s completion at the end of 2012, this newly connected rail system will link four major cities. Atlantic City Rail Line customers will have direct access to the River Line, with connections in Camden to PATCO rail and NJ TRANSIT bus service to Philadelphia, and in Trenton to NJ TRANSIT Northeast Corridor service to New York. Not only will passengers have increased efficiency and convenience in their travel, but our communities and region as a whole stand to gain from the connection. The neighborhoods along the rail’s frequent stops will experience increased foot traffic and a new flux of potential consumers and patrons, thus creating more incentive for businesses to open and relocate in South Jersey adding more jobs and opportunities along the way. Additionally, the increase in passengers will eliminate traffic, congestion, and pollution on our roadways.   

Congressman Andrews continues to support key legislation like the American Recovery and Recovery Act that funds thousands of infrastructure improvements just like the Pennsauken Transit Center, while creating an immediate demand for jobs and new opportunities that will propel America out of economic recession and into long-lasting prosperity.

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