The NJ Transit light-rail extension has taken a concrete procedural step as the agency on Nov. 14 issued an RFP to hire a contractor to prepare a draft environmental impact statement for the planned 10-mile Hudson-Bergen light-rail project into Bergen County.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

NJ Transit light-rail extension moves forward with new RFP
Photo: NJ Transit

According to an NJ Transit press release, the RFP advances work on the environmental review for the Hudson-Bergen light-rail extension.

NJ Transit light-rail extension: route and new stations

Under the current concept, the project would carry Hudson-Bergen light-rail service beyond the existing terminus at Tonnelle Avenue in North Bergen to a future terminal at Englewood Hospital in New Jersey. The NJ Transit light-rail extension is expected to add seven new station stops spread across five municipalities.

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Trains would operate along West Side Avenue in North Bergen and then switch onto existing CSX railroad right-of-way from 91st Street in North Bergen to the northern border of Englewood, with new stations planned in North Bergen, Ridgefield, Palisades Park, Leonia and Englewood, as also noted by Mass Transit.

Environmental review and draft impact statement

The fresh draft environmental impact statement became necessary after the Federal Transit Administration in 2023 rescinded its notice of intent to consider NJ Transit’s previously submitted environmental impact statement for the Hudson-Bergen light-rail extension. The FTA pointed to changes in environmental conditions since 2007 — including updated flood plains, storm water management and air quality considerations. In response, NJ Transit concluded that updating the environmental review would require a new contract and began shaping the scope of work that now underpins the current RFP for the draft environmental impact statement.

“NJ Transit remains committed to extending the Hudson-Bergen light rail into Bergen County,” said NJ Transit President and CEO Kris Kolluri. He described the RFP for the environmental study as a concrete demonstration of that commitment.

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