The Port Authority Transit Corp. (PATCO) is taking advantage of its summer decrease in ridership to perform critical track and rail maintenance. PATCO started the project July 8 by implementing a new schedule that adds two to seven minutes between train arrival times to allow work on the project to accelerate while trains operate along a single track.
The $6 million upgrade project involves replacing nearly three miles of rail and other track material between the Ferry Avenue and Broadway Stations that has been in use since 1968. The project will be completed in two phases, with the first phase involving the reconstruction of a 7,234-foot section of eastbound track during the first four weeks of the project. The second phase of the project will see reconstruction of the westbound track and will involve a second change in schedule to ensure the work continues. PATCO says the track outage will be used to perform additional maintenance work and minimize the need for future trackwork.
"During the summertime, PATCO typically has fewer riders between July 4th and Labor Day," said John D. Rink, PATCO general manager. "To minimize the impact on our customers, we have explored different options, and the revised timeframe seems to be the best choice for completing this important infrastructure project."
The maintenance project was originally planned to occur over 27 weeks and involve weekend outages. PATCO adjusted the work to an eight-week timeframe after evaluating the number of passengers using the service, as well as projected future users.
"It is important for PATCO to be ready, with new tracks and less trackwork for the anticipated increased ridership in the fall," Rink said. "This is crucial for ensuring a smooth and efficient commute."
Mischa Wanek-Libman | Group Editorial Director
Mischa Wanek-Libman is director of communications with Transdev North America. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation industry covering construction projects, engineering challenges, transit and rail operations and best practices.
Wanek-Libman has held top editorial positions at freight rail and public transportation business-to-business publications including as editor-in-chief and editorial director of Mass Transit from 2018-2024. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.
She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and served 14 years as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.
She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
