PANYNJ Authorizes Planning Funds for First Phase of PATH Extension

The Port Authority’s Board of Commissioners have authorized $57 million in planning funds for the first phase of the PATH system extension to Newark Liberty International Airport, a projected $1.7-billion project that is a key component of the board’s 2017-2026 capital plan and essential to improved regional rail service for the commuting public.

“The Port Authority is committed to making critical investments in a transportation network that supports regional growth and meets the demands of the millions of people who live, work and visit the region,” said Port Authority Chairman John Degnan. “This planning effort will provide analysis of key components — ridership data, cost updates, environmental and economic impacts — to help the agency continue to evaluate the project before moving forward with construction.”

“Our 10-year capital plan dedicates $32 billion towards strategic investments to support the modernization of critical transportation infrastructure,” said Port Authority Executive Director Pat Foye. “This project improves transportation access to Newark Airport while extending PATH’s trans-Hudson network in Newark.”

Subject to completion of the environmental review process and project authorization by the Port Authority board, the project would include a new station in Newark’s South Ward Dayton Street neighborhood, a new rail yard facility and modification of existing platforms at Newark Penn Station to accommodate increased passenger flow.

This authorization provides funding critical to move the project through preliminary design and the required environmental review process. It includes funds for environmental and transportation services, including preliminary engineering work as well as program and project management services.

Currently, the PATH Newark-to-World Trade Center line’s western-most point is Newark Penn Station. The project will extend the line west through the Dayton Street neighborhood in Newark’s South Ward, ending at the Newark Liberty rail link station.

Once approved, construction of the extension is expected to begin in 2020 with full revenue service to start in 2026. As a multimodal transportation hub, the new station also will reduce traffic congestion and provide environmental benefits through increased use of public transportation.