$160M Project Breaks Ground to Enhance Airport and Transit Access for Underserved Communities

A new initiative aimed at improving airport and transit access for historically underserved areas of Newark and Elizabeth broke ground on June 13 at Newark Liberty International Airport. The $160 million project, jointly funded by the Port Authority and New Jersey, will add a new entry point to the EWR Train Station, reducing travel times from up to 40 minutes by bus to less than 10 minutes by train. The project is expected to create 675 jobs and generate nearly $300 million in economic activity.

Key Takeaways:

• The project includes a 16,350-square-foot access area with dedicated drop-off lanes, temperature-controlled indoor areas, and real-time train and bus arrival displays.
• Pedestrian and bicycle access, as well as a cellphone lot for private vehicles, will be included in the project.
• The work is expected to generate 675 total jobs, with $125 million in direct wages, and nearly $300 million in total economic activity.
• The project will improve access to the Northeast Corridor, including the one-seat ride to New York-Penn Station.
• The work aims to transform transit access to EWR and Newark Penn Station for residents of nearby neighborhoods in Newark's South Ward and North Elizabeth.
• The project is expected to reduce typical travel times from 40 minutes by bus to less than 10 minutes by train.

Statistics:

• Total project cost: $160 million
• Number of jobs expected to be created: 675
• Direct wages: $125 million
• Total economic activity: nearly $300 million
• Reduction in travel time: from up to 40 minutes by bus to less than 10 minutes by train

Sources:

• "New $160M project breaks ground to improve airport and transit access for underserved areas" - The ROI-NJ (exact date Unknown)
• "Groundbreaking ceremony for new access project at EWR breaks ground" - YouTube (Date: June 13, 2023, but timestamp 2025 which is likely incorrect)