WORK BEGINS ON 69TH STREET IMPROVEMENTS IN NORTH BERGEN |
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NJ Transit
Source: PressReleasePoint.com
17 October 2008
New overpass will enhance safety and relieve traffic congestion
NJT-08-081
NEWARK, NJ — State Senator and North Bergen Mayor Nicholas J. Sacco joined NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Richard Sarles in North Bergen today to break ground on a new bridge that will separate 69th Street from an existing freight railroad corridor, enhancing safety and improving traffic flow at the busy intersection.
“The 69th Street bridge will improve the quality of life for North Bergen and area residents by providing much-needed relief from traffic congestion, while enhancing safety for both drivers and railroad operations,” said Sacco. “When completed, it will complement the Secaucus Road and Paterson Plank Road overpasses, which are already improving access for residents and commuters.”
The bridge will be built to carry motor vehicle traffic on 69th Street over the six-track freight railroad operated by CSX Transportation and the New York Susquehanna & Western Railroad. In addition, the bridge will accommodate future NJ TRANSIT passenger rail service on the Northern Branch.
“This project will offer the immediate benefits of added safety and traffic relief, while in the long term paving the way for commuter rail service on the Northern Branch,” said New Jersey Assistant State Treasurer Patrick O’Connor, who is also a member of the NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors.
“We worked closely with the Department of Transportation in order to provide better access for people getting to job and shopping locations in the area,” said Sarles. “For NJ TRANSIT, this will be particularly important when future passenger rail service on the Northern Branch is introduced.”
“The new overpass will eliminate the current at-grade crossing that causes frequent automobile delays due to long freight trains moving through area,” said Hudson County Executive Thomas A. DeGise.
In addition to a new roadway bridge, the project includes related roadway and drainage improvements on portions of 69th Street, West Side Avenue and Anpesil Drive. As part of the project, NJ TRANSIT will construct temporary bypass roads; rebuild parts of 69th Street and build a retaining wall; reconstruct roadways curbs, sidewalks and driveways within the project limits; and install traffic signs at two intersections.
The project is expected to be completed by 2011.
About NJ TRANSIT
NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system providing more than 895,000 weekday trips on 240 bus routes, three light rail lines and 11 commuter rail lines. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 164 rail stations, 60 light rail stations and more than 18,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.