Middlesex County and NJ TRANSIT to Enter Construction Phase on New Brunswick Train Station Renovations

*For photos and renderings, click here*

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ - Middlesex County, in partnership with NJ TRANSIT, today, September 9, 2025, announced they are entering the construction phase on the long-anticipated, nearly $70 million revitalization of the New Brunswick Train Station. This transformative project, managed by the Middlesex County Improvement Authority on behalf of NJ TRANSIT, which owns the station and is funding the project, will modernize and expand one of the busiest transit hubs along NJ TRANSIT's Northeast Corridor. A multi-phase construction process will begin with the sidewalk and exterior work along Easton Avenue and Albany Street, followed by construction of the new ticketing center featuring an elevator and waiting areas, and significant renovations to the historic station building and platforms. The project is currently out for bid for construction to begin in late fall of 2025, with the expectation that all construction will conclude in 2028. As part of an earlier train station project, vertical circulation improvements - including elevators and escalators - have already been completed.

At today's announcement, officials emphasized the critical role this project will play in strengthening the regional economy, enhancing mobility, and improving quality of life for residents and commuters. Additionally, NJ TRANSIT partnered with Rutgers University - also a key partner of the County - on an agreement that makes Rutgers the official sponsor of this more than 100-year-old train station. Speakers included Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios, Governor Phil Murphy, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, MCIA Executive Director H. James Polos, NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kris Kolluri, Mayor of New Brunswick Jim Cahill, and Rutgers Health Chancellor Brian Strom and Rutgers - New Brunswick Chancellor Francine Conway.

"The improvements we're making to the New Brunswick Station will prepare us for the future," said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. "We are building a strong, sustainable, and resilient economy with the next generation in mind, while cultivating a mass transit culture in this region."

"Upgrading and expanding one of the busiest hubs along the Northeast Corridor is part of our commitment to modernizing New Jersey's transportation infrastructure for commuters and residents - preserving historic spaces while investing in improving quality and accessibility to move the regional economy forward," said Governor Phil Murphy. "As the HELIX brings thousands of innovators to our state-of-the-art hub at the heart of Rutgers' campus, we will meet this influx of workers with safe, modern, and reliable transportation."

"As one of the busiest stations on the Northeast Corridor, New Brunswick has always been a lifeline for commuters and college students alike, serving thousands of riders each day and supporting the local businesses responsible for our region's growth," said Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin. "I am proud of the steps we are taking to modernize the New Brunswick Station today in a way that will pay dividends for generations, keeping Middlesex County a top destination for business and innovation while also enhancing the quality of life for residents and families who rely on this hub every day."

"With Governor Murphy's significant investment commitment, along with the support and leadership of our partners in Middlesex County, we're not just making meaningful progress - we're making this transformation of New Brunswick Station possible," said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kris Kolluri. "As the new 'Home of' Rutgers University, this modern, customer-focused transit hub will serve as a vital daily connection point for the thousands of students, faculty, and commuters who depend on safe, reliable, and accessible transit."

"The New Brunswick Train Station sits at the heart of the Rutgers campus in New Brunswick," said Rutgers Health Chancellor Brian Strom. "Its upcoming improvements come at the perfect time, as the new Rutgers Health building rises just across the street - bringing education, research, and industry together. We're excited for what's ahead."

"As Middlesex County continues to grow into a premier destination, we must ensure that we have the right transportation infrastructure in place," said MCIA Executive Director H. James Polos. "As we begin the construction process, the real winners in this project are the commuters, residents, business owners, and visitors of Middlesex County."

"As Chair of the County's Transportation Committee, I know how critical modern, reliable infrastructure is to our regional transit system," said Middlesex County Commissioner Charles Kenny, Chair of the County's Transportation Committee. "The New Brunswick Train Station is one of the busiest in our region, and these improvements will ensure it continues to serve the needs of our growing community - making travel safer, more efficient, and more accessible for everyone who relies on this vital connection every day."

"For more than a century, the New Brunswick Train Station has been the front door to our City," said Mayor of New Brunswick Jim Cahill. "With this investment and modernization, we're ensuring it remains a welcoming, accessible, and forward-looking gateway that supports the growth of New Brunswick, Middlesex County, and the entire region for generations to come."

NJ TRANSIT and Rutgers University have signed a three-year agreement to make New Brunswick Station the official Home of Rutgers University. This partnership aims to further promote and integrate New Jersey's top public research university into the heart of the city's transportation hub as it further strengthens its presence in the community. NJ TRANSIT anticipates welcoming thousands of Rutgers students, faculty, and administrators each day who will pass through and enjoy the revitalized New Brunswick Station in the future.

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

Upcoming phases of construction will deliver comprehensive upgrades to the station, including:

• Renovations to the westbound and eastbound platforms
• Expanded pedestrian transfer passages
• Modernized waiting areas and entrance signage
• State-of-the-art trainway and building systems
• Extensive site work and landscaping enhancements

Once complete, the revitalized New Brunswick Train Station will offer commuters, visitors, and residents a safer, more efficient, and welcoming experience. These necessary improvements prepare Middlesex County and New Brunswick for the influx of commuters with the advent of the new HELIX development, most notably Nokia's arrival at H-2, the Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center, the expanding Rutgers University footprint, and the growing dining and cultural scene in New Brunswick. This capital investment is part of the County's long-term commitment to sustainable growth, economic vitality, and innovation-driven ecosystem led by its Destination 2040 strategic economic roadmap.

The Middlesex County Improvement Authority (MCIA) is managing the renovation on behalf of Middlesex County and NJ TRANSIT, as it is also the project manager for the North Brunswick Train Station along the same Northeast Corridor Line. In November 2023, infrastructure consulting firm AECOM was awarded a $7 million design services contract. This contract is part of a $49 million allocation in the State of New Jersey's FY2023 budget dedicated to improvements at the New Brunswick Train Station.

For more information and to follow the progress of the renovations at the New Brunswick Train Station, visit middlesexcountynj.gov/newbrunswicktrain.

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