The Hudson-Bergen Light Rail (HBLR) will be extended past Route 440 as part of Jersey City’s plan to revitalize the Hackensack River Waterfront.
The $220 million project will extend HBLR’s West Side Avenue Branch to a new terminus across Route 440. The approximately 3,700-ft. route extension will include one new station west of Route 440 to support Jersey City’s planned development on the Hackensack River Waterfront.
“This is exciting for Jersey City and residents of the West Side,” said Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop. “With the city progressing on Bayfront, the largest mixed-income housing development in the region, this light rail extension is crucial to our city’s growth.”
“This is a good day for Jersey City.”
Modern Infrastructure
The project, currently in its preliminary engineering phase, is the type of infrastructure needed for New Jersey’s commuters and economic future, according to Gov. Phil Murphy.
“Continued expansion of mass transit is fundamental to creating a more innovative, interconnected state,” stated Murphy.
HBLR is a 17.5-mile light rail system that operates in Hudson County and serves the cities and townships of Jersey City, Hoboken, Bayonne, Weehawken, Union City, and North Bergen. The West Side Avenue Branch operates between the West Side Avenue Station in Jersey City and Tonnelle Avenue in North Bergen.
Expanding Transit Service
NJ Transit President & CEO Kevin Corbett promoted the extension as providing a connection between Jersey City’s western waterfront and existing transit services, with connections to the PATH train and Lower Manhattan
“This extension will benefit so many people, in so many ways,” said Corbett. “It will create an entirely new neighborhood west of Route 440, with new residential and commercial development and parks. And it will spur sustainable economic growth and improve mobility throughout Jersey City.”
Local leaders cited the economic and environmental benefits of the project.
“Extending the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail to better serve communities in Hudson County is an important step to growing our economy, better serving our residents,” said Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise.
Assemblyman Raj Mukherji added, “The extension will also make the lives of commuters easier, lessen the number of cars on our highways and reduce our carbon footprint. That is a win-win-win.”
