Train Station In East Orange Will Get $83M In Disability Upgrades

EAST ORANGE, NJ — A busy train station in East Orange is getting a major facelift thanks to a large federal “accessibility” grant, officials announced this week.

On Tuesday, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded an $83.3 million grant to NJ Transit for the “modernization” of the historic Brick Church station in East Orange.

The funds are part of the FTA’s All Stations Accessibility Program, which “assists in the financing of capital projects to repair, improve, modify, retrofit, or relocate infrastructure of stations or facilities to make all public areas of the station accessible to people with disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs.”

According to a news release from NJ Transit, the project will improve the station’s accessibility in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by installing high level platforms and elevators, new security cameras and other safety measures.

The work also includes restoring historic features that are “in-line with the station’s status on the New Jersey and National Register of Historic Places.”

The accessibility upgrades announced Tuesday aren’t the only changes coming to the train station, NJ Transit officials pointed out. Other improvements already underway through state-funded initiatives include upgrading signage and communication systems, new historic replica lights, repairing the historic benches and terrazzo floor, installing an art installation on windows, converting the former baggage room to leasable commercial office space as well as stairwell, restroom and security upgrades.

According to NJ Transit, rail service through East Orange first began in 1836 as the Morris and Essex Railroad. Matthias Ogden Halsted, a local lawyer, who used the railroad to commute, provided a station for commuters. A new depot was built in 1880 and used until the current station opened on December 18, 1921, after the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western railroad elevated the tracks. The station is named for the nearby Temple of Unified Christians Brick Church, which was designed with brick architecture. The brick headhouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.

‘A WIN-WIN FOR EAST ORANGE, COMMUTERS’

This week’s announcement got a thumbs-up from several officials, several of whom credited the federal windfall to the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed under the administration of President Joe Biden in 2021 – which every Congress member in New Jersey voted for, Democrat and Republican alike.

“This is a win-win for the East Orange community and the many commuters who pass through daily en route to one of the busiest corridors in the nation,” Gov. Phil Murphy said.

“Thanks to the FTA’s generosity, coupled with ongoing state investments, Brick Church station is undergoing a transformation that will restore its historical integrity while modernizing the facility as a whole so that it is ultimately accessible by all,” Murphy said.

New Jersey Sen. Britnee Timberlake said the Brick Church station has “long suffered from severe disrepair,” including crumbling concrete, severe leakage problems and a lack of ADA accessibility.

“These upgrades will benefit our communities, improve accessibility and ensure the long-term maintenance of this vital transportation hub,” Timberlake said.

East Orange Mayor Ted Green said the renovations will mark a significant milestone for the city.

“Over the past seven years, my administration has worked closely with our legislators, including the late Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver and U.S. Rep. Donald Payne Jr., to advocate for significant upgrades to our Brick Church train station, which happens to be one of the most prime and coveted commuter locations in the entire state of New Jersey,” Green said.

“It is only fitting that the legacy of these two political giants will be forever linked to a monumental transit renovation project that will have a profound and lasting impact on our city, New Jersey and the New York City metropolitan region,” the mayor added.

Other support came from:

U.S. Sen. Cory Booker – “This large investment in the Brick Church station will pay dividends for the people of East Orange and our entire region for decades to come. By upgrading this century-old station, we will improve the daily lives of thousands of commuters while spurring economic growth and creating jobs. I’m proud to work with the Biden Administration and congressional colleagues to deliver funding to rebuild our transportation infrastructure and provide reliable, accessible, and safe transportation options for every New Jerseyan.”

U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill – “I fought hard to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which is now providing funding to make critical updates to the Brick Church station. This long-overdue investment will help NJ Transit upgrade and repair our public transit station infrastructure to make it safer and fully ADA-compliant. I’m proud to stand with colleagues, state and local leaders, and community advocates to bring federal tax dollars back to the Garden State.”

U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez – “Investing in our railway infrastructure is essential to ensure that residents of New Jersey can access safe and inclusive public transportation. The $83.3 million grant awarded to NJ Transit will modernize the Brick Church station and make our transit system accessible to everyone. By prioritizing inclusivity and historical preservation, we're not just upgrading our infrastructure, we're affirming our commitment to building a transit system that is equitable for all.”

FTA Acting Administrator Veronica Vanterpool – “Since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, great strides have been made in improving accessibility, but there is still a lot of work to accomplish. By modernizing rail systems across the country, the ASAP program provides funding to address these overdue improvements. We want to ensure that all customers can use transit systems with ease and reliability, including people with disabilities, those using mobility devices, and other users needing more accessible spaces.”

Acting DOT Commissioner and NJ Transit Board Chair Fran O’Connor – “This generous grant makes it possible for NJ Transit to take another step toward achieving its vision to meet the travel needs of every customer. New Jerseyans deserve safe, reliable and accessible public transit, and this project provides that to our customers.”

NJ Transit President and CEO Kevin Corbett – “NJ Transit is incredibly grateful for this generous grant from the FTA. This support will enable us to transform Brick Church into a model of accessibility for all those using the station. Enhancing accessibility is not just about compliance, it’s about ensuring that everyone has equal access to public transportation. This grant award brings us another step closer to achieving that goal.”

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