A new era of transit improvements is officially underway for Middlesex County commuters. Middlesex County and NJ TRANSIT have launched construction on a major overhaul of the New Brunswick Train Station — a crucial hub along the Northeast Corridor that serves thousands of riders daily.
The modernization aims to better connect New Brunswick’s fast-growing downtown, Rutgers University, and new innovation districts that are reshaping the region’s economy.
The station, originally built in 1903, is being updated to meet today’s standards for accessibility, passenger flow, and transit technology. Construction bids are currently out, and the project is scheduled to fully kick off in late fall 2025, with completion expected by 2028.
The multiphase renovation includes:
Renderings released by the Middlesex County Improvement Authority show a brighter, more accessible station designed around rider experience and safety.
Governor Phil Murphy emphasized how the project connects to broader regional development:
“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.”
The HELIX innovation complex, Nokia’s relocation to the H-2 development, the Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center, and Rutgers’ continued expansion are all expected to significantly increase ridership.
To strengthen that connection, NJ TRANSIT has entered a three-year sponsorship with Rutgers University, making the university the official partner of the station and embedding its brand throughout the hub.
New Brunswick Mayor Jim Cahill highlighted the station’s legacy:
“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.”
AECOM, awarded a $7 million design contract in November 2023, is leading the architectural and engineering work — balancing historic station preservation with modern upgrades aimed at future mobility needs.
New Brunswick joins other “next-generation” transit investments across New Jersey, including:
With renovations now launching, the New Brunswick station is set to remain a cornerstone of regional connectivity — supporting economic growth, housing expansion, and innovation across the heart of New Jersey.
Originally reported by Chris Fry in Jersey Digs.
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