The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has launched the next major construction phase of the $3.5 billion AirTrain Newark replacement project, marking a significant milestone in the modernization of ground transportation at Newark Liberty International Airport.
Work is now underway on the guideway and track structure connecting the Newark Liberty International Airport Train Station with the P4 station. This portion of the project represents a visible transition from planning into full-scale construction activity on the long-anticipated automated transit system.
To accommodate the work, the Port Authority said travelers should expect recurring weekday service outages between the P4 station and the Airport Train Station, which connects passengers to NJ TRANSIT and Amtrak service along the Northeast Corridor. During these outages, the agency will operate an extensive shuttle bus network to ensure uninterrupted access across the airport.
The shuttle system will serve all airport terminals, parking areas, and rental car facilities, allowing passengers to maintain connections despite the temporary suspension of AirTrain service on the affected segment.
Once complete, the new AirTrain Newark will replace the existing system that opened in 1996 and has struggled to keep pace with passenger growth. The aging infrastructure is currently over capacity and increasingly unable to support Newark Liberty’s expanding role as a major international gateway.
The replacement system is designed to handle up to 50,000 passengers per day, a significant increase from the current system’s capacity of approximately 33,000 riders. The upgraded route will also improve access to the airport’s new Terminal A, eliminating the current 15-minute walk required to reach the terminal from the AirTrain station.
First passenger service on the new AirTrain is expected to begin in 2030.
“Replacing AirTrain Newark is critical to the future of Newark Liberty International Airport,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “This next phase of construction moves that work from planning to visible progress, while ensuring travelers continue to have reliable ways to reach terminals, parking, and transit connections during construction.”
Port Authority officials emphasized that the project is designed to support the airport’s long-term growth while improving reliability and passenger experience.
“This project is about building a system that can keep pace with Newark Liberty’s growth for decades to come,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “We appreciate passengers’ patience during these temporary changes, enabling us to advance construction of a modern, high-capacity AirTrain that will deliver a smoother, more dependable experience for millions of passengers each year.”
The AirTrain Newark replacement is one of the largest transportation infrastructure investments currently underway in New Jersey and a key component of broader efforts to modernize the region’s aviation and transit networks.
Originally reported by New Jersey Business Magazine.
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