Middlesex County, N.J. — Middlesex County and New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) are moving forward with a major construction effort to modernize and expand the historic New Brunswick Train Station, one of the busiest transit hubs along the Northeast Corridor.
The project, managed by the Middlesex County Improvement Authority on behalf of NJ Transit, officially enters its construction phase this fall. Work will begin with sidewalk and exterior improvements along Easton Avenue and Albany Street before progressing to larger station renovations, including a new ticketing center with an elevator, updated waiting areas, and significant upgrades to the historic station building and platforms.
Construction is scheduled to take place in phases through 2028, with the county noting that vertical circulation upgrades — including elevators and escalators — were already completed during an earlier project.
“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.”
Gov. Phil Murphy said the station’s modernization is a cornerstone of the state’s broader transportation investment strategy. “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,” Murphy said. “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 project also comes with a new institutional partnership. NJ Transit and Rutgers University signed a three-year agreement designating New Brunswick Station as the official “Home of Rutgers University.” The collaboration aims to strengthen ties between the university and the city while reinforcing the station’s role as a gateway for students, faculty, and community members.
“With Gov. 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 and 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 modernization effort will deliver wide-ranging improvements to enhance capacity, accessibility, and commuter experience, including:
In 2023, AECOM was awarded a $7 million design services contract, part of the $49 million in state budget funding earmarked for the project. Officials say this investment not only preserves the station’s historic character but also positions it as a 21st-century mobility hub at the heart of Middlesex County.
As the construction advances, NJ Transit and its partners emphasize that the New Brunswick Train Station will continue to serve as a linchpin of the Northeast Corridor — balancing historic preservation with innovation to meet the region’s growing transportation needs.
Originally reported by Mass Transit.
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