January 16, 2025

Major Construction Projects Transforming New Jersey’s Infrastructure

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News Summary

New Jersey is undergoing significant construction projects aimed at enhancing its transportation and utility infrastructure. Projects such as the County Yard and Delco Lead Storage Facility in New Brunswick and the North Brunswick Train Station are designed to improve resilience against extreme weather. Additionally, the Vermella East Brunswick development promises new residential and commercial spaces, while South Brunswick focuses on critical infrastructure improvements. These initiatives are positioning the state for a robust future, ensuring safety and sustainable growth for its residents.

Major Construction Projects Transforming New Jersey’s Infrastructure

As New Jersey continues to rebound and enhance its transportation and utility infrastructure, several significant projects are underway that promise to reshape the landscape and improve resilience against extreme weather events.

County Yard and Delco Lead Storage and Inspection Facility

On December 12, George Harms Construction Co. officially broke ground on the much-anticipated County Yard and Delco Lead Storage and Inspection Facility in New Brunswick. This innovative project is designed to offer robust protection for train cars during severe weather, particularly flooding. Located strategically along the Northeast Corridor, the facility will feature the construction of 5 miles of electrified track, setting a new benchmark for railway safety.

The primary aim of this ambitious project is to provide a safe storage area for rail cars and locomotives during unpredictable weather events such as hurricanes. With a hefty contract of $498 million awarded in September, which includes a 10% contingency reserve, the project has seen a notable budget increase from a prior estimate of $381 million.

In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, which inflicted $400 million worth of damage to the Meadowlands Maintenance Complex and impacted 343 trains, the urgency for such protective measures has never been clearer. The NJ Transit board chair affirmed that this facility will significantly enhance the safety of rail cars and facilitate quicker restoration of services post-disaster.

North Brunswick Train Station Development

Meanwhile, the North Brunswick Train Station project is gaining momentum as it approaches 60% design completion. Managed by the Middlesex County Improvement Authority (MCIA), this project has recently secured 30% design approval alongside a funding agreement with NJ Transit for its final design phase.

Set to transform a 212-acre site into a vibrant transit hub teeming with retail, condominiums, and townhomes, the project received initial funding of $50 million from the state through the New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund back in 2017. A partnership established in 2020 between MCIA and NJ Transit is ensuring efficient project management and a cohesive approach that incorporates insights from multiple stakeholders, including Amtrak and the NJ Department of Transportation.

Critical construction drawings are already in development, focusing on essential components such as passenger platforms, overhead pedestrian bridges, and structural support methods. The North Brunswick Train Station is a crucial element of the broader Destination 2040 strategic economic plan for Middlesex County.

Vermella East Brunswick Redevelopment

On another front, preparations are underway for the highly-anticipated Vermella East Brunswick redevelopment project, which spans approximately 40 acres along Route 18. The developers, River Development Equities and Russo Development, aim to break ground soon and are targeting the opening of the first building by the spring of 2026.

This ambitious $500 million development will include a diverse range of residential units, shops, restaurants, and medical offices, accompanied by an array of amenities. The initial phase consists of a mixed-use building with around 307 apartments and 33,665 square feet dedicated to retail space. Following that, phase two will include a four-story building housing an additional 240 residential units and 341 parking spaces. Phase three will focus on demolishing existing structures and constructing 14 multi-family buildings with stacked townhouse units.

South Brunswick Infrastructure Improvements

In South Brunswick, several construction projects are slated for 2024 that are aimed at enhancing and maintaining the quality of roads, drinking water systems, and sewer utilities. Local officials emphasize the importance of clean drinking water and efficient road networks as vital components of community well-being.

In addition to local initiatives, the ongoing projects under the guidance of Middlesex County and the NJ Department of Transportation promise continuous enhancements to the regional infrastructure. With these developments, New Jersey is positioning itself favorably for the future, ensuring safety, convenience, and sustainable growth for its residents.