$70 Million New Brunswick Train Station Makeover Kicks Off This Fall

A major upgrade to one of the Northeast Corridor's key stops starts this fall. The $70 million project will transform the New Brunswick train station by 2028.

"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," said Governor Phil Murphy at a Sept. 9 press conference per Patch.com.

Workers will start with street-side fixes on Easton Avenue and Albany Street. Next comes a fresh ticket hall with better access. The plans call for updates to the old building, train platforms, and walking paths.

Local officials picked the Middlesex County Improvement Authority to run the work. Most money comes from NJ Transit: $45 million from debt funds and $15 million from transportation taxes.

The station will now show its Rutgers pride. NJ Transit struck a deal, making it the official "Home of Rutgers University" for three years.

"The New Brunswick train station sits at the heart of the Rutgers campus," said Rutgers Health Chancellor Brian Strom, according to My Central Jersey.com. "Its upcoming improvements come at the perfect time, as the new Rutgers Health building rises just across the street — bringing education, research, and industry together."

The station needs these fixes as big changes come to town. Nokia is moving in nearby. A cancer center's going up. The HELIX campus will bring more riders.

Mayor Jim Cahill spoke about what the station means to the city. "This investment and collaborative effort will preserve a part of our long and rich history as a regional and statewide transit hub – while providing the modern amenities that will enhance the customer experience for our commuting and public transit community," said Cahill, per NJBiz.com.

Built 120 years ago, the station got new lifts in recent years. But this marks its first total makeover ever.

Construction starts late next fall. Check middlesexcountynj.gov/newbrunswicktrain for updates.