Carteret Awards $47.5M Contract for Ferry Terminal, Groundbreaking Friday

A major step toward launching ferry service in Carteret comes Friday, Dec. 12, when Brockwell and Carrington of Towaco break ground on the Arthur Kill terminal under a newly awarded $47.5 million contract.

The four-story building will span 52,000 square feet at 200 Middlesex Ave. next to Waterfront Park. It'll house a ticketing area, restrooms, office space for lease, restaurants, shops, a rooftop deck open to everyone, a bar, a lounge, and an event hall.

Town leaders want the terminal finished by early 2028. But ferry rides might begin earlier if they strike a deal with NY Waterways or SeaStreak.

Riders could purchase tickets through a smartphone app or a kiosk at the dock if boats start running before the building opens.

Back in August, town officials floated the idea of running ferries themselves. This would happen if no provider steps up.

The municipality owns two ferry boats. The Theodore Roosevelt sits docked at the town marina. A second boat is under construction down in New Orleans.

The site sits right on the waterfront at the Arthur Kill waterway, giving commuters another way to travel.

The rooftop will serve as a public space. Businesses can rent commercial areas inside the building.

This project changes how people move in and out of town. Boats could start carrying passengers while workers finish the main building, assuming a provider signs on.

Brockwell and Carrington will handle construction. The Towaco-based company secured the contract after the Oct. 31 decision.

Friday's groundbreaking ceremony kicks off work at the site. Crews will gather at Waterfront Park where they'll start raising the structure.