The Washington to Boston Northeast Corridor (NEC) is the busiest, most important passenger rail corridor in the nation. It hosts the most heavily traveled NJ Transit commuter route in New Jersey as well as Amtrak’s intercity services to points across the nation. And, like all large infrastructure assets, investments must be made to keep it safe, reliable and beneficial to the Region and its riders.
Beginning Friday, July 22, Amtrak will start work on an important infrastructure modernization project along a five-mile section of the NEC in and around Linden, NJ. The scope of work for this project will include the full replacement of wood ties with concrete ties and installation of brand-new track along the two outer tracks in this section of the NEC.
Once completed the work performed will improve the overall reliability of the infrastructure, enhance ride quality and will be of great benefit to the thousands of passengers who rely on NJ Transit and Amtrak for their business and leisure travel each day.
As your neighbor, Amtrak is committed to keeping you informed about our construction schedule and providing you with notice regarding upcoming projects in your neighborhood.
Much of the construction activities associated with this project will be spread along the 5-mile territory in and around Linden, NJ. Due to the nature of this work and equipment being used, there will be periods when construction activities will increase noise levels in and around the construction site. In addition to the noise, much of the work will take place in the evening, requiring lighting which may be seen from the public depending on the location of the work and proximity to the residents.
The estimated construction schedule for work is as follows:
- Starting July 22, through September, workers will be in the Linden, NJ, area performing work at night along Track A of the existing railroad. The work will take place on weekdays from Monday through Thursday and include weekends. The hours of work are typically from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- Starting in September through November, workers will be in Linden, NJ, area performing work at night along Track B of the existing railroad. The work will take place on weekdays from Monday through Thursday and include weekends. The hours of work are typically 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Due to the frequency of trains operating during the daytime hours, much of the work must be performed during off-peak hours. In addition, Federal regulations require that an audible warning be sounded by trains and watchmen/lookouts when equipment approaches construction sites.
