U.S. Representative Rob Menendez has announced $286.4 million in federal funding to improve rail infrastructure.
This major investment will bring much-needed updates to aging systems and make transportation safer, smoother, and more reliable for commuters and businesses.
- New Jersey’s 8th District will benefit from $286.4 million in federal funding for rail improvements.
- Funds will support replacing aging bridges, upgrading power systems, and modernizing train signals.
- Persistent efforts have resulted in key infrastructure investments for the region’s transportation network.
Federal Grants to Improve Rail Infrastructure in NJ
The Federal Railroad Administration has approved $286.4 million to improve important rail infrastructure in New Jersey’s 8th District and the Northeast Corridor.
Upgrades that aim to make transportation safer, more reliable, and more efficient will benefit this busy rail region.
The funding comes from the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail program, which supports major rail improvements across the Northeast Corridor.
And the upgrades are expected to improve commuters’ daily travel, reduce delays, and improve regional connections.
Three Major Rail Projects to Benefit from $286.4 Million
The funding will support three projects to make rail travel safer, faster, and more reliable:
1. Sawtooth Bridges Replacement – $187.5 Million
The Sawtooth Bridges in Kearny are an important part of the Northeast Corridor but have become a major problem for rail traffic.
Replacing these old bridges will make train travel smoother and more dependable for passengers and freight.
2. Kearny Substation 41 Relocation – $80.2 Million
This project will move and upgrade Substation 41 in Kearny, which provides power for rail operations.
The improvements will make rail services more reliable and efficient.
3. New York Metro Signal System Upgrades – $18.6 Million
Upgrading the signal systems in the New York metro area will improve safety and reduce delays, helping trains run more smoothly and on time.
Advocacy for Rail Investments Leads to Success
Congressman Menendez’s efforts to secure this funding have been extensive.
Over the summer, he directly engaged with U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg during a House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing, stressing the critical need for regional investment.
He also co-led letters urging the Department of Transportation to prioritize track, signal, and infrastructure improvements.
In September, Menendez further pressed the Federal Railroad Administration, sending a detailed letter advocating for grant funding for these projects.
His leadership on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has made him a vocal proponent for advancing infrastructure initiatives, including the Hudson Tunnel Project, which aims to expand and modernize transportation links across the region.
A Better Future for Regional Rail
This $286.4 million investment is a game-changer for New Jersey’s rail system.
Essentially, this is about creating a smoother, more reliable ride for commuters and giving businesses the dependable infrastructure they need to thrive.
And the upgrades are tackling long-standing bottlenecks and setting the stage for a rail system that’s efficient and built to last.
What makes this even more impressive is the teamwork behind it. Federal agencies and local representatives joined forces to make these critical improvements happen.
Thanks to this partnership, the Northeast Corridor is building stronger connections and driving regional economic growth.
