State and local officials kicked off the initial phase of the project, which is essentially some cosmetic work to prepare the facility for major construction. The main portion of the project is scheduled to get under way by the end of this year and be completed by the end of 2006.
The reconstruction project includes an expansion of the building's footprint, according to state officials, and the addition of a mezzanine level for additional operational space. The project will create larger waiting areas, new retail spaces and a new plaza to facilitate pedestrian flow to bus and light rail connections, according to plans outlined by state officials.
"By rehabilitating this historic train station, we are contributing to the continued revitalization of Trenton," according to Jack Lettiere, board chairman of New Jersey Transit and commissioner of the New Jersey DOT. "The plans will give customers better access to public transportation options, provide a customer-friendly atmosphere and create economic opportunities for the City of Trenton."
"The train station is one of the crucial points for redevelopment in Trenton," says Mayor Douglas H. Palmer. "Not only is the new station going to be more than twice the size of the current one, but with expanded retail space and modern amenities, it will look the part of a capital city facility.
"We are already hearing from office and commercial developers who see the potential here, and we expect that this new station will be a magnet for additional economic development," Palmer continues.
The existing station, on a typical weekday, handles approximately 4,700 NJ Transit rail passengers, 1,700 Amtrak passengers and about 1,000 bus passengers, according to state officials.
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