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By Rod Hirsch
A Who’s Who of state, county and local officials joined Transportation Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chairman James Simpson and NJ TRANSIT Executive Director James Weinstein to mark the completion of major improvements to Somerville Station, including high-level platforms that provide accessibility to customers with disabilities and amenities that make the station more convenient for all customers.
The $15.3 million project is the centerpiece of the borough’s ongoing revitalization.
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The project got under way last year. Highlights include two new 710-foot-long high-level platforms with canopies and heated shelters, a climate-controlled inbound waiting room with a ticket agent office and restrooms, two new elevator cabs, ramps, stairs and a head house for the pedestrian tunnel entrance.
In addition, the existing elevator shafts, pedestrian tunnel, tunnel stairs and exterior stairs to South Bridge Street were rebuilt. Closed-circuit television cameras, new ticket vending machines (TVMs) and electronic customer information signs were also installed.
Enhancements also include tile artwork, ornamental fencing and a sculpture in the courtyard of the station.
Somerville Mayor Brian Gallagher used the occasion to highlight the mosaic of private and public investment in the borough, and the number of state and federal programs that have provided assistance and funding to the borough.
“We stand here today in a NJ Transit newly constructed Somerville rail station, in a DEP designated Brownfields area within a newly designated DOT Transit Village, in a DCA Main Street New Jersey community, in a State designated Regional Center in a downtown Special Improvement District,” Gallagher said. “That is why the State and County have a keen interest in Somerville - we are doing it right.
Officials also emphasized the accessibility features for those with disabilities.
“The new Somerville Station ensures accessibility for customers with disabilities and enhances comfort and convenience for everyone who uses it,” said Weinstein.
Somerset County Freeholder Freeholder Patrick Scaglione knows firsthand the challenges faced by those with disabilities.
He was one of the last officials to speak at the ribbon cutting ceremony, approaching the microphone in his wheelchair.
A Bridgewater resident, Scaglione said NJ Transit deserved praise for incorporating features to ease travel for those physically challenged and for complying with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“Now I don’t have to worry about that first step off the train,” Scaglione said.
Gallagher shared an anecdote with the officials and residents who gathered for the ribbon-cutting.
“I was out mowing my lawn the other day, and a resident stopped his car and said ‘Hey Gallagher I can't make a turn in this town without seeing something under construction,’ ‘’ the mayor recounted. “He paused a moment then said ‘Nobody else in this state is building anything but you've got Somerville on the move. keep up the great work!’
Somerville is on the move and there is a reason that there is such a great focus on Somerville even in this economy,” Gallagher continued. “Both the public and private sector are investing in the success that is Somerville and they want to be a part of it. Let's face it money is tight, and both public and private dollars are going to be invested where they know that their investment will generate a return - and that place is Somerville.
“NJTransit and the Borough have partnered to bring new development and great success to downtown Somerville,” the mayor continued. Today's ribbon cutting of this newly reconstructed and expanded Somerville Station is the beginning of a new era, one which signifies the return of Somerville as the transportation hub for Somerset County and the central New Jersey region.
“The plans for the redevelopment of this area around the station, and the area extending through the former landfill to Route 206 have been designed with a focus on this station and equally important pedestrian safety and access in mind,” Gallagher added. “We now have safe, easily reachable sidewalks and pedestrian links to our Main Street shopping and restaurant area, and in the future, a direct link to this station from Route 206 and a pedestrian/bicycle link to over 40 acres of recreation space that will include walking trails and green quiet spaces for all.” Located on the Raritan Valley Line, Somerville Station provides about 1,300 customer trips on a typical weekday. |