Access Improvement Project Opens Newark Liberty International Airport Train Station to Surrounding Community with New Pickup/Drop-Off Point, Accessible Pedestrian Bridge

 

New Access Will Reduce Journey Time to Newark Liberty International Airport and Newark-Penn Station to 10-Minute One-Seat Ride for Residents of North Elizabeth and Newark’s South Ward

 

Project Also Provides Residents with Direct Access to Amtrak Service on the Northeast Corridor Line and NJ TRANSIT Rail Service to New York City

 

Project Renderings, Ceremony Photos and Video are Available

 

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey today kicked off construction of the agency’s project to add a new entry point to the Newark Liberty International Airport Train Station served by AirTrain Newark, Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT rail. The project will dramatically expand transit and airport access for historically underserved areas of Newark and Elizabeth.

 

The $160 million project includes an extension of the existing pedestrian bridge over platforms and tracks at the Newark Liberty International Airport Train Station to a new public access area off Frelinghuysen Avenue. The public access area will include a pickup/drop-off point for private vehicles, taxis, buses and for-hire vehicles, along with bicyclist and pedestrian access. The new entry point is expected to open in 2026.

 

“Today marks the beginning of a transformative effort to enhance regional connectivity surrounding Newark Liberty International Airport,” said New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy. “This project will not only improve mobility, but it will open doors for the communities that have been excluded from access to this major transportation hub. Through this critical investment, we will ensure that Newark Liberty International Airport is a world-class gateway for all New Jerseyans while bolstering economic opportunity in the communities that surround it.”

 

“This project is both a literal and symbolic bridge, linking communities that have been cut off for too long from the region’s broader transportation network,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “Access to efficient transportation can change lives. It connects people to jobs, education, healthcare and family. Today, we are breaking ground on access to economic opportunities that will no longer fly over residents of these neighborhoods in Newark and Elizabeth.”

 

“This station project is about more than transit – it's about fairness. Breaking ground on this project is a major step toward ensuring that Newark Liberty is a gateway for everyone – international travelers and local resident alike,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “This station access project will strengthen connections between the airport and the surrounding community, opening up jobs, faster commutes, and new opportunities. As we continue to modernize Newark Liberty, we’re committed to working with the communities around the airport to share the benefits of its transformation.”

 

“Modern airports should be more than just gateways. They also play a critical role in the communities they serve,” said Ralph D’Apuzzo, the Port Authority’s lead program director of the redevelopment of Newark Liberty. “With this project, we’re enhancing Newark Liberty’s infrastructure while also making it more inclusive and accessible. By improving airport connectivity, we strengthen regional mobility and create greater opportunities for both travelers and local communities.”

 

Residents in Newark’s South Ward and North Elizabeth currently face long and often complicated transit routes to reach the airport for travel or employment, often relying on private cars or lengthy journeys on public transportation. For residents of nearby neighborhoods, the new connection will transform transit access to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Newark-Penn Station by reducing typical travel times from up to 40 minutes by bus to less than 10 minutes by train.

 

This project also improves access to Northeast Corridor rail lines serviced by NJ TRANSIT and Amtrak, including a one-seat ride to New York-Penn Station, and enhances community-led efforts to foster transit-oriented development around the station.

 

Key features of the project include:

• A westward extension of the station’s pedestrian bridge to a new access point off Frelinghuysen Avenue, with temperature-controlled indoor areas
• Accessible elevators and escalators linking the bridge to street level
• A 16,350-square-foot access area with dedicated drop-off lanes for cars, taxis, buses, and for-hire vehicles
• Pedestrian and bicycle access, along with a cellphone lot for private vehicles
• Real-time train and bus arrival displays alongside ticket vending machines

 

“Today’s groundbreaking ceremony for the EWR station access project is a significant and tangible step toward improving access between Newark Liberty International Airport and both Newark-Penn Station and New York-Penn Station,” said U.S. Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey. “This investment will save New Jerseyans time and money, and bolster the local economies of Newark’s South Ward and northern parts of Elizabeth while supporting EWR employees and customers. Since my days as mayor, I have been advocating for this kind of investment in transportation infrastructure to increase connectivity to Newark’s South Ward and parts of the city where the lack of public transit options has taken a toll on their quality of life despite living in the largest city in New Jersey. I celebrate this milestone and look forward to working with the Port Authority to see it through to completion.” 

 

“This project is about people. It’s about creating good jobs right here at home, right here in the South Ward. Jobs that support families, build wealth, and strengthen neighborhoods. It's about making sure our communities are included and benefit from the growth and development happening all around us,” said U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver of New Jersey. “As your representative of the 10^th Congressional District, I am proud to support projects like this that not only improve infrastructure, but also uplift the people we serve. This groundbreaking symbolizes progress, hope, and future where Newark continues to thrive as the center of opportunity.”

 

“This exciting new project is a continuation of our commitment to improving the public transit experience for everyone who lives, works, and visits our community,” said U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez of New Jersey. “Not only will travelers benefit from a streamlined transit experience, but our community as a whole will feel the positive impacts of our investments in this vital infrastructure. I’m grateful to our partners at the Port Authority for taking on this work, and remain committed to supporting them in any way I can.”

 

“Longstanding gaps in transit accessibility have made what should be a short trip for Newark and Elizabeth residents into an hour-long hassle. The groundbreaking of the EWR station access project is another step forward in our commitment to building a world-class public transit system that works for everyone, no matter their zip code,” said New Jersey state Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz. “Once complete, this new link will reduce travel times, make it simpler for employees to get to work, and connect our communities to more opportunities. I look forward to seeing the project come together and thank the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for equitably reshaping our region’s infrastructure.”

 

“Public transportation is about moving people around in a more efficient, affordable manner. The Newark (EWR) station access project will provide the residents of Elizabeth and Newark a one seat ride into NYC and easier access to Newark Liberty Airport for commuters and travelers alike,” said New Jersey state Sen. Joe Cryan. “I am grateful that the PANYNJ has recognized the transportation needs of my constituents in District 20 and is moving forward with a plan.”

 

“The Newark station access project is a crucial advancement for our community,” said New Jersey state Sen. Renee Burgess. “This new station will provide South Ward residents direct access to Newark Airport and the Northeast Corridor — one of the most significant rail lines in the country. It will enhance access to jobs, education, and opportunities. This project represents an investment in equity, mobility, and Newark's future. I am proud to support this transformative initiative that will benefit our neighborhoods for generations to come.” 

 

“This project is a welcome investment in access and opportunity, not just for the people of Newark and Elizabeth, but for our entire state. It reflects the kind of forward-thinking infrastructure New Jersey relies on and will pay dividends for decades to come as our presence in the region continues to grow,” said New Jersey state Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin. “For too long, families living just minutes from a major transportation hub have had to endure long commutes and limited access to the opportunities that exist just beyond their reach. By connecting local neighborhoods to jobs, transit, and the global gateway that is Newark Airport, we’re opening doors for thousands of residents and laying the groundwork for stronger, more connected communities.”

 

“This project is about making sure Newark is connected and included in the region’s growth,” said New Jersey state Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin. “Better access to the airport means more opportunities for our residents, for jobs, for business, and for getting where they need to go. I’m glad to see this investment moving forward, and I thank the Port Authority and everyone involved for keeping our communities front and center.”

 

“The groundbreaking by the Port Authority for the EWR station access project is a big step toward making Newark Liberty International Airport more accessible for travelers and employees who reside in Newark,” said Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. “When it opens, this new entranceway will enhance the connection that the airport has with the city and open up new opportunities for economic growth and job creation.”

 

“This neighborhood is a thriving community and this gives some life to it,” said Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. “I appreciate the Port Authority for putting this on and making it a reality for us in the city of Newark and beautifying it at the same time while that happens, using art and community folks, and making sure the community is involved at the same time. I look forward to the ribbon-cutting now that we did this groundbreaking.”

 

“We are excited and looking forward to the next steps of reimaging the South Ward through our upgraded transportation system and providing access to our residents,” said Newark city councilmember Patrick O. Council.

 

“Whether you’re traveling by train or plane at Newark Airport, the Newark Airport station access project enhances the customer experience and provides more access to travel for everyone,” said Eliot Hamlisch, Amtrak executive vice president and chief commercial officer. “We’re proud to partner with the Port Authority on this essential project as we continue to transform Northeast Corridor infrastructure.”

 

“This project represents a major step forward in expanding equitable access to regional transportation,” said Kris Kolluri, president & CEO of NJ TRANSIT. “By creating a new direct entry point to the Newark Liberty International Airport Rail Station, this project will not only improve convenience and shorten travel times, but also strengthens the critical connections that fuel opportunity and mobility for the communities who depend on public transit.”

 

“Transportation is all about connecting people and communities,” said NJDOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor. “The Newark Airport station access project will safely connect South Ward and North Elizabeth residents to our regional transit system and Newark Airport. It will open doors to an underserved community and make a lasting impact on their quality of life for years to come.”

 

Improving public access to Newark Liberty has been a longstanding community priority and is a central goal of the Port Authority’s EWR Vision Plan, a comprehensive strategy for supporting the airport’s future growth while better serving passengers, airlines, and neighboring communities.

 

The project is expected to generate 675 total jobs, $125 million in direct wages, and nearly $300 million in total economic activity.

 

Redeveloping Newark Liberty International Airport

The Port Authority is in the midst of a complete redevelopment of Newark Liberty International Airport that began with the 2023 opening of Terminal A – the centerpiece of an airport-wide renaissance designed to establish the airport as a world-class gateway for the New Jersey and New York region. The airport’s redevelopment is outlined in the agency’s EWR Vision plan to accommodate future growth and deliver a world-class air travel experience from curb to gate. Major elements of the redevelopment of Newark Liberty include: 

• Terminal development: A new, world-class international terminal to replace the current Terminal B, while enhancing Terminal C to improve the customer experience. Both would complement the airport’s award-winning new Terminal A that opened in January 2023, which could also see further expansion. The spacious, streamlined terminals would allow the airport to accommodate continued growth in passenger volume, while leaving space for further expansion as needed. 

• Airside development: Improving airport operations with a more efficient and resilient taxiway network, while accommodating the industry trend toward larger aircraft. The new network would increase parking capacity and flexibility for aircraft, while creating redundancies to minimize delays during irregular operations. It incorporates additional deicing facilities, allowing aircraft to push off from gates more quickly. It would also include the industry’s latest safety standards, increasing straight taxiway segments and minimizing the need for crossings. 

• Landside development: Transformation of the airport’s vehicular and multi-modal access, prioritizing efficiency and convenience for all users. Alongside terminal buildings, frontages would be expanded to meet industry standards, providing ample space for passenger waiting, loading and unloading while minimizing walking distances. AirTrain access would be simplified, while connectivity and amenities for cyclists, pedestrians, and service vehicles would be improved. The roadway network would also be streamlined to reduce decision points and separate major flows with independent circulation for each terminal. 
  
  
• AirTrain Newark: Replacing the outdated AirTrain Newark with a modern, 2.5-mile automated train system to accommodate a ridership forecasted to grow by 50% by 2040. A critical component of the airport, the system carries about 33,000 passengers and employees daily, or approximately 12 million passengers annually. It provides access to the Northeast Corridor Rail Link Station, and allows customers and employees to transfer between terminals, parking lots, and rental car facilities.

 

For more information and future updates, visit the EWR Redevelopment website.