Abstract:
Planning for the Newark-Elizabeth Rail Link began in 1991 with initiation of a study of transit options to connect the cities of Newark and Elizabeth, New Jersey, and Newark International Airport, in a 15-km (9-mi) corridor. The preferred alternative is a light rail transit extension of the existing Newark City Subway. A draft environmental impact statement (EIS) was issued in January 1997 for the entire corridor, and a final EIS was issued in August 1998 for the initial 1.6-km (1-mi) first operating segment (FOS). The FOS has received a record of decision and is now in the final design and land acquisition stage. Described are the FOS and documents regarding its planning. The planning process and how the alternatives were refined to reflect public input are described. A number of individuals and groups participated in a series of 120 workshops and public meetings over a 3-year period to arrive at the preferred alternative. Although the public outreach took a long time, it permitted the selection of a preferred alternative that had broad acceptance. Also described is how the project team created a phased implementation strategy that permitted New Jersey Transit Corporation to advance into final design those project segments that had independent utility, while deferring other elements for which consensus remained to be achieved.
Supplemental Notes:
This paper is available on the CD-ROM, Light Rail: Investment for the Future, 8th Joint Conference on Light Rail Transit.
