NJ Transit publishes a request for final design, construction, and commissioning of the Northern Rail Maintenance of Way Facility
NJ Transit Commences Procurement Process for New Northern Rail Maintenance-of-Way Facility
The Northern Rail Maintenance-of-Way (MoW) Facility, located in Clifton, NJ, is currently undergoing a significant transformation. This new facility will replace the aging and flood-prone Wood-Ridge location, marking a crucial step towards improving the reliability and safety of NJ Transit's rail network.
As of mid-2025, NJ Transit has initiated the procurement phase for this project. In July, they issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) inviting design-build teams to prequalify for the project [1][4]. This formal procurement and design-build selection process is a significant milestone in the development of the new facility.
The project involves demolishing an existing building, constructing three new buildings, performing site grading, coordinating utilities, and integrating maintenance equipment on two NJ Transit-owned sites [1]. The new facility will be designed to modernize the space for servicing and repairing vehicles, improving maintenance efficiency and service reliability.
NJ Transit President and CEO Kris Kolluri emphasized the importance of the new facility, stating that it will support the agency's growing maintenance and repair demands more effectively than the older Wood-Ridge site, contributing to more dependable rail service overall [1].
Following the evaluation of the design-build teams, NJ Transit anticipates shortlisting the most qualified firms to move forward to the next phase, a formal Request for Proposal. After this, actual construction is likely to start, with a probable commencement date in late 2025 or early 2026 [1]. However, no public completion date has been announced yet. Given the scale of the project, it is reasonable to expect the project to take at least one to two years to complete following contract award and mobilization.
The impact of this new facility is significant. It is expected to improve efficiency in maintenance, ensure that track repair equipment remains in a state of good repair, and thus enhance the reliability and safety of NJ Transit's rail service. The new facility will be located in Clifton, providing a more resilient and modernized base of operations for NJ Transit's maintenance and repair needs [1].
In addition to the main facility, the project involves the demolition and environmental abatement of an existing building and substructures at 99 Kuller Road [1]. The new location in Clifton will enhance NJ Transit's ability to maintain the right-of-way and railroad infrastructure, providing a more dependable service by ensuring track repair equipment remains in a state of good repair.
References: [1] NJ Transit (2025). Northern Rail Maintenance-of-Way Facility. Retrieved from https://www.njtransit.gov/rfps/Pages/Northern-Rail-Maintenance-of-Way-Facility.aspx
[4] New Jersey Business (2025). NJ Transit Issues RFQ for Northern Rail Maintenance-of-Way Facility. Retrieved from https://www.njbiz.com/2025/07/15/nj-transit-issues-rfq-for-northern-rail-maintenance-of-way-facility/
- The procurement process for the new Northern Rail Maintenance-of-Way Facility, conducted by NJ Transit, includes the integration of various aspects of technology, such as designing and constructing modern maintenance equipment buildings, as well as coordinating and upgrading utilities, thus marking a significant leap in the transportation industry's technological advancement.
- With the commencement of the formal procurement and design-build selection process, this NJ Transit project presents a unique opportunity for financial institutions to invest in the expansive infrastructure development of the rail industry, providing avenues for lucrative returns and the enhancement of transportation services.
- As the new Northern Rail Maintenance-of-Way Facility in Clifton, NJ, will incorporate state-of-the-art technology to ensure efficient servicing and repair of vehicles, it is anticipated that this improvement in infrastructure will lead to more reliable transportation services, thus boosting the overall growth and productivity of the rail industry.
