Middlesex County and its partners announce major decision in the design and engineering of the North Brunswick Train Station
Middlesex County and its partners announce major decision in the design and engineering of the North Brunswick Train Station
Middlesex County Improvement Authority awards contract to WSP, USA
MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ –The Middlesex County Improvement Authority (MCIA) has made a significant step forward in the development of the North Brunswick Train Station— selecting WSP USA as the design and engineering consultant for the project. Middlesex County, and its partners, the New Jersey Department of Transportation; NJ TRANSIT; North Brunswick Township; and the MCIA, hosted a virtual press conference on Thursday, April 15 to make the official announcement; a link to the press event can be found at this link
The total project award is $3,199,272, which includes $2,907,272 (Phase 1 – $724,765 & Phase 2 – $2,182,507) plus $292,000 in allowances that are contingent upon the approval of the MCIA. Overall, the project will consist of four phases – Conceptual Engineering, Preliminary Engineering, Final Engineering, and finally Construction Assistance Services.
Middlesex County and the MCIA took the helm of this multi-faceted project in the fall of 2019, with the MCIA serving as project Manager, driving progress after a prolonged lull. In October 2020, the MCIA, via a virtual press conference, announced its request for proposals for the design and engineering of the train station.
“We are confident that with WSP’s 130-year legacy of building sustainable societies, it is the right partner to create the future that our County envisions for this region. The selection of an engineering partner is a major leap forward in this project and for the future of transportation in the Township of North Brunswick, the surrounding communities, and Middlesex County as a whole,” said County Commissioner and NJ Transit Board Member, Shanti Narra.
As Commissioner, I am proud to lead a department that focuses on communities; we recognize who our customers are and recognize the importance of serving them. Adding facilities like the New Brunswick Train Station does not happen often or it does not happen overnight. This project was first proposed 15 years ago but with the support of Governor Murphy and officials this partnership has taken the idea and moved into action,” said NJDOT Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Chair, Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti. “Middlesex County; the New Jersey Department of Transportation; NJ TRANSIT; North Brunswick Township; and the MCIA will work very hard with WSP USA to ensure the train station reflects the community it is going to serve.”
“The station is not just going to contribute to economic growth for Middlesex County and its residents but will serve thousands of customers along the busiest line in our system – the Northeast Corridor. It is the most well-known rail corridor in the Country and is one of the key ways we serve Middlesex County. This is one of many projects in our 5-year capital plan in which NJ TRANSIT is investing nearly a billion dollars in Middlesex County infrastructure,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO, Kevin Corbett.
“In 2019, the MCIA and its team was charged with moving this long-awaited project forward to develop a much-needed Transit Village train station. In less than two years, we assembled an experienced and highly qualified team to work on this unique public-private partnership and have found an invaluable, world-class partner to bring us through the first two phases of the project. We are pleased to welcome WSP USA to join our team,” said MCIA Executive Director, James Polos.
“As one of the leading infrastructure firms, WSP USA is looking forward to partnering with MCIA, NJ TRANSIT, the Township of North Brunswick, and other stakeholders to meet not only the project expectations but also the expectations of the local community to bring a much-needed project to construction. This is a key piece of infrastructure in North Brunswick and Middlesex County that is expected to support economic growth and improve quality of life for residents and businesses in the area,” said Andy Paluri, PE, PTOE, WSP USA Vice President/Mid-Atlantic District Leader.
“We thank Middlesex County, the Middlesex County Improvement Authority, the Department of Transportation, and NJ TRANSIT for their continued partnership in this much-needed train station that will bring so many benefits to our municipality,” said North Brunswick Township Mayor Francis “Mac” Womack. “North Brunswick looks forward to continuing to work with these partners, now joined by WSP USA, to move this project forward in a swift fashion.”
As announced in 2019 by County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios and the Board of County Commissioners, the MCIA has successfully pivoted its focus from general county services to primarily economic development, leveraging its unique ability to bond and finance projects. In the same year, the MCIA announced a first-of-its-kind partnership with NJ TRANSIT to serve as the project manager for the North Brunswick Train Station. Recognizing the unique capability of the MCIA, NJ TRANSIT allowed a County for the first time to manage the construction of this crucial infrastructure project.
Under the new role and direction of the MCIA as the financial arm of the County’s economic development strategy, the North Brunswick Train Station is moving forward swiftly. This forward-thinking redevelopment project embodies the vision of Destination 2040, the County’s strategic economic plan, and its goal of making Middlesex County a thriving, attractive destination to live, work, and play for generations while attracting new residents, businesses, and visitors to sustain its future.
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WSP USA
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors, and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water, and environment markets. With more than 10,000 employees in 170 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper. wsp.com
MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ
Middlesex County is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies, three universities, 18 park systems, and world-class healthcare and research facilities making it one of the nation’s most dynamic regions and a leader in technology, transportation, the arts, and food innovation. As one of the most diverse populations in the country, Middlesex County is home to over 832,000 residents living throughout 25 municipalities and employing nearly 40,000 people. Ranked #1 in the state for best schools, the County offers an award-winning vocational school system, a county college, and workforce development creating a unique ecosystem in which opportunities abound. Conveniently located between New York and Philadelphia, Middlesex County is a leading destination for businesses and residents alike to live, work, and play – and has been since the 17th century. For more information, visit middlesexcountynj.gov and find us on Facebook and Instagram.
