Request for Qualifications released by NJ Transit for the final design, construction, and commissioning of the Northern Rail Maintenance of Way (MOW) Facility
New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) has initiated the pre-construction phase of the Northern Rail Maintenance-of-Way (MOW) Facility project, with the agency issuing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) on July 23-24, 2025 [1][2]. The project aims to modernize and enhance the maintenance capabilities for NJ Transit's rail network, ultimately leading to fewer disruptions, enhanced safety, and better overall service reliability.
The new facility, located at 99 Kuller Road in Clifton, NJ, will replace the aging and flood-prone Wood-Ridge MOW facility. The project includes the demolition and environmental abatement of existing buildings and substructures at the Clifton site, as well as the construction of three new buildings across two NJ Transit-owned sites [1].
In addition to the new buildings, the project will involve site grading, the creation of new access roads, and the establishment of dedicated parking areas. The facility will also see updates to its utilities and the integration of modern maintenance equipment [1].
NJ Transit will evaluate design-build teams based on their technical qualifications, relevant experience, and project approach. Once the most qualified firms have been shortlisted, they will be invited to submit formal proposals for the project [1].
According to NJ Transit President and CEO Kris Kolluri, the new facility is expected to improve the long-term reliability and safety of the rail network. By ensuring track repair equipment is maintained in good condition and enabling a more dependable rail service, the facility will provide more efficient maintenance and more dependable service [1].
The timeline for construction start and completion has not yet been published. However, since the RFQ was just issued, subsequent steps will include the shortlisting of firms, the issuance of a formal Request for Proposals (RFP), and then contracting, meaning active construction may begin later in 2025 or 2026 depending on procurement and design durations [1][2].
In summary, the Northern Rail Maintenance-of-Way Facility project in Clifton, NJ, is a critical infrastructure investment aimed at supporting NJ Transit’s rail operations by upgrading maintenance capacity. Once complete, it is expected to lead to fewer disruptions, enhanced safety, and better overall service reliability on the northern NJ rail network.
| Aspect | Details | |----------------------------|---------------------------------------------------| | Current phase | RFQ issued for final design, construction, commissioning (July 2025) | | Location | 99 Kuller Road, Clifton, NJ | | Purpose | Replace outdated Wood-Ridge MOW facility; modernization and resiliency | | Components | Demolition, new buildings (3), site work, utilities, equipment upgrades | | Expected impact | Improved maintenance efficiency, rail network reliability, and safety | | Timeline status | Pre-construction/design procurement ongoing; construction timeline pending |
- The technology used in the new Northern Rail Maintenance-of-Way Facility project will include modern maintenance equipment, ensuring track repair equipment is maintained in good condition for the rail industry.
- The infrastructure development for the project extends to site grading, the creation of new access roads, and the establishment of dedicated parking areas, improving transportation for the NJ Transit's rail network.
- The project's financing will involve shortlisting design-build teams, issuing a formal Request for Proposals (RFP), and contracting, requiring collaboration from various sectors such as finance and aerospace to facilitate the construction process.
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