advertisement

---

Yesterday, New Jersey Transit's board authorized $1.7 million in improvements to Watsessing Station in Bloomfield, N.J., including restoration of the building's exterior to complement an earlier restoration of inbound and outbound canopies.

The board awarded a $1.7 million contract to John O'Hara Co. Inc. for the exterior renovation to preserve the character of the historic station, NJ Transit officials said in a prepared statement. The project also will include site improvements at the street and platform levels, and installation of CCTV cameras, passenger communication systems and updated signage.

"The improvements will both enhance the commuting experience for those who use the station today, while preserving the historic station for future generations," said NJ Transit Executive Director James Weinstein.

Work on the federally funded project is slated to begin by year's end and be completed in fall 2013. The one-story brick station was built in 1912.

In 2007, NJ Transit completed the first phase of the station improvement project, which included restoration of the platforms, canopies and retaining wall.