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On Sept. 13, New Jersey Transit’s board awarded Howell, N.J.-based George Harms Construction a $22.5 million contract to build 1.7 track miles between Paterson and Clifton.

Upon completion, most of NJ Transit’s mainline would be double-tracked, enabling the statewide public transportation system to increase off-peak and reverse-commute services. Double-tracking the system also would enable NJ Transit to add rush hour service when Secaucus Transfer Station opens in 2002.

"Construction of a second track along the mainline will benefit thousands of new passengers," said NJ Transit Executive Director Jeffrey Warsh in a prepared statement. "Once NJ Transit opens Secaucus Transfer, a customer from Clifton, Lyndhurst or Paterson can travel to New Brunswick, New York, Trenton or the Jersey Shore where new work and recreational opportunities are available."

Harms’ contract calls for construction of two single-track bridges in Paterson, related retaining structure, drainage improvements and the second track, as well as reconstruction of the Hazel Street overpass in Clifton.

The agency’s board also added $358,000 in expanded design work to an existing contract with New York-based Parsons Brinkerhoff, Quade & Douglas. Under new contract terms, the company would modify original designs for the Hazel Street bridge, design retaining structures for the two Paterson bridges, make additional drainage improvements and assist with additional wetland and stream-encroachment permits.

Construction is scheduled to begin next month and conclude in mid-2002.