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New Jersey Transit's board of directors had a busy start to the work week. On Monday, the board allocated funds for a corridor study and several capital projects.

For starters, the NJ Transit board awarded a $6.4 million contract to Simpson & Brown Inc. to construct a pedestrian bridge spanning the east end of the Long Slip Canal adjacent to the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail station at Hoboken Terminal. Bridge construction will begin later this fall, with completion expected in spring 2009.

The board also approved $1.7 million in improvements for Watsessing Station. Watertrol Inc. was enlisted to restore the platform and canopy, mount new roof tiles, repair and replace metal fences and stairways, install new platform lighting, and treat concrete surfaces with “anti-graffiti protection,” according to a NJ Transit statement.

Meanwhile, the board awarded a $1.2 million contract to Systra Consulting Inc. to conduct a study to evaluate ways to increase the use of public transportation -- specifically, "non-highway solutions" to reduce vehicular congestion on the I-78 and Raritan Valley corridors. Among them: the creation of new or expanded multimodal park-and-ride facilities, and a rail-service extension of the Raritan Valley Line. The federally funded study should be completed by 2008's end.

Finally, the board approved a 10-year land lease to Notchwood L.L.C., which will develop and build a new Upper Montclair Station featuring a restaurant, public restrooms and waiting areas. The 2,800-square-foot building, which will cost $850,000 to construct, will replace a structure that was damaged by a 2006 fire. Construction could start by the end of next year, NJ Transit says.