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Earlier this week, New Jersey Transit’s board approved a $251,000 contract with AKRF Inc. to study the feasibility of extending Hudson-Bergen light-rail service farther west in Jersey City.

AKRF will perform the first phase of an alternatives analysis for the extension, which would run from the western terminus of West Side Avenue Station across Route 440 to a redevelopment zone along the Hackensack Riverfront. A new station would link the Jersey City waterfront and North Hudson to new residential, commercial and retail development the municipality is planning near West Side Avenue Station.

The alternatives analysis will include potential alignments, station planning, park and ride locations, operational needs and cost estimates. The Hudson-Bergen line opened in April 2000.

NJ Transit’s board also awarded a $2.1 million design/build contract to Northeast Remsco Coast. Inc. and ARORA and Associates for the first phase of the Pennsauken Transit Center, which will provide River Line light-rail and Atlantic City Line riders direct access to both services. The contract is contingent on environmental reviews.

The first phase calls for building a 200-foot platform with 60-foot canopy for customers boarding River Line trains, and installing infrastructure and conduit for communications, security and ticket vending machines, grading, drainage and lighting.

Under the second phase, NJ Transit plans to build two 300-foot-long, high-level platforms on either side of the Atlantic City Line, and add two elevators and stairs. To be completed at 2012’s end, the entire project is estimated to cost $40 million.

Finally, NJ Transit’s board authorized a pedestrian and traffic circulation improvement project at Newark Penn Station. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act-funded project includes a new roundabout on Raymond Plaza West, the realignment of Alling Street and an upgraded plaza, as well as new street lighting and benches.

NJ Transit plans to award a contract within the next month and complete the project in mid-2011.