Sunday, June 15, 2025
A groundbreaking project aimed at providing direct access to Newark Liberty International Airport for residents of Newark’s South Ward neighborhoods has officially begun construction. The $160 million Newark Airport Station Access Project will drastically reduce travel times for residents, cutting the commute to the airport from 40-60 minutes down to just 9 minutes. The project, set for completion by the end of 2026, will connect the South Ward communities to the existing Amtrak and NJ Transit rail station and enhance accessibility to the airport via the AirTrain.
For decades, residents of the South Ward have faced significant transportation challenges in reaching the airport, one of the largest and busiest in the region. They have had to rely on time-consuming bus routes or drive long distances to access the airport, despite its proximity. This new project, located off Frelinghuysen Avenue, will create a dedicated station with a pedestrian bridge that extends over the Amtrak tracks, making it easier for residents to access the airport directly.
In addition to the new station, the project will provide parking, bike and pedestrian access, and ride-share drop-off areas, all designed to improve connectivity and reduce travel time. By the time the project is completed, it’s estimated that 400,000 people annually will benefit from this more efficient and equitable transportation option, opening up new opportunities for local residents and supporting economic growth in the area.
This development is part of a larger vision to improve Newark’s infrastructure and connect its residents with better jobs and opportunities, particularly in sectors like aviation and logistics.
1. Project Overview: Making Access to Newark Airport Easier
The Newark Airport Station Access Project will bring significant changes to how residents of Newark’s South Ward neighborhoods connect to Newark Liberty International Airport. For decades, the airport had been visible from the neighborhood, yet access was obstructed by busy rail lines, preventing many residents from easily reaching the airport.
Currently, residents must navigate a series of bus transfers to get to the airport, often spending 40 to 60 minutes just to travel a few miles. This lack of direct access has long been a point of frustration and inequality for South Ward residents, especially when it comes to accessing job opportunities at the airport or in related sectors.
The new facility, which will be built on the site of the Pink Elephant off-airport parking lot, will address these issues by connecting the community to the existing Amtrak and NJ Transit rail stations. By extending the pedestrian bridge over Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor tracks, the project will create a direct connection between the neighborhoods and the airport, eliminating the need for long bus rides or driving.
This improvement promises to save residents valuable time—time that can now be spent on more productive activities, improving overall quality of life for the South Ward community.
2. Key Features of the Newark Airport Station Access Project
Once completed, the new station will be equipped with several key features designed to enhance accessibility and convenience for passengers. Among these are:
- Direct Pedestrian Bridge: A new pedestrian bridge will extend over the Amtrak tracks, providing a safe and direct pathway for residents to access the airport.
- Frequent AirTrain Service: The AirTrain, which connects passengers to the airport terminals, will run every 4 to 5 minutes during peak periods, making it easy for passengers to transfer from the station to the airport.
- Improved Bus Connectivity: Three NJ Transit bus routes will serve the new station, providing additional options for getting to and from the airport.
- Parking and Ride-Share Facilities: In addition to pedestrian access, the station will include parking facilities, as well as designated areas for taxi and ride-share drop-offs, making it easy for travelers to use various modes of transportation.
- Bicycle and Pedestrian Access: The station will also be accessible by bike, encouraging environmentally friendly transportation options.
This combination of features aims to provide seamless, efficient, and reliable access to Newark Liberty International Airport for local residents and travelers alike.
3. Improving Equity and Economic Opportunities for Residents
One of the central goals of the Newark Airport Station Access Project is to improve transportation equity for the South Ward community. For years, the lack of easy access to the airport has been a significant barrier for local residents, limiting their ability to seek better-paying jobs, especially in industries related to the airport itself.
Newark Liberty International Airport is one of the region’s largest employers, and many positions within the airport and related sectors are only accessible to those who can reach it quickly. Without direct access to the airport, many residents were left out of these opportunities, despite living in close proximity.
The new station promises to change this, allowing residents to get to the airport in just nine minutes, significantly reducing travel time and increasing their access to job opportunities in the area. This improvement will not only help the local community but also contribute to the growth of Newark’s economy by connecting residents with employment opportunities and attracting businesses to the area.
4. Boosting Tourism and Economic Growth
The Newark Airport Station Access Project is not just beneficial for local residents; it will also have a positive impact on the wider economy. With easier access to Newark Liberty International Airport, more visitors will be able to travel to and from the airport more efficiently, boosting tourism and business travel to the region.
In addition, the development of this new transportation hub aligns with broader efforts to revitalize the South Ward area and improve infrastructure across the city. As new developments like the Lionsgate Film Studios begin to take shape in the area, the improved transportation links will support the growth of the local economy by making it easier for workers and tourists to access these new facilities.
As the area becomes more connected to the airport and other parts of the city, it is expected to see increased investment, job creation, and overall economic development, making the region a more attractive place for businesses and residents alike.
5. Future Plans: A Step Toward Broader Transportation Improvements
The Newark Airport Station Access Project is part of a larger plan to enhance transportation options throughout Newark and the surrounding region. While this project will provide immediate benefits for South Ward residents, it also lays the groundwork for future transportation improvements, including the potential extension of the PATH rail system from Penn Station Newark to the airport.
Although the PATH extension project is currently on hold, the new station has been designed to accommodate future PATH tracks, ensuring that this transportation option remains a possibility as demand grows in the coming years. By expanding the city’s transportation infrastructure, Newark will be better positioned to meet the needs of its growing population and economy.
6. Conclusion: A Game-Changer for Newark’s South Ward
The Newark Airport Station Access Project is a significant step forward in improving transportation access for Newark’s South Ward residents. By reducing travel time to Newark Liberty International Airport from 40 minutes to just nine, the project is creating new opportunities for local residents, boosting the city’s economy, and enhancing Newark’s position as a hub for business and tourism.
With the completion of this project expected by the end of 2026, the future of transportation in Newark looks brighter than ever, offering residents and travelers a faster, more convenient way to navigate the city and connect with the world.
