The Indian Panorama

Tag: NJ TRANSIT

  • North Brunswick Train Station Reaches New Design Milestone

    North Brunswick Train Station Reaches New Design Milestone

    MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ (TIP): The North Brunswick Train Station is advancing under the management of Middlesex County Improvement Authority (MCIA) with a recent announcement of 30% design approval and funding agreement with NJ TRANSIT for the final design phase of the project. The project now is moving towards 60% design completion with the construction drawings covering items such as passenger platforms, the overhead pedestrian bridges, foundation elements, steel connections, methods of structural support and DEP approval process.

    “These milestones are important as the design phase now moves from the conceptual stage to actual construction drawings,” said Executive Director H. James Polos. “We are eagerly completing the necessary foundational work to move full steam ahead with construction of the new train station in the very near future.”

    Under a unique partnership established in 2020 with NJ TRANSIT, the MCIA is managing the North Brunswick Train Station project. The agreement permits the MCIA to serve as the project manager overseeing the design and construction of the project. Under the agreement, the MCIA coordinates input from NJ TRANSIT, AMTRAK, New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), the township of North Brunswick, and Middlesex County.

    “The MCIA has streamlined what is normally a cumbersome process,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. “Collaboration amongst all agencies through regular design team meetings has been a major benefit in moving this project forward expeditiously.”

    “The North Brunswick Train Station is a vital component of Middlesex County’s Destination 2040 strategic economic plan which will make Middlesex County a thriving, attractive destination to live, work, and play for generations to come,” said Chairman of the MCIA James Nolan. “Additionally, we expect the station to help manage traffic congestion along the Route 1 corridor and provide a more sustainable way to travel and commute.”

    “We remain grateful to our partners at the MCIA for managing this effort and celebrate the steady progress for the train station we have sought, and which is now approaching 60% design completion,” said North Brunswick Mayor Francis M. Womack.

    “Progressing to this design phase of the North Brunswick Train Station is a key milestone in our efforts to enhance mobility along the Northeast Corridor and support economic development in the region,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin S. Corbett. “Our funding agreement and strong partnership with the MCIA underscore our shared commitment to delivering a modern, accessible, and efficient train station that will benefit North Brunswick and the surrounding communities for decades to come.”

    Funding for the project has been provided by the New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund (NJTTF) in the amount of $50 million. WSP USA is the contracted design and engineering firm managed by MCIA. The MCIA will also manage the design and construction of the New Brunswick Train Station renovations performed by AECOM.

    MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ

    Middlesex County is bettering the lives of residents and providing economic growth opportunities to business and industry. It is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies, three universities, 19 County parks, and world-class healthcare and research facilities, making it one of the nation’s most dynamic regions and a leader in life sciences, transportation, the arts, and food innovation. As one of the most diverse populations in the country, Middlesex County is home to over 860,000 residents living throughout 25 municipalities. The County’s award-winning Middlesex County Magnet Schools system and two-year Middlesex College uphold its position as #1 in the state for education and workforce development. Conveniently located between New York and Philadelphia, Middlesex County is a leading destination for businesses and residents alike to live, work, and play – and has been since the 17th century. For more information, visit middlesexcountynj.gov and find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

  • Indian American Kris Kolluri tapped to lead NY & NJ’s Gateway Program

    Indian American Kris Kolluri tapped to lead NY & NJ’s Gateway Program

    NEW YORK (TIP): Kris Kolluri, an Indian American infrastructure management expert, has been tapped to lead New York and New Jersey’s Gateway Program, including redevelopment of the Portal North Bridge and a new Hudson River tunnel. New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy jointly announced the nomination of Kolluri as the CEO of the Gateway Development Commission, on May 6. The Commission is a partnership between New York, New Jersey and Amtrak that coordinates delivery of the Gateway Program with its partner agencies, including the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and NJ TRANSIT.

    Kolluri will be considered by the Gateway Development Commission’s Board at its next upcoming meeting, anticipated on May 16, according to a press release from the New York governor’s office.

    “With his extensive resume, Kris Kolluri brings an extraordinary record of public service and I am confident he will serve New York and New Jersey well as CEO of the Gateway Development Commission,” Hochul said.

    “The Gateway Hudson Tunnel is critical to the Northeast corridor serving more than 800,000 passengers daily and is a key component of our plan to build back stronger than ever,” she said.

    “Moving the Gateway Program, and specifically the Hudson Tunnel Project, forward is critically important for our region, and I am confident that Kris Kolluri’s leadership will help us realize these much-needed projects,” said Murphy. “Kris has years of infrastructure management and operations experience, as well as years of government experience, that will be vital as we continue working with our federal partners to get the Gateway Program fully funded and completed.” “I am honored to be nominated by Governors Phil Murphy and Kathy Hochul to be Chief Executive Officer of the Gateway Development Commission. I look forward to meeting the Commissioners and supporting their important work,” said Kolluri.

    “There is a clear and present opportunity and desire among federal, state, and bi-state partners to advance the Hudson Tunnel Project and the Gateway Program,” he said. “In the short term, the HTP is poised to move forward and the Commission has a critical role in overseeing the successful delivery of this project.”

    “Should my candidacy be approved by the Commissioners, I commit to being singularly focused on ensuring that this collaborative effort results in HTP’s fruition,” said Kolluri. Kolluri served as the Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Transportation (DOT) from January 2006 until December 2008.

    In his capacity as DOT Commissioner, Kolluri served as Chairman of NJ TRANSIT, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, and the South Jersey Transportation Authority. While at DOT, Kolluri played an instrumental role in helping develop a funding strategy to meet New Jersey’s contribution towards the ARC project, a nationally significant rail tunnel project that would have connected New Jersey and New York.

    At DOT, Kolluri oversaw a total of 17,000 employees, more than $3.6 billion in capital funds, and over $2 billion in operating funds.

    Kolluri currently serves as the President & CEO of Camden Community Partnership, Inc., an economic and community development non-profit. He previously served as the CEO of the Rowan University/Rutgers – Camden Board of Governors (Joint Board).

    Prior to his appointment as CEO of the Joint Board, he served as Counsel at the law firm of Windels Marx Lane and Mittendorf, where he advised clients on transportation and economic development matters.

    Kris also served as the CEO of the New Jersey Schools Development Authority from December 2008 to January 2010.

    Before serving as DOT Commissioner, Kris specialized in redevelopment and transportation law as an attorney at Parker McCay of Marlton. Kris has a Bachelor of Science from Rutgers University – Camden and a Juris Doctor degree from Georgetown University. He lives in Haddonfield, New Jersey.