Governor John Carney and U.S. Senator Tom Carper joined state and local officials today for a groundbreaking for the next phase of work on the Newark Regional Transportation Center (NRTC) which will construct the new train station building.

“This new station will become an important hub for thousands of people who live and work within the region,” said Governor John Carney. “Having a state-of-the-art transportation facility here will attract economic development while taking cars off of the road and represents another important infrastructure investment we are making in our state.”

“This transportation center will have an impact not just on passenger rail service to Newark, but on the economy of the entire region,” said U.S. Senator Tom Carper. “TIGER grants are competitive and awarded to projects that will advance mobility, community and sustainability. I worked hard to make sure Delaware got a fair shot at this award, and I’m thrilled it won. Now that the station is almost a reality, I look forward to the day it is up and running and attracting residents and businesses to the area.”

“We are excited that the exposed platform which for years has serviced Amtrak and Septa passengers will soon be gone, and in its place will stand a safe, accessible station that will provide upgraded rail service to the University of Delaware and its ever-growing STAR Campus and the region,” said Secretary of Transportation Jennifer Cohan.

The improved station will provide an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant high-level platform, expand parking, and provide significantly improved passenger amenities including a station building with bathrooms.

Phase 2 of the project was awarded to Bancroft Construction for $7,622, 320.18 and has a construction schedule of 453 calendar days. The project is partially funded by a $10 million TIGER IV Grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).  

Phase 3 of the project will consist of platform and track modifications, and a pedestrian overpass.