2. ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

Transcription

1

2 ProposedRestorationofPassengerRailServiceontheWestTrentonLine DraftEnvironmentalAssessment November2007 AlternativesConsidered 2. ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED 2.1 PROJECT HISTORY Until 1976, when Conrail was created by the Federal government, the Reading Railroad operated passenger service on the West Trenton Line. In its final years of passenger rail operation, limited service was operated between Reading Terminal in Philadelphia and Newark Penn Station. Later, service was further limited to operate only between West Trenton and Newark Penn Stations. In 1982, the service was discontinued due to budgetary constraints and the line s poor financial performance. Although the passenger service was discontinued, NJ TRANSIT retained operating rights for passenger service on the West Trenton Line and retained ownership of property at two of the former stations (West Trenton and Belle Mead). A decade beyond the end of rail service in the two-county area, commercial and residential development continued to soar, leading to increased traffic congestion on arterial roads like U.S. Routes 1 and 206. Consequently, public interest in reactivating passenger rail service in Mercer and Somerset counties remained high. In response to the groundswell of support for the restoration of passenger rail service in 1994, NJ TRANSIT performed a detailed study entitled the West Trenton Passenger Restoration Study Technical Report. The study examined the proposed West Trenton Line passenger service routing as well as the physical condition and integration with freight service on the Trenton Line and the Lehigh Main Line. Additionally, NJ TRANSIT assessed factors that would limit the restoration of passenger service, including capacity and operational constraints on the Raritan Valley Line (RVL), the Trenton Line, and the Lehigh Main. The work program for the study focused on the following issues: (1) assessment of ridership potential; (2) assessment of the most cost-effective infrastructure improvements that could support restored passenger service; (3) quantification of traffic relief and air quality improvement potentials; and (4) evaluation of the merits of restoration. The study resulted in four alternatives, all of which provided some form of passenger rail service on the West Trenton Line. The study concluded that a combined rail-bus service scheme was the most cost-effective solution; however the overall findings ultimately did not constitute a strong justification for proceeding with the project in the immediate future. The study recommended that NJ TRANSIT continue its efforts to ensure that the rail right-of-way was preserved to allow for the possibility of future service restoration. With a continued interest in providing improved mobility options in central New Jersey, Somerset County in 1997 secured a federal earmark to fund this study, the Restoration of Passenger Rail Service on the West Trenton Line Environmental Assessment. In that same year, the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA), the regional metropolitan planning organization (MPO), prepared a Statement of Approach (SOA) that endorsed the selection of Alternative 1 - Restoration of Passenger Rail Service from West Trenton to Newark as the Build Alternative, based upon the findings of the 1994 study. The SOA further recommended that the next phase of project development be the preparation of a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA). The decision to proceed with the project as an EA and with Alternative 1 was endorsed by the NJTPA, NJ TRANSIT, FTA, Somerset County and various other interested agencies. In addition to being endorsed by several overseeing agencies, Alternative 1 demonstrated the most promise with respect to improving mobility in the region, preserving the natural environment, providing consistency with local plans and policies for transit development, and offering the greatest public benefit, thereby satisfying the study goals and objectives. Since 1997, NJ TRANSIT has focused on the continued development of the Build Alternative and the assessment of its impacts and benefits, as compiled in this Draft EA document. Page 2-1

3 ProposedRestorationofPassengerRailServiceontheWestTrentonLine DraftEnvironmentalAssessment November2007 AlternativesConsidered 2.2 ALIGNMENT SUMMARY The 27-mile West Trenton Line is owned by the CSX Corporation from its connection to Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority s (SEPTA) R3 West Trenton Regional Rail Line at West Trenton Station in Ewing, New Jersey to the junction with the Lehigh Line near Manville. The spur leading north from Port Reading Junction to just south of the NJ TRANSIT RVL west of Bridgewater, New Jersey is owned by Bridgewater Resources, Inc. The West Trenton Line is mostly a single-track railroad in a two-track right of way south of Hopewell Borough, and is generally single-tracked in a four-track right of way north of Hopewell Borough. The physical condition of the line is good and freight movements are significant. At its northern end, the West Trenton Line merges with the Lehigh Line at Port Reading Junction in Manville at Milepost Originally the line crossed the Lehigh Line via an at-grade diamond crossing and continued north for approximately 1.1 miles where it merged with what is now NJ TRANSIT s RVL. This connecting track in Manville ( Reading Connector ) was removed from service and the diamond crossing eliminated in the early 1980 s. As part of the Build Alternative, the connecting track between the West Trenton Line and the RVL will need to be reinstated to permit a connection between the West Trenton Line and the RVL. NJ TRANSIT has retained easement rights over the 1.1 mile connecting track right-of-way, owned by Bridgewater Resources Inc. In addition, the diamond crossing of the Lehigh Line would also be reinstated (see Figure 2-1, following). From that point, the West Trenton Line service will travel east on the RVL and terminate at Newark Penn Station where commuters could transfer to other NJ TRANSIT, Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH), or Amtrak trains to access other New Jersey, New York City and regional destinations. At the southern end of the line, service would connect with the SEPTA R3 Line to Philadelphia via a passenger transfer at the West Trenton Station, the proposed terminus for NJ TRANSIT West Trenton Line trains. 2.3 SYNOPSIS OF ALTERNATIVES The alternatives summarized in Table 2-1 are described more completely in the 1994 West Trenton Passenger Restoration Study Technical Report, available separately from NJ TRANSIT. To determine the best course of action for passenger service restoration, four Build Alternatives and one No Build Alternative were studied prior to selecting the Build Alternative carried through the Environmental Assessment process. Figures 2-1 through 2-4 illustrate the alternatives. The sections below specifically describe the alternatives. Page 2-2

4 ProposedRestorationofPassengerRailServiceontheWestTrentonLine DraftEnvironmentalAssessment November2007 AlternativesConsidered Alternative Number Table 2-1: West Trenton Line Passenger Service - Summary of Alternatives 4 Alternative Alternative Description Proposed Stations Length of Name Alignment No Build No Build The No Build Alternative represents current conditions plus any additional improvements to roadway and transit systems that have already been authorized and will be completed by West Trenton Terminal (Build Alternative) 2 Jenkintown Terminal 3 Belle Mead Terminal 4 Shuttle Bus between Belle Mead and Somerville Restoration of passenger rail service originating from existing West Trenton SEPTA station in Ewing Township and connecting to NJ TRANSIT RVL line in Bridgewater Township, providing service to Newark Penn Station. Restoration of passenger rail service originating from Bucks County, PA to Newark Penn Station along the existing West Trenton alignment. Restoration of passenger rail service originating from proposed Belle Mead Station to Newark Penn Station along the existing West Trenton alignment. Combination of all day bus and peak rail service. Rail service would be the same as offered in Alternative 3, but a shuttle bus service would provide service to and from the stations listed in the Stations column, providing connections to the West Trenton and RVL. None NA NA West Trenton I-95 (Hopewell Township) Hopewell Borough Belle Mead Hillsborough Twp Jenkintown Somerton Langhorne/Woodburne Belle Mead Hillsborough Twp Belle Mead Hillsborough Twp Somerville Medical Center Somerville Rail Station Source: West Trenton Passenger Restoration Study Technical Report, SYSTRA Consulting, Inc., 1994 Total alignment length: 27 miles within the existing right of way New track: 12.8 miles of second track Total alignment: 48.7 miles New track: 12.8 miles of second track Total alignment: 8.3 miles New track: 2.8 miles of second track Same as alternative 3. Termini West Trenton/ Newark Jenkintown/ Newark Belle Mead/ Newark Rail: Belle Mead/Newark Shuttle Bus: Belle Mead/ Somerville 4 See 1994 West Trenton Passenger Restoration Study Technical Report, available from NJ TRANSIT, for the full description of the Alternatives. Page 2-3

5

6 Morris County Essex County Warren County Hunterdon County To High Bridge (NJT Raritan Valley Line) Norfolk-Southern Lehigh Line tu 202 tu 206 Far Hills 287 Bernards tu 22 tu 22 Bernardsville Peapack-Gladstone Bedminster North Branch Port Reading Junction Somerset County Raritan Branchburg Bound Somerset County Brook tu 202 Somerville Manville Raritan Bridgewater Somerville % Warren Bridgewater Bound Brook S. Bound Brook Green Brook Watchung North Plainfield To Newark Penn Station (NJT Raritan Valley Line) To Oak Island Yard (Conrail Lehigh Line) Union County Somerton Station (Philadelphia) Montgomery County Pennsylvania Langhorne/ Woodbourne Station (Middletown Township) Æ 29 Bucks County Pennsylvania Langhorne Bristol Myers (Hopewell Township) West Trenton Station (Ewing Township) Marshall's Corner (Hopewell Township) 95 Middletown To Philadelphia Mercer County R3 tu 1 Belle Mead (Montgomery Township) Hopewell Boro Æ 31 Trenton R7 Pennington To Philadelphia Existing Double Track South of this Point Hamilton Road (Alt 1) (Hillsborough Township) Hopewell Twp 95 Lawrence Twp Ewing Delaware R iver Trenton tu Proposed West Trenton Line NJT River tu 206 tu 1 Æ 33 Hamilton Æ 27 Princeton Amtrak/ NJT Northeast Corridor Line Line To Camden Hillsborough Montgomery Princeton Twp Princeton Boro Hamilton Millstone 195 Æ 27 Raider Boulevard (Alt 2) (Hillsborough Township) Rocky Hill To Newark/ New York Princeton Jct. West Windsor 2.8 Mile Second Track (Proposed) Franklin Hightstown Mercer County East Windsor tu 130 Washington Middlesex County Monmouth County Proposed Station Raritan Valley Line Jenkintown Jenkintown Station (Jenkintown Borough) tu 1 95 Burlington County NJ TRANSIT Rail Station SEPTA Regional Rail Station % Port Reading Junction Northeast Corridor Line Ocean River County LINE SEPTA Regional Rail Line Philadelphia Alternative 2 - Jenkintown Terminal Proposed West Trenton Second Track Freight Rail Line Study Area Municipalities Figure 2-2 Camden County Proposed Restoration of Passenger Service on the West Trenton Line Alternative 2 - Jenkintown Terminal Sources: NJ Transit, PASDA, NJGIN January Miles TRANSIT V:\GIS\ArcView\New Jersey\West Trenton\2006 Update\Fig_2-2_Alt2_Jenk_ltr.mxd - 01/16/07

7 Warren County Hunterdon County Norfolk-Southern Lehigh Line To High Bridge (NJT Raritan Valley Line) Hopewell Boro Morris County Hillsborough tu 22 tu Existing CSX Trenton Line Peapack-Gladstone Bedminster tu 202 tu 206 Far Hills tu 206 Montgomery Raritan Bernardsville 287 Somerset County Bridgewater Branchburg Somerset County tu 202 Somerville Manville Port Reading Junction Hamilton Road (Alt 1) (Hillsborough Township) Belle Mead Station (Montgomery Township) North Branch Raritan % Proposed West Trenton Line Millstone Rocky Hill Somerville Bound Brook Bernards Æ 27 To Newark Penn Station (NJT Raritan Valley Line) To Oak Island Yard (Conrail Lehigh Line) 2.8 Mile Second Track (Proposed) Franklin Warren Bridgewater Raider Boulevard (Alt 2) (Hillsborough Township) Bound Brook S. Bound Brook Green Brook Watchung North Plainfield Middlesex County Essex County Union County Æ 29 tu 1 95 To Philadelphia Mercer County Ewing R3 Bucks County Pennsylvania Æ 31 Trenton R7 Pennington Mercer County West Trenton Existing Double Track South of this Point To Philadelphia Hopewell Twp 95 Lawrence Twp Trenton Delaware River NJT River Proposed Restoration of Passenger Service on the West Trenton Line Figure 2-3 Alternative 3 - Belle Mead Terminal Sources: NJ Transit, PASDA, NJGIN January 2007 Line tu tu 1 Æ 33 Æ 27 Princeton 195 Amtrak/ NJT Northeast Corridor Line To Newark/ New York To Camden Princeton Twp Princeton Boro Hamilton Hamilton Burlington County Princeton Jct. West Windsor tu 130 Washington Miles Hightstown East Windsor Proposed Station NJ TRANSIT Stations SEPTA Regional Rail Station % Port Reading Junction Alternative 3 - Belle Mead Terminal Passenger Service Alignment Proposed West Trenton Second Track Raritan Valley Line Northeast Corridor Line Monmouth County River LINE SEPTA Regional Rail Line Study Area Municipalities Freight Rail LineOcean County TRANSIT V:\GIS\ArcView\New Jersey\West Trenton\2006 Update\Fig_2-3_Alt3_BM_11x17.mxd - 01/16/07

8 Warren County Hunterdon County Norfolk-Southern Lehigh Line To High Bridge (NJT Raritan Valley Line) Hopewell Boro Morris County Hillsborough tu 22 tu Existing CSX Trenton Line Peapack-Gladstone Bedminster tu 202 tu 206 Far Hills tu 206 Montgomery Raritan Bernardsville Proposed West Trenton Line 287 Somerset County Bridgewater Branchburg Bound Somerset County Æq Brook tu 202 Somerville Manville Hamilton Road (Alt 1) (Hillsborough Township) Raider Boulevard (Alt 2) (Hillsborough Township) North Branch Raritan Millstone Rocky Hill Somerville % Bernards Belle Mead Station (Montgomery Township) Port Reading Junction Æ 27 To Newark Penn Station (NJT Raritan Valley Line) To Oak Island Yard (Conrail Lehigh Line) 2.8 Mile Second Track (Proposed) Franklin Warren Bridgewater Bound Brook S. Bound Brook Green Brook Watchung North Plainfield Middlesex County Essex County Union County Æ 29 tu 1 95 Mercer County To Philadelphia R3 Bucks County Pennsylvania Æ 31 R7 Pennington Mercer County Ewing West Trenton Trenton Existing Double Track South of this Point To Philadelphia Hopewell Twp 95 Lawrence Twp Trenton Delaware River NJT River Line tu tu 1 Æ 33 Æ 27 Princeton Amtrak/ NJT Northeast Corridor Line To Camden Princeton Twp Princeton Boro Hamilton Hamilton Burlington County 195 To Newark/ New York Princeton Jct. West Windsor tu 130 Washington Hightstown East Windsor Proposed Station NJ TRANSIT Station SEPTA Regional Rail Station % Port Reading Junction Æq Somerset Medical Center Alternative 4 - Rail Service Alignment Alternative 4 - Shuttle Bus Service Proposed West Trenton Second Track Raritan Valley Line Northeast Corridor Line Monmouth County River LINE SEPTA Regional Rail Line Study Area Municipalities Freight Rail LineOcean County Proposed Restoration of Passenger Service on the West Trenton Line Figure 2-4 Alternative 4 - Shuttle Bus Sources: NJ Transit, PASDA, NJGIN January Miles TRANSIT V:\GIS\ArcView\New Jersey\West Trenton\2006 Update\Fig_2-3_Alt4_SB_11x17.mxd - 01/16/07

9 ProposedRestorationofPassengerRailServiceontheWestTrentonLine DraftEnvironmentalAssessment November2007 AlternativesConsidered No Build Alternative The No Build Alternative represents current conditions plus any additional improvements to roadway and transit systems that have already been authorized and will be completed by This alternative is a requirement of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The No Build Alternative for this project consists of the existing rail transit system operated by NJ TRANSIT, AMTRAK and SEPTA, and the existing parking conditions within that system, as well as programmed improvements, which are described in Tables 2-2 to 2-3 and depicted in Figure 2-5. The programmed improvements are described in detail in the New Jersey Transportation Improvement Program Fiscal Years , and support the objectives of the New Jersey Long Range Transportation Plan, Transportation Choices Table 2-2: West Trenton Line No Build Alternative: Committed Projects Somerset and Mercer Counties TIP Number* Map Project ID Somerset County Replacement of Crusers Brook Bridge on U.S. Rt. 206 in Montgomery Township U.S. Rte. 206 Bypass Sec. 14A 15A between Belle Mead- Griggstown Road to Old Somerville Road Mile posts: Belle Mead CSX bridge replacement and realignment of U.S. Rte. 206, including the development of 12 travel lane, 10 shoulder, sidewalk, and new signalized T intersection Widening of U.S. Rt. 206 from two travel lanes to four travel lanes Mercer County Safety improvements on Rt. 29 from Sullivan Way to Upper Ferry Road in Ewing Township T88 6 Study and Development of U.S. Rt. 1 BRT serving Mercer County T300 7 Second Phase of RiverLINE/PATCO Extension *Source: NJTPA Transportation Improvement Program Fiscal Years and DVRPC Transportation Improvement Program Fiscal Years Page 2-8

10 ProposedRestorationofPassengerRailServiceontheWestTrentonLine DraftEnvironmentalAssessment November2007 AlternativesConsidered TIP Number Table 2-3: West Trenton Line No Build Alternative: Committed Projects in the Newark Area Map ID Project Name Project Description T97 8 Access to the Region s Core (ARC) Increased commuter rail capacity into Penn Station, New York, with systemwide service improvements in New Jersey. T81 9 Newark Penn Station Structural rehabilitation and lighting improvements, customer facilities improvements, and passenger circulation improvements will allow for greater ridership. Source: NJTPA Transportation Improvement Program Fiscal Years These projects will have an impact on trip-making in the West Trenton study area. Currently NJ TRANSIT is preparing environmental documents in conformance with federal requirements for five new rail service projects that would be extensions of the existing rail system and add to train operations on existing tracks and at existing stations. The projects are: Lackawanna Cut-Off EA Monmouth-Ocean-Middlesex (MOM) Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) West Trenton EA Access to the Region's Core (ARC) DEIS Northern Branch In addition, NJ TRANSIT has stated that it intends to prepare a DEIS for the proposed West Shore Line in Bergen County. Each of these proposed rail lines would have an impact on the existing rail system. The extent of the impact of each new service would depend on the anticipated ridership demand and the passenger and operating capacity of the segments of the existing system that would be used by those passengers. In addition, since all of the potential projects would attract passengers bound for Midtown Manhattan, the core system serving New York Penn Station would be affected. Just as these proposed projects would add passengers to the existing rail system, growth on the existing lines would also increase ridership. Recognizing that investments to expand track, train handling and passenger capacity should consider the needs of the existing system and the potential new rail service projects, NJ TRANSIT is working to identify and implement core system improvements rather than have each of the new rail service projects individually plan improvements for the existing system. In the forefront of those efforts is the ARC DEIS, which is defining a plan and preparing the necessary environmental studies for a new trans-hudson tunnel and expansion of New York Penn Station. The ARC DEIS is scheduled to be completed soon and funding is being sought to continue advancement of the project. Other projects that are actively being advanced that would increase core rail system capacity are the Newark Broad Street Americans with Disabilities Act and Capacity Relief Project, Hudson Pocket Track, and acquisition of bi-level coaches. In addition, NJ TRANSIT has initiated its Strategic Rail Infrastructure and Operations Planning Study. That effort would further identify and evaluate capacity constraints and recommend a plan for phasing improvements. Page 2-9

11 Passaic County Warren County tu Bergen County High Bridge Annandale Lebanon Hunterdon County Morris County White House tu 22 NJT Raritan Valley Line tu 206 Gladstone tu 202 Branchburg NJT Morris & Essex Line Gladstone Branch 78 Peapack- Gladstone Far Hills Far Hills Bedminster North Branch Raritan Peapack Somerville 287 Bernards Somerset County Somerville Bernardsville Bridgewater Raritan Manville Bound Brook % Bernardsville Basking Ridge Lyons Warren Bridgewater Millington Bound Brook S. Bound Brook Stirling 78 Green Brook Gillette New Providence North Plainfield Watchung Dunellen Berkeley Heights 287 Plainfield Murray Hill Union County Summit Fanwood Netherwood Metuchen Westfield Metropark Essex County Highland Avenue Mountain Station Short Hills Millburn tu Garwood Cranford Rahway Linden tu 1/9 Union Orange South Orange Maplewood Roselle Park CP Aldene CP NK 95 Brick Church East Orange % 8 % 9 Elizabeth Newark Broad Street Newark Penn Station Newark Airport North Elizabeth Secaucus Junction 78 Hudson County Æ tu 1 95 tu 202 Mercer County % 5 To Philadelphia Norfolk-Southern Lehigh Line To Phillipsburg Æ 31 West Trenton Bucks County R3 Pennsylvania R7 Pennington Trenton To Philadelphia Hopewell Boro Hopewell Twp 95 Delaware River NJT River % tu 1 % 6 % 2 % 4 % 3 % 1 tu 206 Montgomery Existing CSX Trenton Line Existing Double Track South of this Point Ewing Lawrence Twp Hamilton Trenton Line Hillsborough To Camden Princeton Twp Princeton Boro Æ 33 Hamilton Rocky Hill Æ 27 Princeton To Newark/ New York 195 Millstone Princeton Jct. West Windsor Amtrak/ NJT Northeast Co tu Æ Washington Port Reading Junction Edison Franklin Æ 27 rridor Line tu 130 Hightstown Æ 33 East Windsor New Brunswick Jersey Avenue tu 1 Æ 440 Newark Middlesex AreaCounty TIP Number* Map ID Project Name Project Description T97 8 Access to the Region s Increased commuter rail capacity into Penn Core (ARC) Station, New York, with systemwide service improvements in New Jersey. T81 9 Newark Penn Station Structural rehabilitation and lighting improvements, customer facilities improvements, and passenger circulation improvements will allow for greater ridership. Somerset County TIP Number* Map ID Project Description Replacement of Crusers Brook Bridge on US Rt. 206 in Montgomery Township US Rte. 206 Bypass Sec. 14A 15A between Belle Mead-Griggstown Road to Old Somerville Road Mile posts: Belle Mead CSX bridge replacement and realignment of US Rte. 206, including the development of 12 travel lane, 10 shoulder, sidewalk, and new signalized T intersection Widening of US Rt. 206 from two travel lanes to four travel lanes Mercer County TIP Number* Map ID Project Description Monmouth County Safety improvements on Rt. 29 from Sullivan Way to Upper Ferry Road in Ewing Township 7 T88 6 Study and Development of US Rt. 1 BRT serving Mercer County T300 7 Second Phase of Riverline/PATCO Extension *These projects will have an impact on trip making in the West Trenton Study Area % Committed Project NJ Transit Stations SEPTA Regional Rail Station Raritan Valley Line Northeast Corridor Line Morris & Essex Line Burlington County % Port Reading Junction Ocean County Freight Terminals River LINE SEPTA Regional Rail Line Freight Rail Line Study Area Municipalities Proposed Restoration of Passenger Service on the West Trenton Line Figure 2-5 No Build Alternative Committed TIP Projects Sources: NJ Transit, PASDA, NJGIN January Miles TRANSIT V:\GIS\ArcView\New Jersey\West Trenton\2006 Update\Fig_2-5_NoBuild.mxd - 01/16/07

12 ProposedRestorationofPassengerRailServiceontheWestTrentonLine DraftEnvironmentalAssessment November2007 AlternativesConsidered Considering NJ TRANSIT s initiatives to address core system capacity needs, each of the proposed new rail service projects are being advanced based upon the premise that capacity would be available on a modified existing rail system to accommodate passenger demand. As a result, the train service plans for the proposed new rail services are not constrained by current capacity limitations. Instead, the service plans are being designed to provide attractive and practical service frequencies, to address line specific configuration attributes and to accommodate passenger demand. Over time, as new rail service projects and core system capacity investments are advanced, coordination of implementation schedules would be necessary to ensure the availability of capacity for expanding passenger demand Build Alternatives While all of the Build Alternatives include rail passenger service along the West Trenton Line, they are also all unique, insofar as each uses varying degrees of the right-of-way. The Build Alternatives for this study were assumed to operate with a diesel-electric locomotive and six coaches. In addition, unconstrained parking was assumed at all Northeast Corridor (NEC) and RVL stations. The 1994 West Trenton Passenger Restoration Study Technical Report describes the Alternatives in depth. The following sections summarize the four Build Alternatives developed in the 1994 study Alternative 1 Restoration of Passenger Rail Service from West Trenton to Newark Alternative 1 (see Figure 2-1) would restore passenger rail service from West Trenton to Newark Penn Station via the RVL, using the full length of the 27-mile West Trenton Line right of way in New Jersey. Passengers would transfer at Newark Penn Station for connecting service to New York. Passengers bound for Philadelphia would transfer to SEPTA s R3 rail service at the West Trenton Station, the southern terminus of NJ TRANSIT s proposed West Trenton passenger rail line. In 1994, two, three, four and five peak period rail trip scenarios were developed for this alternative to test ridership demand sensitivity over a range of service patterns. This alternative also includes the addition of 12.8 miles of new, second track along the existing single-track West Trenton Line between Sunnymeade Road grade crossing (MP 54.5) and Port Reading Junction (MP 57.3) and between the Pennington-Hopewell Road bridge (MP 40.2) and Belle Mead Station (MP 50.2) Alternative 2 Extension of Passenger Rail Service to Bucks County, PA Alternative 2 (see Figure 2-2) would extend passenger service south of West Trenton into Bucks County, PA. This alternative sought to increase ridership by attracting potential Pennsylvania riders. However, subsequent ridership forecasting found that direct rail service from West Trenton to Pennsylvania would result in a total rail trips, with only new riders being diverted from using their automobiles. The value of this alternative was deemed marginal since the train would have to travel an additional 21.7 miles as compared to a West Trenton terminus (Alternative 1), a total trip of 48.7 miles. In addition, coordinating operational activities with SEPTA and CSX would be highly complex since NJ TRANSIT does not have rights to operate rail passenger transportation service on the SEPTA / CSX rights of way in Pennsylvania, and the additional 12.8 miles of new, second track required in Alternative 1 would also be required for this alternative. The institutional and operational issues that would need to be overcome to support Pennsylvania service resulted in the elimination of this alternative. Page 2-11

13 ProposedRestorationofPassengerRailServiceontheWestTrentonLine DraftEnvironmentalAssessment November2007 AlternativesConsidered Alternative 3-Restoration of Passenger Rail Service from Belle Mead to Newark Alternative 3 (see Figure 2-3) would restore passenger rail service originating from a southern terminus at Belle Mead, thereby only using a portion (8.3 miles) of the full right-of-way. Additionally, only 2.8 miles of additional second track would be required (between the Sunnymeade Road grade crossing and Port Reading Junction). This alternative would be less disruptive to CSX freight service since passenger trains would occupy the Trenton Line for a shorter distance than if it were to originate from West Trenton. Furthermore, this service pattern would serve a majority of the new riders that would be attracted to the full West Trenton Line service. As with Alternative 1, scenarios ranging from two to five rail trips were developed for this alternative. Difficulty in siting a storage yard led to considering other alternatives Alternative 4- Enhancement of Belle Mead Option with Shuttle Bus Alternative 4 (see Figure 2-4) would enhance Alternative 3 by offering new, all day shuttle bus service between Belle Mead and Somerville, thereby supplementing the peak train service offered in Alternative 3. Passengers would be able to connect to rail service on the RVL at the Somerville Station or disembark at major employment destinations, such as the Somerville Medical Center, which lie along the route. This alternative was explored using three rail trips in each direction and served as a potentially more cost-effective and flexible option to the full rail service scenarios. As with Alternative 3, difficulty in siting a storage yard led to considering other alternatives. 2.4 BUILD ALTERNATIVE ALTERNATIVE 1 Alternative 1 Restoration of Passenger Rail Service from West Trenton to Newark was selected as the Build Alternative for this project. Restoring passenger rail service that originates in West Trenton and terminates at Newark Penn Station offered the most value from both an operational and institutional standpoint. One advantage to this alternative is the ease with which a storage yard can be developed. Unlike the area around Belle Mead (the terminus for Alternatives 3 and 4), the West Trenton terminus (Alternative 1) provides a site capable of storing train equipment. Alternative 1 also provides a critical NJ TRANSIT link in West Trenton with SEPTA s R3 rail service, which operates into Center City Philadelphia and to Philadelphia s 30 th Street Station. Another driving force in the decision to select this alternative is the alternative s ability to divert passengers from crowded NEC trains and parking lots. The alternative would result in shorter drive times for many existing NEC commuters living within the two-county study area, many of whom must currently travel a considerable distance to reach a station on the NEC Line. Residents who are most likely to use the proposed Hopewell and Belle Mead Stations on the West Trenton Line (the furthest points from the NEC stations) now commute about 14 miles to the nearest NEC station in Princeton. During off-peak travel times, the commute to the stations takes about 30 minutes; however, commuters coming from north of the NEC are largely confined to U.S. Route 206. A report issued by the National Center for Transportation and Industrial Productivity and the New Jersey Institute of Technology 5, found that the costs of traffic congestion on commuters is highest in Somerset County, with total time, fuel, and productivity loss costs totaling nearly three times the statewide average. As a result, the actual commute time to the existing NEC stations may be significantly greater than 30 minutes. This net result dovetails with a key project need to decrease dependence on vehicular transportation between the study area and the regional urban centers (New York and Philadelphia), thereby reducing traffic and congestion , National Center for Transportation and Industrial Productivity and the New Jersey Institute of Technology. Mobility and the Costs of Congestion in New Jersey. Page 2-12

14 ProposedRestorationofPassengerRailServiceontheWestTrentonLine DraftEnvironmentalAssessment November2007 AlternativesConsidered In addition to providing shorter drive times for many rail commuters, Alternative 1 will generate parking availability at both NEC and western RVL stations. The restoration of service on the West Trenton Line is expected to open currently occupied spaces at NEC stations in Princeton Junction, Hamilton and Trenton. Figure 2-1 in the section above illustrates the proposed service Description of Build Alternative Improvements to the West Trenton Line and Connection to RVL After the selection of the Build Alternative based on the work in 1994, a more comprehensive development of conceptual engineering was prepared. This section describes the West Trenton Line infrastructure improvements necessary to accommodate joint passenger and freight service. Upgrades would be required throughout the proposed joint operating segment (West Trenton to Port Reading Junction) and reinstatement of the Reading Connector would be necessary. In addition, station improvements, parking areas, new stations and a train storage yard would be required. The following sections outline needed improvements to the line Track Improvements Proposed track improvements to accommodate both passenger and freight service within the right-of-way include: Reinstallation of track on the Reading Connector, an abandoned railroad right-of-way between Port Reading Junction and the RVL; Construction of a second track at two locations; Construction of a new uncontrolled siding/storage track near Skillman, between Milepost 45.5 and Milepost 46.7 to replace the existing uncontrolled siding that will be displaced by the construction of the second track; Relocation of Control Point (CP) Wing. The proposed track will be built on the roadbed of the former second track that was removed in the mid-1980 s. No significant earthwork is required to support the proposed trackwork. New track construction includes removal of the top one-foot of existing ballast and construction of a new ballast section. New track construction is comprised of new continuously welded rail (132RE) on wood ties with new elastic fasteners, tie plates, and other track material (OTM). The Reading Connector and other track construction that would be on NJ TRANSIT property or used exclusively by NJ TRANSIT trains will be built with concrete ties. Reading Connector The reconstruction of the Reading Connector consists of installing new track from a diamond crossing with the Norfolk Southern Lehigh Line at Port Reading Junction to the RVL. This work includes: Construction of new track; Construction of an at-grade diamond crossing with the Norfolk Southern Lehigh Line at Port Reading Junction; Structural rehabilitation of the Raritan River Bridge (spanning the Raritan River between Manville and Bridgewater); Relocation or elimination of industrial tracks on property owned by Bridgewater Resources, Inc.; and, Page 2-13

15 ProposedRestorationofPassengerRailServiceontheWestTrentonLine DraftEnvironmentalAssessment November2007 AlternativesConsidered Installation of a new Number 20 left-hand turnout and a new Number 20 left-hand crossover on the RVL at Milepost Proposed Additional Track Construction of a second track is proposed at two locations on the West Trenton Line. The first location runs from Milepost 40.2 to Milepost The second runs from Milepost 54.5 to the proposed diamond crossing for the Reading Connector (Milepost 57.3). This work includes: Construction of new track; Construction of number 20 turnouts to connect second track to existing West Trenton Line, called CP Glen Moore (Milepost 40.2), CP Belle Mead (Milepost 50.1) and CP Hillsborough (Milepost 54.5); Construction of two new Number 20 crossovers in a universal configuration at Milepost 47.5, and proposed to be called CP Skillman. Construction of a new uncontrolled siding/storage track near Skillman, between Milepost 45.5 and Milepost 46.7 to replace the existing uncontrolled siding displaced by the construction of the second track. Relocation of CP Wing will extend the two-track railroad 1,000 feet to the east to Milepost Proposed work includes construction of new track and a new Number 20 turnout Structures A bridge survey conducted in 1998 (See Appendix A) and supplemented in 2000 visually inspected thirty-six existing railroad structures between West Trenton and Manville, including the existing truss bridge over the Raritan River on the Reading Connector alignment. As the project moves forward, more thorough inspections and bridge ratings for each structure will be required. The West Trenton Line is an active freight railroad; consequently the existing undergrade (UG) bridges are presently in use as one-track and in some cases, two-track bridges. Similarly all overhead (OH) bridges are active as automobile or pedestrian carrying structures. In most cases the existing bridges were built to accommodate two or more railroad tracks but are currently only carrying one track due to the track rationalization program by Conrail in the early 1980 s. Since the project seeks to reinstall track in the same location from which it was previously removed, the impact to existing structures will be minimal. However, there are several exceptions. The construction of additional track from Milepost 40.2 to the RVL will have a construction impact at the following structures: Bridge Milepost (OH at U.S. Route 206) The existing structure is slated for demolition and replacement by the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT). A final location for the new bridge is in the process of being selected. NJ TRANSIT has been coordinating with NJDOT to provide a new span long enough to accommodate construction of island platform at Belle Mead Station. Bridge Milepost (UG at Royce Creek) Based on the visual inspection, additional investigation is required to determine if the existing bridge deck needs to be replaced. Bridge Milepost (UG at Raritan River on the Reading Connector right of way) The overall condition of the structure is poor. Several improvements are required to Page 2-14

16 ProposedRestorationofPassengerRailServiceontheWestTrentonLine DraftEnvironmentalAssessment November2007 AlternativesConsidered bring the bridge up to a suitable level to carry two tracks of passenger and freight traffic. These recommendations are made pending additional investigations Signal Improvements Signal improvements are comprised of new signals at proposed interlocking locations and station platforms. The current signal system uses Electrocode Modules providing a two-block, threeaspect on the West Trenton Line. The proposed layout will also utilize Electrocode modules and will be in accordance with Northeast Operating Rules Advisory Committee (NORAC) operating rules. The interlockings and new signals being proposed have been located using the information provided for a 150 Car 135 ATPC (Area Transportation Planning Committee) 20,278 TONS TDA (Transportation Development Association). Modifications to the existing signal block boundaries were done to avoid safe-braking distance problems for freight trains. NJ TRANSIT has taken into account the locations of the present and future stations on the West Trenton Line for following moves, and the requirement of a leaving signal for all station stops. This leaving signal provides the train operator with the appropriate signal aspect to govern their train. Cab signals will not be implemented into this proposed layout. The existing signal equipment will be replaced and relocated during the construction of the new station platforms and second track. The relocated equipment includes highway crossing cases, highway crossing gates, signals, cases, and instrument houses. The construction activities will require staging support and additional hardware to minimize the impact to the railroad operations. The additional equipment, including additional houses, cases, signal, conduit, and cable is needed so that work can be performed at one location without disrupting the service at other locations. Signal improvements are proposed at the following locations. Any existing equipment may be relocated to one of the following locations: 1. CP Wood to West Trenton (Milepost 28-32) Move signal 29E-1 / 29E-2 Install new leaving signals at Yardley Station 2. West Trenton (Milepost 32-33) Install new signals for yard (entrance and exit) Install / relocate signals for Trent Interlocking Install leaving signals for West Trenton Station 3. CP Wing (Milepost 35-36) Install leaving signals for I-95 Station Install / relocate signals for CP Wing 4. Signals 38E-1 / 38W-1 (Milepost 38) Install new distant signal for CP Wing and CP Glen Moore 5. CP Glen Moore (Milepost 40) Install new interlocking signals for new second track north 6 Bridge Inspection Survey Report, Reading Connector M.P Over Raritan River; KS Engineers, P.C. November 20, 2000 Page 2-15

17 ProposedRestorationofPassengerRailServiceontheWestTrentonLine DraftEnvironmentalAssessment November2007 AlternativesConsidered 6. Hopewell Station (Milepost 43) Install new leaving signals for Hopewell Station 7. Signals 45E-1 and 2, Signals 45W-1 and 2 Install new automatic and distant signals 8. Skillman Siding Install new electric locks for Skillman Siding 9. CP Skillman Install new interlocking Central Instrument House (CIH) for universal crossover Install new switches, signals and associated equipment 10. CP Belle Mead Install new interlocking CIH for end of siding. Install new leaving signal for Belle Mead Station 11. Signals 52W-1, 52E-1 Install new distant signals 12. Signal 54W-1 Install new leaving signal for Hillsborough Station 13. Signals 56W-1 and 2, 56E-1 and 2 (Milepost 56.3) Install new distant signals 14. CP Port Reading Junction Install new signals for Track 2 Relocate home signal for Track 1 Install new switches, signals and associated equipment Modify existing signal logic for interlocking 15. Bridgewater Interlocking Relocate home signal for Track 1 Modify existing signal logic for interlocking Grade Crossing Improvements During the summer of 2000, five of the six existing grade crossings in the project area were renewed by CSX. The crossing at Louellen Street in Hopewell Borough was not renewed. Crossing renewal included spot tie replacement, installation of a Railseal crossing and replacement of bituminous concrete pavement. New grade crossings proposed for this project would be Railseal or equivalent to match the existing installation. The installation of new grade crossings for the proposed second track and the relocation of the existing flasher and gate on the north side of the right-of-way are recommended for the following six crossings: Page 2-16

18 ProposedRestorationofPassengerRailServiceontheWestTrentonLine DraftEnvironmentalAssessment November2007 AlternativesConsidered 1. Louellen Street in Hopewell Borough (Milepost 42.03) 2. Province Line Road on the border between Somerset County and Mercer County (Milepost 44.20) 3. Spring Hill Road in Montgomery Township (Milepost 44.57) 4. Hollow Road in Montgomery Township (Milepost 45.29) 5. County Road 601 in Montgomery Township (Milepost 47.39) and 6. Sunnymeade Road in Hillsborough Township (Milepost 54.30). In addition, the relocation of cantilever structure with a flasher on the north side of the right-ofway is proposed at the Spring Hill Road crossing. One new grade crossing for the proposed track will be required in Bridgewater Township at the intersection of the proposed track for the Reading Connector and the private lane serving the BRI trash transfer station and the water treatment facility owned by Elizabethtown Water. New flashers and gates will be installed Stations An initial list of 17 potential station sites was compiled based on an analysis of the following considerations: (1) the original commuter station stops along the corridor; (2) sites studied under previous analyses; and (3) sites with potential for capturing ridership due to recent development. Each of these initial potential station stops were reviewed and rated with respect to the following criteria: Topography Drainage Structures Parking Capacity Land Availability Ease of Access Traffic Impacts Freight Impacts Ridership Transportation Benefits Land Use Local Support Hazardous Materials Historic Impacts Wetlands An evaluation of the performance of each location for the criteria resulted in the selection of the following five station stops for the Build Alternative: 1. West Trenton 2. I Hopewell Borough 4. Belle Mead 5. Hillsborough Proposed station work will occur at both existing stations and new stations. Proposed enhancements at the existing West Trenton Station include mini high-level platforms and elevators to provide access to the existing pedestrian underpass. New stations are proposed at I- 95, Hopewell, Belle Mead and Hillsborough. Typical station construction accommodates existing freight service and is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Wide freight Page 2-17

19 ProposedRestorationofPassengerRailServiceontheWestTrentonLine DraftEnvironmentalAssessment November2007 AlternativesConsidered loads require that stations be constructed with low-level platforms that allow for additional clearance through the rail corridor (the platforms lie beneath the beds of passing wide-load freight trains). Mini high-level platforms with bridge plates create accessibility for disabled passengers. (Mini high-level platforms and bridge plates are currently used on the Port Jervis Line operated by NJ TRANSIT for Metro North.) Stations located on double-tracked sections of the West Trenton Line also include pedestrian overpass structures with stairs and elevators. All stations include automobile parking lots with access to local roads. Proposed construction at each station is detailed below. West Trenton Station The project proposes to use the existing West Trenton Station as the terminal station for NJ TRANSIT trains. Located at Milepost 32.5, West Trenton station is presently used by SEPTA as the terminal station on its R-3 West Trenton Regional Rail Line. The existing waiting room on the north side of the right-of-way (inbound side for SEPTA s Philadelphia-bound service, and outbound side for NJ TRANSIT s proposed Newark-bound service) is owned by NJ TRANSIT and used by SEPTA. The former station building on the south side of the right-of-way is privately owned and has been renovated and put to adaptive reuse by an architectural firm. Proposed improvements include: Two elevators to provide access to the existing pedestrian underpass Two mini high-level platforms, one on each existing side platform A 90-car parking lot on the south side of the right-of-way I-95 Station The proposed I-95 Station is a new station to be located at Milepost The proposed station provides access to I-95. It also provides access to the new Merrill Lynch office campus. Proposed construction includes: Low-level island platform with a mini high-level platform Pedestrian overpass with three elevators and three stairs Site grading and stormwater detention Demolition of frame dwelling and outbuildings A 100-car parking lot on the north side of the right-of-way on property provided by Merrill Lynch as part of its approved development plan A 50-car parking lot and Drop-off/Pick-up lane on the south side of the right-of-way with access from Reed Road Hopewell Station The existing former station area in the Borough of Hopewell is not available to the project. The Borough of Hopewell recently purchased and renovated the existing station building for its own use. The Borough is also in the process of renovating the existing freight house on the same property. The project proposes a new Hopewell Station at Milepost 42.9, approximately 1500 feet east of the existing station. Proposed construction at Hopewell station includes: Low-level island platform with a mini high-level platform Pedestrian overpass with two elevators and two stairs Site grading and stormwater detention A 100-car parking lot and drop-off/pick-up lane on the south side of the right-ofway with access from Somerset Street Page 2-18

20 ProposedRestorationofPassengerRailServiceontheWestTrentonLine DraftEnvironmentalAssessment November2007 AlternativesConsidered Belle Mead Station The existing station at Belle Mead is proposed to be redeveloped for use in the project. The existing station building and existing shelter building will be rehabilitated. Construction of new facilities at this location will occupy land freed up by the relocation of U.S. Route 206 (in the vicinity of Milepost 50.1). Proposed construction at Belle Mead Station includes: Rehabilitation of the existing station building and shelter building Low-level island platform with a mini high-level platform Site grading and stormwater detention A 450-car parking lot and drop-off/pick-up lane on the south side of the right-ofway with access from Township Line Road Hillsborough Station Hillsborough Station is a new station location proposed at Milepost 52.9 near the intersection of the West Trenton Line and Amwell Road. Site sketch plan design has been coordinated with NJDOT has rebuilt the Amwell Road bridge over the West Trenton Line on a new alignment. Proposed construction of the Hillsborough Station includes: A low-level island platform with a mini high-level platform Site grading and stormwater detention Site clearing and grubbing A 376-car parking lot and drop-off/pick-up lane on the north side of the right-ofway with access from realigned Amwell Road West Trenton Rail Yard An approximately 9-acre storage yard is proposed to be located west of West Trenton Station on the north side of the right-of-way. The facility includes a small building for employee facilities, approximately 9000 feet of track to accommodate 6 trains, storage, and a parking lot for 30 employees. Only light maintenance and cleaning are to be performed at this location. NJ TRANSIT s existing Meadows Maintenance Complex in Kearny, New Jersey will serve as the heavy maintenance facility for the West Trenton Line trains. Construction includes: Clearing and grubbing Site grading Number 20 crossover to the east of the proposed east yard turnout Turnouts and lead tracks from the main track on both ends of the yard Ladder tracks at both ends of the yard comprised of both Number 8 and Number 10 turnouts Six storage tracks with a minimum storage length of 800 feet; storage tracks are on alternating 15-foot and 25-foot centers. The 25-foot track spacing allows for the construction of an access aisle between tracks to give service personnel access to trains in storage. Each storage track is proposed to have track pans installed at each end-- track pans are commonly installed in locations where diesel locomotives are stored or idled for long periods of time. Stormwater runoff from the track pans will pass through an oil/water separator before being discharged One storage track will have a 700-foot long section of pit track with posted rail to permit undercar inspection. Stormwater detention Yard lighting Hotel power Page 2-19