NJT adds (flood-resistant) storage capacity

Criticized for its response last fall to Superstorm Sandy, and the resultant damage to much of its rolling stock, New Jersey Transit has responded by securing storage space at two locations adjacent to its rail system but in more flood-resistant interior portions of the state.

NJT has reached agreement with Conrail Shared Assets to utilize space at the former General Motors plant in Linden, N.J., adjacent to Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor, and a site NJT has been eyeing for some time. A second location, in Garwood, N.J., would expand equipment storage at an existing yard off NJT’s Raritan Valley Line.

NJT officials, addressing state media and other onlookers in Newark June 12 following the corporation’s monthly Board of Directors meeting, said the arrangements went into effect June 1.

Officials also noted 46 of the 70 damaged locomotives and 141 of the 272 waterlogged rail cars have returned to service. Last March NJT awarded Bombardier Transportation a contract worth $16 million contract for repair of NJT’s BiLevel fleet damaged by flooding caused by Sandy.