Middlesex County reports progress on New Brunswick station design, awards contract for tunnel lighting

Executive Director James Polos reported that the authority has submitted a 90% design plan for the New Brunswick Train Station and is working toward a 100% design.

"We have submitted our 90% design plan for New Brunswick Train Station and [are] working on the 100% design," Polos said. He added that the authority had awarded a contract to Phigon Electric to begin the first phase of construction, described as installation of new lighting and railings in the tunnel area near the station, with work potentially starting as early as next month.

Polos also told commissioners the North Brunswick project has reached 60% completion and staff are preparing a 90% submission. He said the authority's ASL program "is moving along very, very well" and has drawn positive feedback from communities.

Operational changes were noted at the county's leaf composting facility, where staff limited certain hours to ensure continued compliance with the Department of Environmental Protection. The parking division reported expanding opportunities, including management and operations of the New Brunswick Cancer Institute parking deck and work with the Metuchen parking authority.

The report delivered project milestones and near-term work items; commissioners did not ask substantive follow-up questions during the update. No timeline for final completion of the New Brunswick station was provided in the record.