Morris, Sussex, Hunterdon, Somerset projects included in $26.3M NJ rail freight grants
NEW JERSEY — Rail infrastructure projects across Morris, Sussex, Hunterdon and Somerset counties are among 11 initiatives receiving funding through the state’s Fiscal Year 2026 Rail Freight Assistance Program, totaling more than $26.3 million, officials announced.
The grants, funded through the State Transportation Trust Fund, are designed to improve freight rail safety, efficiency and economic activity across New Jersey.
“The Sherrill Administration is committed to strengthening our economy in a sustainable way and the Rail Freight Assistance Program does that,” NJDOT Commissioner Priya Jain said. “These grants for critical rail freight infrastructure improvements are investments in our future to provide for the safe and efficient movement of goods in New Jersey, while reducing truck traffic on our highways.”
Among the local projects:
In Hunterdon County, a $1,027,777 state grant will support Black River & Western Railroad’s Bridge 14.01 improvements in Raritan Township, part of a $1.14 million total project aimed at maintaining critical rail infrastructure.
In Morris and Sussex counties, a $2,773,242 state grant will fund track improvements across multiple municipalities, including Hardyston Township, Kinnelon Borough, Sparta Township and Vernon Township. The project, led by The New York, Susquehanna and Western Railway Corp., includes installation of curve patch rail, ties, ballast and surface upgrades, with a total project cost of more than $3.09 million.
In Morris County, two additional projects were awarded funding. Rockaway Borough will receive $318,600 in state funds to rehabilitate the Rail Bridge 14D30.78, while the Morristown & Erie Railway will receive $828,836 for a bridge modification and upgrade project in Morris Township and Morristown, part of a $920,929 total investment.
In Somerset County, Bridgewater Township will see one of the larger regional investments, with $3.8 million in state funding supporting the NJRC Bridgewater Resources Rail Freight Project – Phase 2. The total project cost is more than $4.22 million and is led by Interstate Waste Services.
State officials said the 11 projects statewide will improve freight capacity, rehabilitate aging infrastructure and enhance rail access for businesses. The funding will also leverage an additional $3.4 million from railroad owners and operators, bringing the total investment to more than $29.7 million.
Over the past five years, NJDOT has invested more than $139.32 million in freight rail projects, leveraging an additional $17.04 million in private contributions for a total of nearly $156.4 million.
The Rail Freight Assistance Program, administered by NJDOT’s Division of Local Aid – Modal Grants, supports capital improvements that help maintain viable freight rail service while reducing highway congestion and supporting environmental and economic goals.
