After more than a decade of isolation from the country’s rail freight network, Staten Island may soon have its rail access to New Jersey restored.  According to the Staten Island Advance, officials expect that freight trains will begin running over the Arthur Kill lift bridge from Howland Hook Marine Terminal and other Staten Island sites by early 2004.

The restoration of rail freight will likely have a strong impact on traffic congestion.  The Howland Hook Marine Terminal is now served exclusively by trucks, which clog the Goethals Bridge and Staten Island Expressway.  Truck traffic on the Goethals Bridge is projected to drop by 56,000 a year as rail freight is restored.

Business leaders also expect the return of rail to boost Staten Island’s economy.  The Staten Island Economic Development Corp. names revitalization of the North Shore Railroad as its number one priority, according to the Advance.  The group will spend $14.5 million over the next three years to overhaul the Arlington Yard, which will provide Staten Island with rail-truck transfer capacity. 

Cesar Claro, SIEDC executive director, said investment in the line and the growth of companies that will expand and relocate near the line will benefit the Island.  “It will ultimately create a whole new economy on Staten Island,” he said.

The Arthur Kill rail bridge has in fact been ready for service for several years, awaiting the conclusion of drawn out negotiations in New Jersey to fix a connecting rail segment.  The NYC EDC invested $15 million for restoration of the lift bridge and track repair on Staten Island in 1998 (MTR #162).

A set of nagging disputes between the Port Authority, Elizabeth and Union County over land near Newark Airport and compensation for various airport impacts held up the purchase of asection of property crucial to connect the rail bridge to New Jersey’s Chemical Coast freight line. County officials wanted compensation for the Newark deal built into the price of a parcel new  Turnpike Exit 13A that the Port Authority wants to use for an overpass (MTR #324).With a deal struck this month, design and construction for the rail link can now advance.

The new link will complement planned expansion at Howland Hook. 

PA, Elizabeth, Union County Resolve Dispute; Major Hurdle Crossed for NY-NJ Freight Rail (July 2, 2001)

Slow Train to Staten Island
(Feb. 20, 1998)

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