The Hoboken PATH will close from January 30 at 11:59 p.m. until February 25 at 5 a.m. During the closure, there will be critical repairs and improvements made to the station. While the closure will be a major inconvenience for many students, additional travel options will be available between New York and Hoboken.
The extended closure allows for three repair projects to happen simultaneously. First, the PATH will replace its in-station tracks and the Hoboken Interlocking, a system of tracks and switches allowing the two tunnels to access the tracks. Without the extended closure, those repairs would require four complete weekend shutdowns and an additional 50 consecutive days of reduced services. Meanwhile, 4,500 linear feet of track will be fixed in the two tunnels leading to the station. Finally, the concrete walking spaces through the station will be repaired, and staircases between the station’s mezzanine and platform levels will be replaced. The new stairs will have improved visibility and will be wider and safer.
These upgrades are a part of the PATH Forward program, a $430 million investment to improve the 116-year-old PATH system. The two-year project will focus on enhancing speed and service reliability, as well as address the lingering corrosive seawater damage from Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Other improvements include floor reconstruction, wall tiling, LED light upgrades, and a new fire system installation. The rehabilitation was approved by the New Jersey Historic Preservation Office to preserve the station’s historic character.
Kevin O’Toole, Port Authority Chairman, recognizes the challenges the closure brings. “The PATH system is a vital connection in our region, and this work is crucial to ensuring it remains safe, reliable, and efficient for the thousands who depend on it every day,” O’Toole states. “We appreciate the patience and understanding of our riders as we work to strengthen this essential infrastructure.” The Port Authority planned the closure to coincide with seasonal lower daily ridership and collaborated with outside experts to develop an appropriate work plan.
The Spring Semester starts on January 21. Not including Presidents’ Day and weekends, there will be 24 school days without PATH access. Alternate ADA-accessible travel options, many with increased services, will be offered to accommodate this. There will be a free shuttle bus between Hoboken, Newport, and Exchange Place to connect to the PATH. The shuttle will run 24/7 and have service every five to 15 minutes. Another option is taking the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail between the three stations. Additional service is provided on weekdays between 6 to 10 a.m. and 3 to 7 p.m.
Due to the repairs, Newport and Exchange Place will have more service running at peak hours. Newport trains will arrive every two to four minutes, and Exchange Place trains will arrive every five minutes or less during rush hour. On weekdays only, there will be a temporary train between 33 St. and the World Trade Center.
Furthermore, the frequency of the NJ Transit Bus 126 will increase. The 126 Bus connects Hoboken Station to the Port Authority Midtown Bus Terminal, stops at Hoboken Terminal, and points along Washington Street. Travelers may even take the NY Waterway ferry between Hoboken and New York, which cross-honors PATH customers and has additional service between the two stations.
Students can stay updated with the RidePATH app or attend the various public info sessions. The last session will be held virtually on December 10 from 6 – 7:30 p.m.
