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The North Jersey Coast Line railroad tracks have divided Long Branch since 1875.
A concrete barrier blocks convenient access to the eastbound and westbound platforms of the train station as well as stores, restaurants, and medical care facilities located on opposite sides of the train tracks.
The federal “Reconnecting Communities” grant was announced by the U.S. Department of Transportation and U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, a Democrat from the 6th District.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the project get started so we can make Long Branch a better place to live and work," Pallone said.
It is part of a national grant program funded by the infrastructure law passed by Congress in November 2021. The program is intended to reconnect neighborhoods that were divided by highways, railroads and other transportation infrastructure.
Long Branch's pedestrian tunnel is among 39 planning grants and six capital construction projects totaling $185 million nationwide awarded Tuesday, Feb. 28 under the federal program.
“The pedestrian tunnel will ensure riders no longer have to cross the train tracks to access the platforms and residents can easily access businesses on each side of the station," Long Branch Mayor John Pallone said in a press statement.
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