BELVIDERE, N.J. — The Warren County Board of County Commissioners has approved a resolution supporting the restoration of passenger rail service through the county, backing a proposal identified in Amtrak’s long-range transportation vision.
The resolution, adopted during the commissioners’ Aug. 12 meeting, urges the State of New Jersey to provide resources needed to coordinate with Amtrak and other agencies to further evaluate reactivating the historic Lackawanna Cut-Off rail line.
- Warren County commissioners approved a resolution supporting passenger rail restoration through Blairstown.
- The proposed route would provide three daily round trips between New York City and Scranton.
- Amtrak estimates the restored line could serve up to 470,000 riders annually after three years.
Blairstown station proposed
Amtrak’s proposal, known as the Scranton Service, would restore passenger trains along the former Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad corridor, including a stop in Blairstown. The service would operate three daily round trips between New York City and Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Commissioner Director Lori Ciesla said passenger rail would offer residents “a nice alternative method of transportation” instead of relying on increasingly congested highways.
“Restoring passenger rail service to Blairstown would be a significant opportunity for Warren County and something worth pursuing as this project moves forward,” Commissioner James R. Kern III said. “For too long, Warren County has lacked the transportation options available to many other parts of New Jersey.”
Kern added that a Blairstown station “could provide our residents with a direct connection to New York City, help reduce traffic, support local businesses and tourism, attract new investment, and potentially strengthen property values throughout the area.”
Project continues federal review
According to Warren County officials, the Scranton-New York corridor is one of five projects nationwide to advance to Step 2 of the Federal Railroad Administration’s Corridor Identification Program under the New Conventional Rail Routes category.
The Federal Railroad Administration, Amtrak, NJ Transit, the New Jersey Department of Transportation, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, and the Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Railroad Authority are working together to develop a service plan for the corridor.
County officials noted the Warren County Transportation Plan has long identified the Lackawanna Cut-Off as a corridor worthy of continued evaluation because it could provide another transportation option while helping reduce congestion on Interstate 80.
Amtrak estimates the restored service would carry approximately 380,000 passengers during its first year, increasing to about 470,000 riders by its third year. The railroad also projects the corridor could generate as much as $84 million annually in regional economic activity and produce approximately $20 million in annual travel-time savings for riders.
FAQ
- What did Warren County approve?
A resolution supporting restoration of passenger rail service through Blairstown on the Lackawanna Cut-Off corridor. - Where would the trains operate?
Between New York City and Scranton, Pennsylvania, with a proposed stop in Blairstown. - Has the project been approved for construction?
No. The proposal remains in the federal planning process as agencies continue developing a service plan.
Sources: Warren County, New Jersey Government, Amtrak Vision for Improving Transportation Across America.
