New Jersey Transit Extension Goes Back to the Drawing Board After Federal Reversal

The Federal Transit Administration rescinded a clearance it granted in 2007, and a planned extension of New Jersey light rail line will suffer the consequences.

1 minute read

September 5, 2023, 5:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


A map of the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail system.

The existing map of Hudson-Bergen Light Rail system. | Hudson-Bergen Light Rail System Map

The Federal Transit Administration recently delt a setback to a proposed extension of Hudson-Bergen Light Rail into Bergen County, New Jersey—a project under the purview of NJ Transit.

“The Federal Transit Administration decided Monday to rescind a "notice of intent," which was granted in 2007 and gave NJ Transit the green light to begin working on a required environmental report for the project, known as an environmental impact statement,” reports Colleen Wilson.

“The FTA rescinded the notice because of "all-encompassing changes in the project design and environmental impacts," it said, including changes in flood plains, stormwater management, cultural resources, hazardous materials, traffic and parking, and air quality.”

The extension project, officially known as the HBLR Route 440 Extension Project, will add approximately about .7 miles to the existing light rail line, according to the project website, as well as one new station west of the state highway, supporting Jersey City’s planned development on the Hackensack waterfront.

Wednesday, August 30, 2023 in NorthJersey.com

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

October 28, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

A car drives through a puddle, making a large splash. Rain pours down.

California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour

If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.

October 28, 2026 - Grist

Lake Powell with much of the water evaporated.

Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River

Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.

October 30, 2026 - Yale Environment 360

People vote in Chicago behind blue privacy screens

Chicago voters approve permanent festival grounds, penalty for vacant property owners

Currently, major summer and fall festivals take over public parks for weeks at a time, drawing criticism from nearby residents

November 5 - Block Club Chicago

Mayor Zohran Mamdani speaks into a microphone. He wears a gray suit.

NYC votes to cut outdoor dining red tape, speed up permitting

New York City also voted to allow the Department of Transportation to begin work on urgent projects before notifying elected officials.

November 5 - The City Reporter

People in Los Angeles going to the polls, following a sign with an "I Voted" design

California appears to reject Prop. 45

The proposition would have expanded the projects that qualify for a streamlined environmental review, effectively paring down the California Environmental Quality Act.

November 5 - Cal Matters