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The Sussex County rail extension by NJ Transit is making headway, with the installation of a liner inside the Roseville Tunnel nearing completion. This project is part of the larger Lackawanna Cut-Off initiative, which aims to extend NJ Transit service to Andover by 2026. The upgrades to the over-a-century-old tunnel are designed to prevent rocks from falling onto the tracks inside the 1,000-foot-long passageway.
The Roseville work also includes the addition of modern communication links for high-speed trains and passengers. So far, 7½ miles of the Lackawanna project's track has been laid, with the rest to be installed closer to the end of construction. A study of 1,000 feet of vertical rock cuts along the right-of-way is still to be conducted to determine if any work is needed to stabilize the walls.
U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, who represents the area, has been a strong advocate for the project, as well as a potential future extension of rail service from Andover to Scranton, Pennsylvania. Supporters argue that this would help alleviate traffic along the I-80 corridor, the main route for Pennsylvania residents who work in northern New Jersey and New York City.
"After working across the aisle for years, it’s great to see progress on key infrastructure needed to return quality, affordable public transit to North Jersey," said Gottheimer to the NJ Herald. "It can’t be overstated how vital a restored Lackawanna Cut-Off railway will be for Sussex County residents. It will decrease commute times, boost the economy, and make Jersey an even greater place to live, work, and raise a family."