Parts Of Hoboken Terminal Reopen Following Repairs From Deadly Crash
HOBOKEN, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Parts of the Hoboken Terminal were reopened Monday after being closed for repairs since last September's deadly crash.
Workers were on site well before dawn prepping for the commuter rush. The temporary green wall restricting access to the concourse was taken down early Sunday, weeks ahead of schedule.
The concourse area became restricted after a NJ TRANSIT train slammed into the terminal on Sept. 29. The impact killed one woman and injured more than 100.
Throngs of riders who pass through the terminal have had to navigate through a maze of construction since then as a result of repairs being made.
"There were thousands of people walking around the other side and they were all crushed through every morning," commuter Karen Trimblett told CBS2's Janelle Burrell. "It's been very hard getting through."
Repair work on tracks 5 and 6 had forced some commuters to have to go through the waiting room to access PATH trains. NJ TRANSIT says the open concourse space will now give customers additional pedestrian walkways that were previously closed.
"It looks good and I'm glad it's finally open because it's a hassle because these doors are not always unlocked, so you have to walk around," commuter Catherine Delaney told WCBS 880's Sean Adams. "Not a huge problem, there are worse things in life, but I'm so happy."
"Less traffic, less people running around," said Hoboken resident Jinal Patel. "Much safer."
"Everyone is in a rush to get to and from," said commuter Lisa Zyndorf. "The most tense part of the day is getting to work on time and getting home on time. This will definitely help."
Track 6 is also now reopen, but green plywood structures boxing off the support beams will stay for now to help bolster the roof.
As for track 5, NJ TRANSIT officials say that is still out of commission with repairs not yet complete.
