Hoboken’s open wound
Sept. rail-crash site still a mess
It’s been 4 ¹/2 months since the deadly NJ Transit train crash at Hoboken Terminal, but the agency has done virtually nothing to repair extensive damage that is an eyesore for commuters and a detriment to station businesses.
There is still a massive divot at the end of Track 5 where the bumper should be, a huge section of the terminal ceiling is missing and the doors that lead to the historic waiting room are boarded up. Some of the tracks, platforms and walkways remain exposed and get pelted with rain and snow during inclement weather.
And other than a pair of wooden barriers to keep commuters from walking in front of the platform where the fatal crash occurred, there is no indication that any repair work has been done.
“At this point, we do not have an estimated time of completion for the repair work, as the work also has to be approved by many regulators and done with safety in the forefront,” said NJ Transit spokeswoman Lisa Torbic. “We appreciate our customers’ patience and understanding.”
The National Transportation Safety Board is still investigating the crash, but spokesman Keith Holloway said the board has all the evidence it needs and isn’t holding up repairs.
The commuter train jumped the bumper block at the end of Track 5 and slammed into the building during the morning commute last Sept. 29. A young mom standing on the platform was killed by falling debris, and more than 100 people on board the train were injured.
“It was traumatic to have to walk past that every day, but over time you get used to it,” said commuter David Soles, of Maplewood. “It was spooky for a long time.”
Businesses in the terminal have also suffered because of the walking detours.
“About 50 percent of the people are not coming over here,” said Jeffrey Loja, who works in the food court. “They don’t want to come around the wall.”