Be still my heart, it looks like there’s a possibility that the stairs at the Train Station could be repaired by spring.
A recent addition to the board blocking access to the center stairs, near the taxi stand, is a poster that reads similarly as this station advisory on the NJ Transit website (though neither are dated specifically (so let’s hope it’s not a stretch that I’m assuming it means mean May 2011):
“The stairway serving the center of the inbound/eastbound platform (near the elevator) remains closed for necessary repairs. NJ Transit is working through the required permit process and expects construction to begin mid-March and continue through early May.”
An April 2, 2010 advisory noted that the stairs would be closed until further notice for “necessary repairs.” A year later and it would appear the “necessary repairs” were slowed up by the permit process, necessary approvals and paperwork. Just a guess, as there’s no word from NJT.
The most information I could come up with were in the comments to this blog post last year, where readers posted the responses they got from NJT’s customer service: Something about a re-design and approval required from the state Department of Community Affairs (DCA). Who knows, maybe it had to re-bid as well, which would cost a few months at least. I say, let’s have an anniversary party.
This whole thing is being mind-boggling. Over a year to fix a couple of broken steps. When people say gov't can be trusted to do anything…this is the kind of nonsense they are talking about.
Let's remember this is the second set of stairs to be closed for repairs. I'd like to know if they've looked at the 4 remaining stairways to make sure they're safe as well. I'm betting at least one of them (westbound on the north end) is close to some form of collapse.
If only we could do something about the pools of urine in each of the elevators all day, everyday…
I suggest you go to the NJTransit site and send them feedback. Maybe something will happen if they get flooded with complaints. It is a genuine safety hazard, as I see people running across traffic every day to get to the other stairs. NJTransit may end up in court if someone is injured.
ooops are those elevators? Sorry…
On a side note; I complained to NJT about the garbage which was sitting in the ceiling of the elevator for months now, and they sent someone out to clean it up.I nearly fainted when I saw it was gone!