STV’s Environmental Review for Proposed South Jersey Light Rail Line Earns Honors from ACEC NJ

STV’s Environmental Impact Study (EIS), prepared for the Glassboro-Camden Line (GCL), a proposed 18-mile light rail transit project in Southern New Jersey, has won a Distinguished Award from ACEC New Jersey’s Engineering Excellence Awards.

STV prepared an EIS and performed conceptual engineering services for the new light rail transit system set to operate primarily within an existing freight corridor owned by Conrail. Once operational, the system will improve mobility and provide more equitable access to transit to an otherwise underserved region.

The proposed GCL consists of 14 new transit stations including five walk-up stations and nine park-and-ride stations with accommodations for bicyclists and pedestrians. The rail line is currently scheduled to open in 2028.

The firm’s work within this corridor dates back to 2003, when STV first partnered with the Delaware River Port Authority to perform a feasibility assessment for a prospective new mass transit line. In 2009, a new LRT between Glassboro and Camden was selected as the preferred option from the Alternatives Analysis conducted by STV.

The sheer depth of research – which encompassed data from 26 neighborhoods, 42 intersections and 65 acres of farmland and forests – required extensive study. The project team worked with various municipalities, stakeholders, nearby universities and hospitals for feedback on proposed station areas to create the most equitable and beneficial outcomes.

“In addition to supporting the development of the GCL, the EIS is expected to propel other potential projects that stand to be transformative for the Southern New Jersey area, including mixed-used development, pedestrian safety improvements and other projects that benefit commuters and surrounding municipalities alike,” said John Manzoni, AICP, associate, and planning director.