Avenel station
| Company type | Commuter railroad station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Transportation |
| Headquarters | Woodbridge Township, New Jersey , United States |
Area served | North Jersey Coast Line |
| Owner | NJ Transit |
Avenel functions as an operational commuter railroad stop located within the Avenel neighborhood of Woodbridge Township, New Jersey, in Middlesex County, New Jersey. Managed by NJ Transit, this station is part of the North Jersey Coast Line, providing service to destinations including Long Branch, Bay Head, and New York Penn Station. Notably, Avenel serves as the initial southbound and final northbound station exclusive to the North Jersey Coast Line before it converges with the Northeast Corridor Line at Rahway. Neighboring stations are Woodbridge located to the south and Rahway to the north. The station comprises two elevated side platforms that span over Avenel Street (County Route 650).
History
Between 1985 and 2019, service at Avenel station was limited to select weekdays with no operations on weekends. On September 8, 2019, NJ Transit expanded both weekend and weekday schedules, followed by an additional enhancement implemented on November 8, 2020.
Station layout
The facility includes two brief high-level side platforms, each accommodating three train cars along two tracks. Although initially planned for closure due to the substantial expense of installing elevators to meet ADA standards, accessible ramps were ultimately constructed at the southern extremities of each platform.
Positioned directly above Avenel Street, stairways from the northern sidewalk provide access to both platforms. The staircase on the New York-bound side is enclosed, whereas the Long Branch-bound platform’s stairs remain uncovered. Each platform contains an elongated double bus shelter featuring a white domed roof and seating.
At their southern ends, ramps and stairways connect down to the service roads adjacent to Avenel Street. A pedestrian tunnel equipped with stairs at both ends links the two platforms. The station’s only ticket vending machine, installed in May 2011, is situated beneath the Newark-bound platform inside a bus shelter.