Delawanna station
| Company type | Commuter rail station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Rail transport |
| Founded | 1870 |
| Headquarters | Clifton, New Jersey , United States |
Area served | Passaic County, New Jersey |
| Owner | New Jersey Transit Rail Operations |
Delawanna station is a commuter rail facility managed by New Jersey Transit Rail Operations situated within the Delawanna neighborhood of Clifton, New Jersey, Passaic County. Positioned at the intersection of Delawanna Avenue (Passaic County Route 610) and Oak Street (Passaic County Route 605), it functions on NJ Transit's Main Line, providing service eastbound toward Hoboken Terminal and westbound to Suffern and Port Jervis in New York. The station comprises two low-level side platforms, including a shelter on the inbound platform, but does not offer ADA-compliant access.
Reconstruction (1924–1925)
In July 1924, the Lackawanna Railroad revealed its intentions to remove the Delawanna Avenue grade crossing in Clifton by constructing a new station building and enhancing the surrounding area. The project’s budget was $230,000, predominantly financed by the railroad with $200,000, alongside $20,000 from the Passaic County Board of Freeholders and $7,000 from the local government. Both city and county authorities committed to installing new stormwater drainage systems to support the overpass and station infrastructure. The plan entailed elevating approximately 600 feet of track over a concrete viaduct near Oak Street.
Clifton’s Mayor S. Grant Thorburn endorsed this improvement, noting it contrasted favorably with slower developments by the Erie Railroad on comparable undertakings. In August 1924, municipal approval was granted for widening Delawanna Avenue, adding sewer lines, and installing street lighting as part of the project. A financial agreement involved the city contributing $25,000, while adjustments to Oak Street’s elevation were sanctioned to facilitate construction.
During October 1924, challenges arose regarding property acquisition when Colonel Charles Johnson contested the condemnation of his 6,375 square foot parcel required for station expansion. The railroad escalated the matter to the New Jersey Supreme Court, which appointed a local board to determine just compensation. November hearings disclosed an offer of $3,500 from the railroad in contrast to Johnson’s $18,000 demand; a final judicial ruling awaited submission of findings. Meanwhile, preliminary work on the overpass had commenced.
Comprehensive construction activities started in December 1924, necessitating road closures and traffic rerouting. The Public Service Corporation removed tracks on Franklin Avenue to accommodate progress, while bridges at Brook and Franklin were widened to support four tracks. The new station depot was erected adjacent to the existing structure with an anticipated completion date in June 1925. Excavation for the Delawanna Avenue bridge began by late December.
Early in 1925, disagreements over responsibility for storm drain installation between county and city officials caused delays. Ultimately, under pressure from the railroad to maintain schedule adherence, the county proceeded with drainage installation and paving.
By August 1925, the newly constructed four-track bridge was opened for public use; however, finishing touches on the Delawanna station itself remained incomplete.
Station layout
Delawanna station consists of two tracks served by low-level side platforms and includes an extensive parking area located along Delawanna Avenue intended for commuter use.