Lebanon station (NJ Transit)
| Company type | NJ Transit rail station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Transportation |
| Founded | 1852 |
| Headquarters | Lebanon, New Jersey , United States |
| Products | Rail transport services |
Lebanon station is part of the NJ Transit network, situated on the Raritan Valley Line within Lebanon, New Jersey. The station house, positioned on the track's northern side, was crafted in 1899 by New York-based architect Bradford Gilbert for the Central Railroad of New Jersey. While the southern rail line has been decommissioned, weekend train service is not available at this location. Ownership of the station transferred to the municipality in 1978.
History
On November 4, 1947, Lebanon station experienced significant damage when the CNJ-operated Queen of the Valley train collided with a truck carrying 10-foot copper tubing at Railroad Avenue. The collision propelled the tubing through the depot, shattering windows and damaging the ticket office, while the truck was forced into the station structure. Debris also struck the locomotive, which came to a stop further down the tracks.
Station agent George Creitz remained unharmed by staying seated during the incident; however, farmer George Lambert was fatally struck by flying tubing immediately after stepping outside. Lambert had been in the process of paying for a new bull before the accident occurred. The truck driver, Benjamin Eastmead from Trenton, was uninjured but was arrested and fined $50 for failing to stop at the crossing. Eastmead also had a previous speeding violation to which he pleaded guilty.
Although a grand jury chose not to indict Eastmead for manslaughter, it criticized CNJ for insufficient warning signals at that crossing and recommended enhanced safety measures. In response, CNJ installed new flashing light signals early in 1948 to improve crossing safety. Later that year, CNJ successfully recovered $2,404.79 in damages from Eastmead’s employer for harm caused to both the depot and locomotive. A $50,000 lawsuit filed by Lambert’s estate was dismissed alongside a countersuit from Biter's Transfer Company.
Station agent removal and renovation (1962–1968)
On July 5, 1962, CNJ announced plans to hold a hearing with State Public Utility Commissioners regarding elimination of the Lebanon station agent position due to annual revenues of only $20,000. The railroad argued that removing the agent would reduce expenses by shifting ticket sales onto trains. Freight services for local businesses such as F. L. Smidth were proposed to be relocated to White House station. Both F. L. Smidth and the Jersey Central Commuters' Association supported this change, favoring stations offering superior parking like Annandale and White House. Despite opposition from Lebanon Borough Council, no significant resistance emerged at the hearing.
By August 1962, CNJ confirmed that although no agent would be assigned, the station building would remain accessible. The station generated $109,018 in revenue with a net profit of $19,359 for CNJ. Ticket sales averaged only 78 per month during the preceding year while handling freight service for 122 cars. The Borough Council continued to object based on freight volume concerns but overall sentiment leaned toward supporting railroad proposals.
In 1968, High Iron Company—a firm established in 1966 dedicated to steam locomotive restoration—leased the Lebanon station from CNJ. Their objective was to refurbish original depot elements such as glass windows, ticket office flooring, and waiting room floors by employing local contractors ahead of planned summer excursions to Montreal and Niagara Falls.
September 1968 saw High Iron host a dedication event featuring Nickel Plate Road 759 before embarking on its "Palmerton Limited" excursion bound for Palmerton, Pennsylvania. The train accommodated approximately 800 passengers across 15 cars and included multiple photo stops en route. This event was anticipated to temporarily double Lebanon’s population.
At a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 23, High Iron president Ross Rowland Jr., Lebanon Mayor Willard Young Jr., and CNJ Passenger Service Director Albert Bjorkner announced intentions for CNJ to purchase the depot following its rental period. The outbound journey proceeded without incident; however, on return trip excessive water consumption by the locomotive necessitated several unscheduled stops for refilling. Additionally, a turntable malfunction at Mauch Chunk caused delays resulting in arrival at Elizabeth three hours behind schedule.
Due to high operational expenses, High Iron sold its equipment along with Lebanon station in 1971. The depot was listed at $40,000 while nine passenger cars were offered separately at an additional $40,000. Although dissolution was not immediate, asset liquidation aimed at financial stabilization. A final excursion took place on August 14, 1971—from Hoboken Terminal through the Pocono Mountains to Binghamton—with overnight accommodations included.
Ross Rowland Jr. pursued acquisition of CNJ’s 15.6-mile South Branch line extending to Flemington intending to operate a tourist railroad combining freight and passenger services with profitability goals. Estimated costs for purchase and restoration exceeded $400,000. While retaining passenger cars pending this project, plans to retain Lebanon station were ultimately abandoned.
Station layout
Located at the intersection of Cherry and Central Avenue, Lebanon station consists of a single side platform. The facility is equipped with one ticket vending machine positioned close to the depot and provides bicycle access. Commuters can utilize a 15-space parking area managed by NJ Transit, which is available without charge during weekdays and weekends, excluding overnight hours. This station accommodates weekday services on the Raritan Valley Line and falls within fare zone 20, the same as Annandale station.