Rahway station

Rahway station

Company type	Train station
Industry	Rail transport
Founded	1836
Headquarters	Rahway , United States
Products	Passenger rail services

Rahway station serves as a train stop on the NJ Transit network in Rahway, New Jersey, accommodating both the Northeast Corridor Line and the North Jersey Coast Line. Positioned just northeast of Perth Amboy Junction—where these two lines separate at Union Tower—the station is equipped with six tracks. Southbound services utilize an island platform situated between the two westernmost tracks, while northbound trains operate from an island platform next to the easternmost track.

History

The initial Rahway station commenced operations on January 1, 1836. After being destroyed by fire in November 1884, it was rebuilt the following year in 1885. In 1911, the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) embarked on a $3 million initiative to remove grade crossings in Rahway and the adjacent Linden area. This project involved elevating six miles of track and expanding the line from four to six tracks. The elevated Rahway station reopened in July 1913, featuring two island platforms and one side platform, with architectural elements including terra cotta walls and tile roofing. Passenger access was facilitated through an under-track tunnel equipped with elevators and stairways connecting to surrounding streets.

In 1968, PRR merged into Penn Central. Until November 1975, Amtrak provided service to Rahway; thereafter, local operations transitioned from Penn Central to Conrail in 1983, followed by NJ Transit management. Beginning in 1974, the New Jersey Department of Transportation allocated $833,000 for station upgrades that were completed by 1975. These improvements involved reconstructing the 1913 building with a brick-and-steel exterior and installing a shelter on the island platform.

Between January 1996 and August 1998, a $12.6 million renovation replaced the 1970s-era structure with a contemporary facility, refurbished platforms, and introduced elevators to enhance accessibility. In 1998, the municipality purchased and demolished a commercial property east of the station. By 2000, this space was transformed into an 18,000 square-foot public plaza at a cost of $600,000, significantly improving the station’s environs.