Woodbridge station (NJ Transit)
| Company type | Commuter railroad station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Rail transport |
| Founded | October 11, 1864 |
| Headquarters | Woodbridge Township , United States |
Area served | Woodbridge Township, Middlesex County, New Jersey |
| Products | Passenger rail service |
Woodbridge serves as a commuter railroad stop located in Woodbridge Township, within Middlesex County, New Jersey, United States. It is part of the NJ Transit network on the North Jersey Coast Line and ranks among three operational stations in the township, alongside Avenel and Metropark station on the Northeast Corridor Line. Positioned at the intersection of Pearl Street and Brook Street, the station provides stair access to a single island platform that accommodates trains traveling in both directions.
Rail operations commenced on October 11, 1864, coinciding with the launch of the Perth Amboy and Woodbridge Railroad, a branch line initially under the New Jersey Railroad and later incorporated into the Pennsylvania Railroad. The first depot was constructed in 1873 at platform height. In March 1882, plans to replace this original structure were proposed, leading to a new building erected between April and August 1885. Efforts to elevate the tracks to eliminate grade crossings began in 1934 following a fatal incident at Green Street. With funding from the Public Works Administration, construction of elevated tracks started on September 8, 1938, and train service on these tracks began February 16, 1940. NJ Transit undertook a comprehensive station renovation from September 2005 through mid-2007 to improve passenger comfort and accessibility.
History
The concept of establishing a railroad through downtown Woodbridge was initiated by New Jersey State Senator Ralph C. Stults of Middlesex County, who sponsored legislation to form the Perth Amboy and Woodbridge Railroad. Previous efforts to extend the New Jersey Railroad from Rahway to Perth Amboy had been unsuccessful. The Senate approved an incorporation charter on March 9, 1855. Construction work commenced on July 1, 1858. At a meeting held June 4, 1859, the New Jersey Railroad agreed to operate services between Perth Amboy and Woodbridge once completed. The Perth Amboy and Woodbridge Railroad was formally organized on June 9, 1860. By December 20, 1862, the New Jersey Railroad had purchased 885 shares, which increased to 1,500 shares by November 1863; bonds guaranteed by the railroad were also issued that year. Construction connecting Rahway and Perth Amboy was finalized, allowing service to start October 11, 1864, operated by the New Jersey Railroad using an enclosed streetcar with trailer.
In 1873, a station featuring a high-level platform was constructed to facilitate easier boarding. The Pennsylvania Railroad began through service via Woodbridge along the New York and Long Branch Railroad on April 1, 1882, extending routes to Seaside Park. Due to local demand for an upgraded station that same year, Pennsylvania Railroad representatives inspected Woodbridge in April. Subsequently, construction of a new brick depot commenced in April 1885 on land donated by residents; this included new access points from Green and Pearl Streets. The updated station opened its doors in August 1885.
Station layout
Woodbridge consists of one elevated island platform that serves trains traveling in both directions.