NJ Transit Tackles Hoboken Odor With New Fix
NJ Transit to fix water leaks causing odors at Hoboken station using sealant injection
NJ Transit Fixes Hoboken Station Odor Problem
Commuters using Hoboken station will see relief from persistent odor issues as NJ Transit addresses water leaks beneath stairways, transit officials said. The agency announced the remediation plan November 25, though officials haven't provided a specific timeline for when the work will begin or be completed. The unpleasant smell has been traced to water infiltration under station stairways.
Background on the Issue
Water infiltration is a common challenge in aging transit infrastructure, particularly in stations near waterways like Hoboken Terminal, according to the transit agency. The station underwent major reconstruction following Hurricane Sandy damage in 2012, which caused significant flooding. Officials said the current leak issues may be related to long-term effects of that flood damage or aging infrastructure from the post-Sandy reconstruction period. The exact number and locations of affected stairways haven't been specified.
Remediation Approach
Transit teams will use a specialized sealant injection process to address the leaks at their source, officials said. The targeted approach involves injecting sealant material directly into affected areas beneath the stairways to seal leaks and eliminate odors. Technical details about the specific sealant material and injection process haven't been made public. The cost of the remediation project hasn't been disclosed.
Implementation Timeline
NJ Transit hasn't announced a specific timeline for when the remediation work will begin or be completed. Transit agencies typically provide advance notice before maintenance work that might affect station access, though whether that'll happen for this project wasn't clear from available information. Officials said they're moving forward with the solution.
What Riders Need to Know
The remediation work is expected to eliminate the odor issue that's been affecting passengers at Hoboken station. It's unclear how long commuters have been experiencing the problem. Officials didn't say whether the work will require any temporary station closures or service modifications. Riders can check Moovit for real-time updates on NJ Transit service at Hoboken station.
