the staff of the Ridgewood blog
RIDGEWOOD, NJ – A key pedestrian staircase at the Ridgewood Train Station, providing access from East Ridgewood Avenue to the tunnel beneath NJ Transit’s Bergen/Main Line tracks, has been closed since May 14, 2024, following a dramatic crash involving an Infiniti SUV.
The vehicle jumped a curb in front of a parking space and slammed head-on into the staircase’s above-ground entrance portal. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the damage rendered the staircase indefinitely closed for safety reasons.
Ridgewood Village Council Approves $98,000 Repair Contract
At the July 2 public workshop meeting, the Ridgewood Village Council approved plans and awarded a $98,000 contract to Hear Construction, Inc. of South Ozone Park, NY to repair the eastbound kiosk—also known as the pedestrian stairwell entrance.
The repair project will include:
✅ Brick and stucco restoration
✅ Concrete repair
✅ Structural and aesthetic improvements
Funding Through Insurance and Reimbursement
Village Manager Keith Kazmark added that the project will be funded through the village’s insurance trust account, along with additional reimbursement from the responsible driver’s insurance company.
This ensures taxpayers will not directly shoulder the repair costs while restoring safe access for pedestrians using the train station tunnel.
Why the Staircase Matters
The pedestrian tunnel beneath the NJ Transit Bergen/Main Line tracks is a heavily used route for commuters, shoppers, and residents moving between Ridgewood’s downtown business district and parking areas.
With the staircase closed since the accident, pedestrians have faced longer detours and less convenient access to the station and surrounding areas.
Next Steps
Construction is expected to begin soon, restoring the historic character and functionality of the Ridgewood Train Station’s entrance. Village officials have not yet provided a firm timeline for completion but say updates will be posted on the Village of Ridgewood website.
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Why can’t they keep that tunnel clean. Why is it always filthy? Smelly. Maybe we need to have a power washed with a soap and water. Maybe the fire department can hold the whole damn thing down.
Wait they built a 1/2 million dollar pavilion at a remote park before they fixed the underpass in town. What is wrong with them????
The damage was cosmetic and didn’t restrict access in any way. The underpass is not well trafficked anyway. Hardly anyone from Ridgewood uses it so it’s not a huge priority. Do you care what some out of towner whose face is buried in their phone and who isn’t paying the least bit of attention to their surroundings thinks?
Speak for yourself. Maybe you don’t think anyone who lives here uses the tunnel because YOU don’t use it. There are many people who use the tunnel, including students walking to GWMS and RHS, commuters who use the train and bus….. those are just the obvious and daily users of the tunnel
The elevator at the station is dirty and smells.
Just can’t believe this wasn’t a priority over the other things they waste money on daily. A bunch of brainless meatheads
Everything costs $100,000 or $1,000,000.