The Borough of Carteret has awarded a $47.5 million contract to Brockwell and Carrington Contractors of Towaco for the construction of the multi-level Carteret Multimodal Ferry Terminal Building. This significant step, finalized on Oct. 31, moves the long-planned commuter project closer to reality.
Construction is an estimated 18- to 24-month project, with groundbreaking expected to take place by year’s end. The terminal is projected to open by early 2028, though ferry service may begin earlier via a temporary dock system.
Mayor Daniel Reiman highlighted the unique nature of the facility, which has secured over $90 million in federal and state grants for the overall ferry project.
“You’re looking at something that is unmatched for the tristate area in terms of a multi-purpose, multi-level intermodal terminal building,” Reiman said.
The multi-level terminal, with each floor measuring approximately 13,000 square feet, is planned to include:
- A bar, lounge, and restaurant
- Retail space and a ticketing area
- Leasable office space
- An event hall and training center
Brockwell & Carrington, whose previous projects include several municipal and educational buildings in New Jersey, expressed their excitement. Michael B. Dissatti II, the company’s president, called it a “landmark project” that blends transportation, economic development, and public space.
The Carteret ferry service is designed to offer commuters a reliable, significantly quicker, and more environmentally friendly transportation option to New York City. Initial projections call for three to four morning and evening stops in Manhattan.
The terminal will function as a true intermodal hub, allowing NJ TRANSIT buses, municipal jitneys, and NJ Rideshare to drop off passengers. A 700-space parking lot and on-site work is set to begin later this month.
The ferry project is a central component of Mayor Reiman’s vision to transform Carteret’s once industrial Arthur Kill waterfront into a regional destination, complementing existing features like a fishing pier, marina, park and the soon-to-open Riverwalk. The entire ferry project site is on a former Dupont property, with future plans for a movie studio and hotel on the balance of the land.
Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin and Gov. Phil Murphy both previously applauded the project, emphasizing its importance for mass transit, reducing congestion on regional roads and tunnels, and promoting economic activity in the region.
