Just getting off the train and out of the station has turned into an ordeal for one group of NJ Transit commuters.

In July, a stairwell was closed at Metropark, NJ Transit's sixth busiest station, causing massive back ups on the platform as the trains let out.

Amtrak passengers also use Metropark, located in Woodbridge.

Six minutes after the train left at Metropark and the platform is still crowded as people try and make their way down one stairwell. @NJTRANSIT any update on when the other stairwell will be fixed? It's been about two months. pic.twitter.com/c6Wqvu0l3V — Kirsten (@KirstenAcuna) September 18, 2018

The pedestrian gridlock happens after riders get off rush hour trains and slowly funnel down the remaining set of stairs. Commuters said this is both time consuming and some are worried about safety because of the crowding.

"It takes me at least 10 minutes to get off the train, down the stairs and across over to the parking garage." said George Marshall, a daily commuter to and from New York.

That can get worse when Amtrak passengers with luggage are walking against the traffic flow if their train is next, he said.

Marshall and other commuters said they're concerned that someone is going to fall off an overcrowded platform onto the tracks.

@NJTRANSIT Any plans to reopen the Metropark stations stairs. Its closed over 2 months now and its total chaos everytime train comes from NY. Its really a security concern. I hope you care for people's life. — Mohit Jain (@jainmohit1984) October 1, 2018

But an end to the platform back-ups isn't in sight because the stairs need to be replaced.

Design of a replacement staircase is underway, but it is in the "early stages," said Jim Smith, an NJ Transit spokesman.

"We do not have a timetable for completion yet," he said. "During this repair process, unfortunately, the staircase will be out-of-service. We apologize for the inconvenience."

Hey, @NJTRANSIT, what's the issue that has had one of the two staircases for the westbound platform closed for nearly two months? When can we expect them to reopen or at least an update? pic.twitter.com/87gJzpglxL — Adam Reich (@ReichNow) September 18, 2018

NJ Transit is doing "everything we can to expedite the design and bid process," Smith said.

The project is in the early stages of the design process and once completed, NJ Transit will put it out for contractors to bid on the project, he said.

"The staircase needs to be replaced and the process is underway," Smith said.

Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @commutinglarry. Find NJ.com on Facebook.