On 16 March, NJ TRANSIT and Amtrak will begin operations on the first track of the new Portal North Bridge in Kearny, New Jersey.
A ceremonial train ran over the bridge earlier this week, marking the transition from the 116-year-old Portal Bridge, which has been a frequent source of delays. The second track is scheduled to enter service in the autumn.
Portal North Bridge
© Amtrak
The ceremonial train was led by a locomotive decorated with graphics marking America’s 250th anniversary.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill said:
Today marks a historic step forward for New Jersey’s transportation future. For decades, the old Portal Bridge has been a source of delays and frustration for the hundreds of thousands of commuters and travellers who rely on the Northeast Corridor every day. With the first train now crossing the new Portal North Bridge, we are delivering a modern, reliable piece of infrastructure that will strengthen our economy, improve the daily commute and support the entire Northeast Corridor.
Work to transfer one track from the old Portal Bridge began on 13 February, requiring temporary schedule adjustments for both NJ TRANSIT and Amtrak services. Normal NJ TRANSIT schedules will resume from 15 March.
The Portal North Bridge is a two-track, fixed-span structure that rises 50 feet above the Hackensack River, allowing marine traffic to pass without affecting rail service. The bridge replaces the 116-year-old swing bridge and is designed to support future growth in rail capacity.
Amtrak President Roger Harris said:
The Portal North Bridge represents the first major bridge project cutover completed on the Northeast Corridor, and we’re proud to celebrate this tremendous milestone with our partners at NJ TRANSIT, Governor Sherrill, and the US DOT. You’ve heard about the benefits that this new bridge will bring for a more reliable trip, and starting Monday, it’s finally time to start experiencing them.
The project is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation, New Jersey, New York, and Amtrak. A Full Funding Grant Agreement secured 766.5 million USD in federal support in January 2021. In October 2021, NJ TRANSIT awarded a 1.56 billion USD construction contract to the Skanska/Traylor Bros PNB Joint Venture, the largest in its history.
The project spans 2.44 miles of the Northeast Corridor line and includes construction of retaining walls, concrete piers, structural steel spans, rail systems, and demolition of the old bridge. Estimated material quantities include 45 million pounds of steel, 219,000 cubic yards of concrete, and over 185,000 feet of pipe piles. The existing Portal Bridge is scheduled for dismantling in 2027.