On November 26, 2024, the first of three massive arches to support the new Portal North Bridge was delivered by barge after a 30-hour journey down the Hudson River. This milestone marks a significant step toward replacing the aging infrastructure and improving rail service along the busiest stretch of passenger rail in the country.
The Portal North Bridge Project is one of New Jersey’s most important transportation projects, replacing the century-old Portal Bridge over the Hackensack River in New Jersey. The existing bridge is a major bottleneck and source of delays to both NJ Transit and Amtrak due to its aging mechanical and electrical components.
The Portal Bridge, also known as the “Portal,” was opened in 1910 by the Pennsylvania Railroad to allow maritime traffic to pass through by swinging open its middle span. However, this functionality has led to frequent malfunctions and delays, especially given the bridge’s age and fragility. At times, rail engineers have had to use a sledgehammer to nudge the bridge closed. The bridge’s limited clearance of only 23 feet above the Hackensack River further restricts train speeds to a maximum of 60 miles per hour.
Part of the Gateway Program
The Portal North Bridge Project is a crucial component of the broader Gateway Program, the most important infrastructure project in the country, aimed at improving the reliability, resiliency, and capacity of the Northeast Corridor (NEC) rail line between Newark, New Jersey, and New York City. When completed, The Gateway Program will double rail capacity and enhance service along this heavily trafficked route. including supporting more one seat rides to New York Penn Station from New Jersey. The Portal North Bridge will replace the outdated swing bridge with a modern, high-level fixed span that does not open or close, thereby eliminating the movable components and the risk of malfunction.
The next arch is scheduled to be installed in early 2025, continuing the progress of this transformative project. The arches are constructed near Albany, New York. Each arch weighs approximately 2,500 tons and measures about 400 feet long and 80 feet tall. Building, transporting, and installing each arch requires careful coordination and precision. From heavy machinery operators to structural engineers, the collaborative effort of the construction workers and skilled laborers is vital in executing a large-scale infrastructure project of this magnitude.
The Portal North Bridge Project is a testament to the importance of investing in modern infrastructure to support the growing demands of the Northeast Corridor. The Gateway Program, of which the Portal North Bridge Project is a part, represents a significant step toward ensuring the long-term sustainability and efficiency of the region’s rail network.
Sources
- New Jersey Public Transportation Corporation, “Portal North Bridge,” NJ TRANSIT, https://www.njtransit.com/portal
- Amtrak, “Portal North Bridge Project,” Amtrak, https://www.amtrak.com/portal-north-bridge
- Federal Transit Administration, “Portal North Bridge – Hudson County, NJ,” https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/2021-05/NJ-Portal-North-Bridge-Project-Profile-FY22.pdf
