First train crosses new Portal North Bridge (photos)

The basics:

• First ceremonial train crosses new Portal North Bridge in Kearny
• Bridge will replace 116-year-old Portal Bridge on Northeast Corridor
• One track enters passenger service March 16; second track expected this fall
• $1.56B infrastructure project funded by federal, state, regional partners

Officials marked a major milestone in the replacement of the aging Portal Bridge Thursday, as the first train crossed the new Portal North Bridge in Kearny. Gov. Mikie Sherrill, alongside leaders from NJ Transit and Amtrak, led the ceremonial ride March 12.

“Today marks a historic step forward for New Jersey’s transportation future,” Sherrill said.

One track on the new bridge will officially enter passenger service March 16, shifting rail traffic from the 116-year-old Portal Bridge. That span has long caused delays along the Northeast Corridor. A second track is also expected to come online this fall.

“For decades, the old Portal Bridge has been a source of delays and frustration for the hundreds of thousands of commuters and travelers who rely on the Northeast Corridor every day,” said Sherrill.

Officials said the modern fixed-span bridge will significantly improve reliability for this critical span.

A major milestone

“The segment of the Northeast Corridor between Newark and New York is the busiest stretch of rail in the country, carrying more than 400 trains and 200-thousand NJ TRANSIT and Amtrak riders every weekday,” said NJ Transit President and CEO Kris Kolluri.

“The first train over the new Portal North Bridge marks a major milestone toward completing one of the most consequential infrastructure projects in the nation and delivering the reliability our customers expect and deserve,” Kolluri added.

Watch the press conference here:

“Replacing the aging Portal Bridge with a modern structure will significantly improve reliability for the hundreds of trains that cross the Hackensack River every day,” said New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner and NJ Transit Board Chair Priya Jain. “This progress reflects years of collaboration between federal, state, and regional partners and brings us one step closer to delivering the resilient, 21st-century infrastructure our commuters, residents and businesses depend on.”

Taking the high … track

The Portal North Bridge is a two-track, high-level structure rising 50 feet above the Hackensack River. The height allows marine traffic to pass without interrupting rail service. The project also eliminates the aging swing bridge.

It is designed to improve reliability and strengthen the Northeast Corridor as well as support future capacity growth.

The work is also a key component of the broader Gateway Program, which aims to expand rail capacity between Newark and New York.

As NJBIZ reported, over the last month construction crews have worked to complete the complex cutover work, which also led to service changes.

It’s time

“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,” said Amtrak President Roger Harris. “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.”

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.
– Roger Harris, Amtrak president

Construction of the bridge is part of a $1.56 billion contract awarded to Skanska and Traylor Bros. The agreement holds distinction as the largest construction award in NJ Transit’s history.

Funding for the project comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation, along with New Jersey, New York and Amtrak. It has secured $766.5 million in federal funding since 2021.

The old Portal Bridge is scheduled for dismantling in 2027.

Past and future

A NJ Transit locomotive wrapped in graphics honoring the nation’s 250th anniversary pull the ceremonial train carrying the governor and other key officials

Sherrill added, “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.”