Portal North Bridge: 2026 Construction Update & Route Map

New Portal North Bridge enhances Northeast Corridor rail capacity, replacing the aging swing bridge and boosting train speeds. This improves service reliability for millions of commuters.

Portal North Bridge: 2026 Construction Update & Route Map
July 7, 2022 1:35 pm
A+
A-

The Portal North Bridge Replacement is a critical infrastructure project designed to eliminate a major bottleneck on the Northeast Corridor (NEC) by replacing the century-old Portal Bridge over the Hackensack River in New Jersey. This project introduces a modern, high-level fixed span to enhance operational reliability, increase train speeds, and improve service for millions of passengers. The new structure is a core component of the larger Gateway Program aimed at modernizing rail transit between Newark, NJ, and New York Penn Station.

AttributeDetails
Project NamePortal North Bridge Replacement
LocationNortheast Corridor (NEC) over Hackensack River, Kearny, New Jersey
LengthApproximately 2.44 miles (including approach spans)
Maximum Speed90 mph (increase from 60 mph on the old bridge)
Estimated Cost~$2.3 Billion
Status (as of late 2025)Under Construction; anticipated completion in 2026.
Key Contractors & PartnersSkanska/Traylor Bros. Joint Venture (Construction), HNTB, Gannett Fleming, Jacobs Engineering Group, Amtrak, NJ TRANSIT

Technical Specifications

The new Portal North Bridge is engineered as a two-track, high-level, fixed-span structure, replacing the obsolete 1910 two-track swing bridge. A key design feature is its 50-foot vertical clearance over the Hackensack River, which completely eliminates the need for openings to accommodate maritime traffic—a primary source of delays on the former bridge. The structure’s design accommodates significantly higher operational speeds, increasing the maximum authorized speed from 60 mph to 90 mph, thereby reducing travel times and improving timetable adherence for both Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT services.

This project is foundational for future capacity enhancements, including the planned Portal South Bridge. The future South Bridge is envisioned as a parallel two-track structure, potentially with a movable center span, which will ultimately double the track capacity across the river from two to four. This phased expansion is crucial for the resilience and long-term growth of the entire Northeast Corridor, facilitating the eventual overhaul of signaling systems and enabling more frequent service patterns.

Key Takeaways

  • Elimination of a Critical Bottleneck: By replacing the unreliable swing-span mechanism with a high-level fixed bridge, the project removes the single largest point of delay on the NEC, directly improving service reliability for over 200,000 daily passengers.
  • Enhanced Operational Efficiency: The new bridge’s design allows for a 50% increase in maximum train speed (from 60 to 90 mph), reducing journey times and increasing the corridor’s overall throughput capacity.
  • Foundation for the Gateway Program: Successful completion of the Portal North Bridge is a critical prerequisite for the broader Gateway Program, paving the way for the construction of the Portal South Bridge and the new Hudson Tunnel, which together will double rail capacity into New York City.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will the new Portal North Bridge open?

The Portal North Bridge is expected to be fully operational and open for rail traffic in 2026. The project is currently in the active construction phase to meet this target completion date.

Who is building the Portal North Bridge?

The Portal North Bridge is being built by a joint venture of Skanska and Traylor Bros. The project is led by Amtrak in partnership with NJ TRANSIT, with funding and oversight from the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Railroad Administration.