The basics:

• $242M project will rehabilitate the Dock Bridge
• Skanska, LiRo-Hill win key project contracts
• Upgrades aim to improve Northeast Corridor reliability, safety
• Construction runs through 2028 while rail service continues

Amtrak is advancing a $242 million project aimed at improving safety and reliability along the Northeast Corridor. The National Railroad Passenger Corp. has awarded key contracts for the rehabilitation of the nearly century-old Dock Bridge over the Passaic River.

In a July 28 press release, Amtrak said it selected Skanska to handle construction and LiRo-Hill to provide project management services.

Major work will begin by the end of the year. Construction is expected to continue through 2028. Amtrak says rail service will remain in operation during the project.

Dock Bridge Opened in 193. The Amtrak-owned, six-track, triple-span moveable lift crosses between Newark and Harrison. As one of the busiest rail crossings on the nation’s most heavily traveled passenger rail routes, the bridge carries approximately 720 Amtrak, NJ Transit and PATH trains daily, according to officials.

Along with reinforcing steel components and replacing major infrastructure such as tracks, signals and overhead catenary systems, the scope of work will include permanently converting the bridge’s movable lift spans into fixed spans, according to officials.

In late 2024, the U.S. Coast Guard issued a permit to convert Dock Bridge into a fixed bridge, Amtrak noted.

Disrupting commutes

Due to its age and deteriorating condition, Dock Bridge’s lift span has developed reliability issues that cause delays when tracks, signals and other rail systems fail to align properly, Amtrak said. Service disruptions also occur when sensors and other components fail.

Hop on

Take a photo tour here of the first ceremonial train crossing of the new Portal North Bridge in Kearny.

By rehabilitating the bridge, Amtrak expects to save millions on annual maintenance expenses and minimize the risk of more costly repairs in the future. The project also aims to improve travel times for passengers as well as enhance worker safety by improving access to the bridge, according to officials.

According to Skanska, the project will be delivered through a $93 million Design-Bid-Build contract. The global construction and development firm is also working with Amtrak on other major Northeast Corridor work in New York City. Those projects include the East River Tunnel rehabilitation and the Moynihan Train Hall transformation at Penn Station.

The Dock Bridge improvements are primarily funded by a $188 million grant from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).  Amtrak, NJ Transit and PATH will cover the remaining portion, the announcement said.

‘A critical link’

Amtrak President Roger Harris said, “Dock Bridge is one of the most heavily used rail bridges in the United States and a critical link connecting New Jersey, New York, and the entire Northeast Corridor. This investment is one important example of several Amtrak and partner projects helping to modernize and strengthen the Northeast Corridor, thanks to strong support from the Federal Railroad Administration.”

NJ Transit President and CEO Kris Kolluri shared, “This is another investment in the improvement of Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor to enhance reliability, improve long-term performance, and help ensure the safe and efficient movement of trains through one of the busiest sections of the rail network that sees more than 90,000 New Jersey customers using this critical infrastructure every day.”

He added, “This capital investment continues to advance Governor Sherrill’s long-term vision while building on the short-term improvements in the customer experience as part of her rapid action plan. We thank our partners at Amtrak for moving this critical infrastructure project forward.”

The bigger picture

The upcoming upgrades are part of the broader multibillion dollar Gateway Program to modernize rail infrastructure between New Jersey and New York.

Other major Gateway work includes:

• $2.3 billion Portal North Bridge replacement over the Hackensack River
• $17 billion Hudson Tunnel Project to build two new rail tunnels under the Hudson River and rehabilitate the existing 116-year-old tunnels

Skanska was also involved with those projects. It also took part in a $133 million effort to replace the 117-year-old Sawtooth Bridges in Kearney with three new bridges. The crossing is part of the Northeast Corridor, as well as the larger Gateway program.