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A reminder to rail travelers, the Portal cutover weekday schedule takes effect Feb. 17.

As NJBIZ reported Feb. 12, rail service changes are effective through March 15. The changes come as construction reaches the final phase for the new Portal North Bridge. Part of the broader Gateway Program, the project replaces the current 114-year-old rail bridge that is a frequent source of delays.

The project shifts one track from the Portal Bridge to the new span over the Hackensack River. The move will prompt temporary service changes for NJ Transit and Amtrak riders.

The temporary service changes began Feb. 15. However, with the holiday Feb. 16, Tuesday marks the first weekday service with the adjustments.

“Heads up, New Jersey: Rail service changes are in effect through March 15 as construction advances on the new Portal North Bridge. More than 200,000 commuters rely on the Portal Bridge every day – and this work cannot wait,” Gov. Mikie Sherrill wrote in a Feb. 16 social media post. “During this phase, trains will operate on a single track between Newark and Secaucus. As a result, there will be fewer weekday trains into NY Penn Station on the Northeast Corridor and the North Jersey Coast Line.

“There will be no weekday Midtown Direct service into NY Penn Station on the Morristown Line, Gladstone Branch, and Montclair-Boonton Line. Midtown Direct trains will divert to Hoboken,” Sherrill continued. “In Hoboken, weekday tickets will be cross-honored on PATH, New York Waterway ferry service, and NJ TRANSIT’s 126 bus route.”

Critical infrastructure upgrades

“The current Portal Bridge is one of the most significant chokepoints on the Northeast Corridor. Now more than 100 years old, it is a frequent source of delays, as the aging bridge can malfunction while opening and closing for river traffic,” said Sherrill. “Replacing the Portal Bridge means fewer delays and smoother commutes. This short-term disruption will deliver long-term reliability.

“The new Portal North Bridge is a critical part of the Gateway Program – modernizing infrastructure, strengthening our economy, and delivering the dependable rail service New Jerseyans deserve.”