Officials gathered in Kearny Monday to mark the halfway point of construction of the new Portal North Bridge project. The work will replace the current 114-year-old swing bridge that often malfunctions, causing major rail service disruptions.

The project includes a modern two-track, high-level fixed span bridge rising 50 feet over the Hackensack River. It will also nearly double the height clearance. That will allowing marine traffic to pass underneath and thus eliminate the need to open and close.

The U.S. Department of Transportation, New Jersey, New York and Amtrak are funding the project. In October 2021, Gov. Phil Murphy and NJ Transit announced the approval of a $1.56 billion construction contract to Skanska/Traylor Bros PNB Joint Venture (STJV) for the construction of the new span. The agreement represents the single largest construction award in NJ Transit’s history.

The HTP project is part of the broader Gateway Program. It spans 2.44 miles of the Northeast Corridor line and includes:

• The construction of retaining walls;
• Deep foundations;
• Concrete piers;
• Structural steel bridge spans;
• Rail systems;
• Demolition of the existing bridge; and
• Related incidental works.

‘Whoa, we’re half way there’

On May 13, the message from officials was that the project reached 50% completion on time and on budget.

“Less than two years after officially breaking ground in August 2022, NJ Transit is pleased to be able to demonstrate that mega-projects in the Northeast can be advanced on-time and on budget,” said NJ Transit President and CEO Kevin Corbett. “The new Portal North Bridge will significantly enhance the customer experience for New Jerseyans, as well as all those commuting along the entire Northeast Corridor between Washington, D.C., and Boston.”

“With 50% of construction complete, Portal North Bridge serves as the shining example for what Amtrak and its partners can accomplish when we have the investments, partnerships, and commitment to build the new era of America’s rail infrastructure projects,” said Amtrak board Chair Tony Coscia.

“Skanska Traylor JV are incredibly excited to mark this significant milestone as we continue to advance our contribution to the creation of a new Portal North Bridge,” said Brian Reilly, vice president of Skanska and project director of the Skanska Traylor PNB joint venture. “Upon final completion, this vital passageway will vastly enhance the travel experience for the thousands of daily commuters and New Jersey residents who rely on this bridge.”

Michael Culotta, regional administrator of the Federal Transit Administration, said the project stands as a testament to collaboration toward a common goal.

“Enhancing the region’s transportation network and ensuring that people can seamlessly access New Jersey, New York, and beyond by train,” said Culotta.

“This landmark achievement is another milestone on the path of building a modern transit infrastructure linking the entire Northeast Corridor,” said acting New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner and NJ Transit Board Chair Fran O’Connor. “Congratulations to the men and women on this project who have made this significant progress.”

“New Jersey’s own Bon Jovi sang about being ‘halfway there,’” said U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, D-9th District. “But we are not living on any prayer – this new bridge is a reality.”

“Portal North Bridge construction moving ahead on budget and on schedule is a testament to every stakeholder who has worked tirelessly to improve our railway network and increasing consumer capacity,” said U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-11th District. “This milestone is the culmination of years of advocacy that I am proud to be a part of and I look forward to the day we ride together over the completed bridge.”