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Hackensack Today
By the People, for the People
Amtrak Replaces Aging Portal Bridge in New Jersey
The 116-year-old bridge has caused frequent delays and disruptions for Northeast Corridor rail passengers.
Published on Feb. 18, 2026
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Amtrak is replacing the aging Portal Bridge, a 116-year-old steel bridge in New Jersey that has long been a source of headaches for millions of commuters traveling in and out of Manhattan. The new Portal North Bridge will rise 50 feet over the Hackensack River, eliminating the need for the bridge to open and close for river traffic and reducing the risk of malfunctions that have led to delays, fires, and other inconveniences for passengers. The replacement process will cause short-term disruptions for NJ Transit passengers, but officials say transit is expected to improve after the new bridge is completed, increasing reliability and capacity along the busy Northeast Corridor.
Why it matters
The Portal Bridge is a critical piece of infrastructure along the Northeast Corridor, the busiest rail line in the Western Hemisphere. Its frequent malfunctions and disruptions have caused major headaches for the 200,000 daily commuters who rely on it, mostly NJ Transit passengers. Replacing the aging bridge with a more modern and reliable structure is expected to significantly improve transit reliability and capacity in the region.
The details
The current Portal Bridge is a 116-year-old steel bridge that crosses the Hackensack River in New Jersey. It has long been plagued by issues like fires, malfunctions, and other problems that have led to frequent delays and disruptions for passengers. The new Portal North Bridge will be a two-track replacement that rises 50 feet over the river, eliminating the need for the bridge to open and close for river traffic. This is expected to reduce the risk of malfunctions and improve reliability. However, the replacement process will cause short-term disruptions, with one rail line being moved to the new bridge and Midtown Direct trains being diverted to Hoboken.
- The current Portal Bridge is 116 years old.
- Amtrak is replacing the bridge, with the process expected to be completed by March 15, 2026.
The players
Amtrak
The national railroad passenger corporation that owns and operates the Portal Bridge.
NJ Transit
The public transportation system that operates bus, rail, and light rail services in New Jersey, with many of its passengers relying on the Portal Bridge.
What’s next
Officials say transit is expected to improve after the replacement process is complete, as the new Portal North Bridge will increase reliability and capacity improvements for commuters along the Northeast Corridor.
The takeaway
The replacement of the aging Portal Bridge is a critical infrastructure project that will improve transit reliability and capacity for the millions of commuters who rely on the Northeast Corridor, one of the busiest rail lines in the world. While the replacement process will cause short-term disruptions, the long-term benefits of a more modern and reliable bridge structure are expected to outweigh the temporary inconveniences.
