Portal Cutover Schedule Begins for NJ Transit Riders

Rail service changes underway during Portal North Bridge construction, affecting weekday trains through March 15.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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NJ Transit and Amtrak rail service changes are now in effect as construction reaches the final phase for the new Portal North Bridge, part of the broader Gateway Program. The project shifts one track from the current 114-year-old Portal Bridge to the new span over the Hackensack River, prompting temporary service changes for commuters through March 15.

Why it matters

The Portal Bridge is a critical chokepoint on the Northeast Corridor, with the aging infrastructure frequently causing delays. Replacing the bridge is a key part of the Gateway Program to modernize the region's rail infrastructure and deliver more reliable service for the over 200,000 commuters who rely on it daily.

The details

Starting February 17, trains will operate on a single track between Newark and Secaucus during this construction phase. As a result, there will be fewer weekday trains into NY Penn Station on the Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast Line. Midtown Direct service into NY Penn Station will also be suspended on the Morristown Line, Gladstone Branch, and Montclair-Boonton Line, with those trains diverting to Hoboken instead.

  • The temporary service changes began on February 15.
  • The Portal Cutover weekday schedule takes effect on February 17.
  • The service changes will be in place through March 15.

The players

NJ Transit

The public transportation system serving the U.S. state of New Jersey.

Amtrak

The national rail passenger service of the United States.

Portal North Bridge

A new rail bridge under construction that will replace the current 114-year-old Portal Bridge over the Hackensack River, which is a frequent source of delays.

Governor Mikie Sherrill

The current governor of New Jersey.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Governor Mikie Sherrill (Social media)

“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.”

— Governor Mikie Sherrill (Social media)

“Replacing the Portal Bridge means fewer delays and smoother commutes. This short-term disruption will deliver long-term reliability.”

— Governor Mikie Sherrill (Social media)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This project to replace the aging Portal Bridge is a critical part of the broader Gateway Program to modernize the region's rail infrastructure. While the temporary service changes will cause disruptions for commuters, the long-term benefits of a more reliable and efficient rail system will outweigh the short-term inconvenience.