NJ TRANSIT and Amtrak Initiate Final Phase of Portal North Bridge Construction, Causing Temporary Schedule Changes
Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT are commencing the final phase of construction for the Portal North Bridge over the Hackensack River, which will involve transferring the last track of rail service to the new bridge. This critical work is scheduled to begin on October 9 and is expected to last approximately five weeks. During this period, nearly the entire NJ TRANSIT rail system will experience temporary schedule changes. These adjustments include altered departure times, modified stopping patterns, and some train consolidations or cancellations. Notably, weekday Midtown Direct service on the Morris & Essex Lines, Gladstone Branch, and Montclair-Boonton Line will be diverted to Hoboken instead of New York Penn Station. Riders affected by these diversions will have alternative options to reach Midtown, such as enhanced NY Waterway ferry service, the No. 126 bus, or PATH, with cross-honoring available. Regular service is anticipated to resume on November 15, pending successful completion of the work and safety testing....
