Portal North Bridge Enters Final Phase of Construction as Work Begins to Put First Track into Service

Photo credit: NJ TRANSIT/Gevon Servo.

Beginning February 13, 2026, Amtrak will perform critical work to "cutover," or transfer one track of rail service from the 115-year-old Portal Bridge in Kearny, NJ to the new Portal North Bridge over the Hackensack River. A major milestone in the Gateway Program, the work is essential to advancing long-term reliability and capacity improvements on the Northeast Corridor. During this time, and in order to conduct the work, there will be a multi-week reduction in Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT service in New Jersey and the Northeast Corridor. While there will be fewer trains in service during this period, there will still be trains operating throughout the day with our typical trip times.

"The cutover of the Portal North Bridge represents more than just work to connect railroad infrastructure; it signifies a whole new level of reliability on the Northeast Corridor and New Jersey that has never previously existed," said Amtrak President Roger Harris. "In just a few short weeks, we will reward the patience of Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT customers by helping eliminate a cause of long delays and unreliable commutes."

"We understand that this work will disrupt the way our customers travel during the cutover period, which is why every element of our service plan was designed to keep people moving as safely and efficiently as possible," said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kris Kolluri. "While the disruption is temporary, the benefits-including a far more reliable and resilient commute along the Northeast Corridor-will last for generations."

Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT worked closely with regional partners to develop a customer-focused service plan prioritizing capacity, continuity and safety. Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT leveraged three core principles in developing its service plan, minimizing impacts to customers to the greatest extent possible, while contending with the operational realities during the cutover period.

• Maximizing Capacity and Seat Availability
• Maintaining Service on All Rail Lines
• Upholding the Highest Standards of Safety

While disruptive in the short term, these temporary service adjustments are necessary to ensure a safe and successful transition to the new bridge infrastructure. This work is an important milestone in bringing the new Portal North Bridge into service beginning in 2026.

The new updated modern, high-level fixed span bridge that will make future Amtrak and commuter trips more reliable, safer and smoother with increased service and train speeds. Thanks to a strong partnership between Amtrak and NJT, the project remains on schedule and on budget. You can learn more about the project at: Amtraknewera.com/gateway/pnb/ for more information.

On Thursday, Jan. 15, Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT made the following presentation to members of the press to talk about the work and the service plan.