Amtrak, NJ Transit Cut Services 53% for Portal Bridge Transition
Beginning February 15, NJ Transit and Amtrak will reduce train services by 53% for four weeks. This transition aims to connect the new Portal North Bridge to the Northeast Corridor Line. The service changes are essential for infrastructure work and testing, affecting schedules across five rail lines.
Service Adjustments for NJ Transit and Amtrak
The reduction includes 280 Amtrak and 332 NJ Transit trains. Regular service is expected to resume by March 15, as stated by NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri. He emphasized the importance of mitigating strategies during this phase.
- NJ Transit Northeast Corridor: Reduced from 133 to 112 trains.
- North Jersey Coast Line: Reduced from 109 to 92 trains.
- Morris & Essex Line: Reduced from 149 to 141 trains.
- Montclair-Boonton Line: Reduced from 64 to 60 trains.
Weekday Mid-Town Direct services will operate to Hoboken instead of New York. Tickets for Hoboken commuters will be cross-honored on PATH, NJ Transit bus No. 126, and New York Waterway ferries.
Impact on Amtrak Services
Amtrak’s services will also see significant reductions:
- Acela: From 20 to 18 weekday trains.
- Northeast Regional: From 44 to 40 weekday trains.
- Keystone: From 24 to 10 weekday trains.
A plan to conduct work on weekends or overnight was dismissed due to safety concerns. This decision aims to prevent disruptions during peak hours, especially on Monday mornings.
The Portal North Bridge Project
The Portal North Bridge, which is part of the much larger Gateway Project, will replace the old, frequently malfunctioning Portal Bridge. Construction started in August 2022, and the bridge is projected to be completed by 2027.
Workers will be engaged in various tasks, including:
- Installing assembled track panels.
- Removing catenary poles obstructing new tracks.
- Connecting electric catenary wires and installing signal systems.
The existing bridge is a critical chokepoint for rail traffic, with hundreds of trains using it daily. The new design aims to eliminate the need for bridge openings, which have historically caused delays.
Future Projections
A similar service disruption is anticipated in late summer or early fall 2026. This subsequent closure will enable the connection of a second track to the Northeast Corridor. The goal remains to enhance rail services and expedite other necessary improvements during this transitional period.
As the Portal North Bridge nears completion, it represents a significant milestone in addressing the pressing needs of the Northeast Corridor. Leaders from the Regional Plan Association, including Tom Wright, hope that this temporary reduction in service will be a catalyst for ongoing enhancements in rail infrastructure throughout the region.
