Portal North Bridge project begins in New Jersey

Τηε five-and-a-half years construction will be funded by the US Department of Transportation, NJ Transit and Amtrak. The project concerns the Portal North Bridge and will start after several years of delays. It will be executed under the broader Gateway Program, which aims to enhance service and capacity for rail travel between New Jersey and New York City. The Portal North Bridge project stretches 3.92km of the Northeast Corridor line.

The first step for the construction will be the demolition of the 110-year-old swing bridge, which has been causing service disruptions for NJ Transit and Amtrak commuters.

The new two-track, high-level, fixed-span bridge is expected to enhance service and capacity along this segment of the Northeast Corridor.

The scope of the work encompasses the construction of retaining walls, deep foundations, concrete piers, rail systems, structural steel bridge spans, the demolition of the existing bridge, and other associated incidental works.

This infrastructure will rise 50ft over the Hackensack River and enable marine traffic to sail underneath without disturbing the rail network.

A significant matter for the construction was the budget. Last January the Federal Transit Administration awarded a $766.5m grant to back the project’s construction. NJ Transit then launched the invitation for bid (IFB) for the contract.

Last month, two of the pre-qualified bidders submitted their proposals, where Skanska/Traylor Bros Joint Venture emerged as the lowest ‘responsible and responsive’ bidder.

Earlier this month, the board of directors of NJ Transit awarded a $1.56bn contract to Skanska/Traylor Bros Joint Venture for the construction of the bridge.