Rail passengers using NJ Transit and Amtrak are experiencing schedule changes, reduced capacity, and increased crowding following a major track shift at the Portal Bridge crossing in northern New Jersey.
Amtrak has moved rail traffic from the 115-year-old Portal Bridge to a new alignment that carries trains over the recently completed Portal North Bridge across the Hackensack River. The change marks the first full workweek operating under the new configuration.
As a result of the transition, rail traffic between Newark and Secaucus is operating on a single track capable of handling bi-directional service. This shift has significantly reduced throughput on the Northeast Corridor, cutting train capacity by more than half and limiting the number of trains that can operate each hour.
NJ Transit is operating fewer trains during the construction period, leading to slower service and more crowded conditions, particularly during peak commuting hours. On weekdays, Midtown Direct service into Penn Station is suspended on the Gladstone Branch, Morristown Line, and Montclair-Boonton Line, with affected trains diverted to Hoboken.
Officials expect the current service impacts to continue through March 15. A second phase of related work is scheduled to take place in the fall.