Portal Bridge is a two-track moveable swing-span railroad bridge located over the Hackensack River in Kearny and Secaucus, New Jersey, United States. It serves as a critical link on the Northeast Corridor, connecting New Jersey commuters and intercity rail customers to New York City. This century-old bridge, built in 1910 by the Pennsylvania Railroad, is in need of replacement due to its age and limitations.
Key Facts about the Portal Bridge:
Location: The Portal Bridge is situated between the towns of Kearny and Secaucus in Hudson County, New Jersey.Importance: It is the busiest train span in the Western Hemisphere, carrying between 150,000 and 200,000 passengers per day on approximately 450 daily trains.Length: The bridge spans a length of 961 feet (293 meters).Design: The Portal Bridge is a steel structure with masonry abutments. It consists of a 300-foot through-truss swing span and six 110-foot-long open-deck girder approach spans.Clearance: The bridge has a clearance of 23 feet (7.0 meters), requiring it to swing open to allow even small commercial boats to pass underneath.Speed Limit: Train speeds on the bridge are currently limited to 60 miles per hour (97 km/h).Operational Issues: The Portal Bridge has been referred to as the Achilles' heel of the Northeast Corridor due to its limitations and frequent malfunctions. It often needs to be opened to allow commercial boats to pass, causing delays for both train and boat traffic.
Replacement and Gateway Program:
Gateway Project: The replacement of the Portal Bridge is the first phase of the Gateway Program, a comprehensive rail infrastructure initiative aimed at improving transportation capacity and reliability between New Jersey and New York City.
Funding: The estimated cost of replacing the bridge is $1.8 billion. The funding for the project includes contributions from the State of New Jersey, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Amtrak, and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
onstruction: Construction of the new bridge received final approval in April 2022 and began on August 1, 2022. The first track on the new bridge is scheduled to be operational in November 2025.The Portal Bridge is a significant railroad bridge located in New Jersey, United States. It spans the Hackensack River, connecting the towns of Kearny and Secaucus. This two-track moveable swing-span bridge is an essential link on the Northeast Corridor, serving as a crucial transportation route for New Jersey commuters and intercity rail customers traveling to New York City.
Here is a detailed description and information about the Portal Bridge:
History:
The existing Portal Bridge was built in 1910 by the Pennsylvania Railroad as part of its New York Tunnel Extension project.It was constructed in conjunction with the development of Pennsylvania Station in New York City.The bridge was designed to last 100 years and has been in service for over a century.Over the years, the bridge has undergone repairs and updates to ensure its functionality and safety.
Design and Construction:
Portal Bridge is a 961-foot (293 m) steel structure with masonry abutments.It consists of a 300-foot (91 m) through-truss swing span and six 110-foot-long (34 m) open-deck girder approach spans.The bridge clearance is 23 feet (7.0 m), requiring it to swing open to allow small commercial boats to pass underneath.The bridge is partially made of wood, and overhead catenary was installed in the 1930s to supply power to electric locomotives.
Importance and Usage:
The Portal Bridge is a critical transportation link, serving as the busiest train span in the Western Hemisphere.It carries between 150,000 and 200,000 passengers per day on approximately 450 daily trains.The bridge is used extensively by both Amtrak and NJ Transit, facilitating travel along the Northeast Corridor.It plays a vital role in connecting Newark, New Jersey, and Penn Station, New York, serving as a major transportation artery.
Operational Issues:
The Portal Bridge has faced operational challenges and limitations over the years.Train speeds are currently limited to 60 miles per hour (97 km/h) due to the bridge's design and condition.The bridge often needs to be opened to allow commercial boats to pass, causing delays for both train and boat traffic.The bridge's rails can fail to lock into place, leading to closure failures and the need for manual intervention.These operational issues have contributed to delays and disruptions in rail service along the Northeast Corridor.
Replacement and Future Plans:
Recognizing the need for an upgraded and more reliable bridge, plans for the replacement of the Portal Bridge have been underway.The replacement project is part of the larger Gateway Program, aimed at enhancing transportation infrastructure in the region.The new bridge is estimated to cost $1.8 billion, with funding from various sources, including the State of New Jersey, Federal Transit Administration, Amtrak, and Federal Highway Administration.Construction of the new bridge began in August 2022, and the first track is scheduled to be operational in November 2025.