Portal Bridge, Bane Of NJ Train Commuters, Gets $600M In Funding

They’re done “kicking the can down the road.” That was the message from the NJ Transit Board of Directors on Wednesday when they announced a financing agreement with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA), which will provide up to $600 million toward the construction of a new Portal Bridge over the Hackensack River.

The funding arrangement with the EDA will “solidify” New Jersey’s local share of the project cost, NJ Transit stated.

The Portal Bridge, a two-track, railroad swing-type drawbridge that spans the Hackensack River, is a well-known bane to commuters in the North Jersey area. It services both Amtrak and NJ Transit trains.

In January, all trains from Penn Station to New Jersey were temporarily canceled after it got stuck.

• See related article: NJ Transit Service Into NYC Hampered By Stuck Bridge
• See related article: NJ Transit Suspends Penn Station Trains, Bridge 'Stuck Open'

According to NJ Transit, the project will replace the existing two-track Portal Bridge, which was built in 1910, and replace it with a new, two-track fixed structure about 2.33 miles long. The new structure will have a clearance that accommodates current and forecasted maritime traffic, which will eliminate the need for a moveable span that interrupts rail operations and results in delays due to mechanical failures.

When built, the new Portal North Bridge will allow for a 10 percent increase in peak hour passenger capacity, NJ Transit stated.

“We’re not going to kick the can down the road any longer,” said Department of Transportation Commissioner and NJ Transit Board Chair Dianne Gutierrez-Scaccetti. “The time is long overdue for a new Portal Bridge, which is the foundation of many commuter frustrations. The taxpayers of New Jersey deserve a transportation system which will drive the economy and reliably get them to jobs, schools and recreation.”

• See related article: Gov. Murphy Says Gateway Program Could Fix Portal Bridge Breakdowns

The resolution approved by the NJ Transit Board of Directors authorizes the agency’s executive director - in consultation with the board chair - to execute and deliver the funding agreement with the NJEDA. The EDA will issue up to $600 million in bonds which will be paid back over a 30-year term from the state Transportation Trust Fund (TTF), NJ Transit stated.

The same funding structure was utilized in 1999 for the construction of the River LINE light rail system, NJ Transit stated.

The total project cost could come to an estimated $1.5 billion, with funding also coming from the Port Authority and the federal government, NJ Spotlight reported.

Spokespeople with the transportation agency provided the following additional background information about the project:

• “On July 14, 2016, NJ Transit entered into the Project Development phase of the FTA’s Capital Investment Grant (CIG) program. The Preliminary Design Phase for construction of the new Portal North Bridge is complete and a Record of Decision was received from the FTA in July 2017. Early Work construction, including utility relocation and Right of Way acquisition is underway. NJ Transit is the project sponsor for the new Portal North Bridge project.”
• “In September 2017, NJ Transit applied for CIG funding that, if approved by the FTA and received by NJ Transit, would cover a share of all project costs. The board actions by NJ Transit and NJEDA will support the application for CIG funds to move forward with an improved rating.”

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