Commuters traveling between New Jersey and New York City are facing significant delays as function progresses on the Portal North Bridge, a critical infrastructure project intended to replace the aging Portal Bridge. The ongoing “cutover” process, transferring rail operations to the new structure, has resulted in reduced train schedules and longer commute times for many passengers.
The first phase of construction concluded recently, but the disruptions are expected to continue for several weeks. Trains are currently limited to operating on a single track between Newark and Secaucus, severely restricting capacity on the Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast Line. Weekday service on the Morristown Line, Gladstone Branch, and Montclair-Boonton Line has similarly been impacted, with no Midtown Direct service available into Penn Station New York.
“It’s been incredibly disruptive,” one commuter told News 4. Ricki Anastasia, a daily rider, explained that her commute has increased by 30 to 60 minutes, forcing her to use a charter bus to pick up her daughter from daycare, adding to her expenses. “My commute’s about a half hour to an hour longer,” Anastasia said. “And then I have a daughter in daycare, so getting home to get my daughter, I capture a charter bus – and that’s more money!”
NJ Transit is offering cross-honoring options for affected customers, allowing them to use PATH at 33rd Street and NY Waterway at Midtown/W39th Street. Details are available at https://t.co/BgUrekPSG0.
🚨 Weekday Portal Cutover schedules are in effect.✔️ Cross-honoring is available between NYC & Hoboken for Montclair Boonton, Gladstone Branch, and Morristown Line rail customers only, via PATH at 33rd St. And NY Waterway at Midtown/W39th St.Details at https://t.co/BgUrekPSG0 pic.twitter.com/uBm32p0r3y
— NJ TRANSIT (@NJTRANSIT) February 20, 2026
The Complexities of the Cutover
Crews are currently focused on fine-tuning the electric traction and communication systems of the new Portal North Bridge, according to Amtrak workers. The cutover process, which began approximately one week ago, involves transferring active rail traffic from the 115-year-old existing Portal Bridge to the newly constructed structure over the Hackensack River. What we have is a complex undertaking, requiring careful coordination and testing.
The century-old Portal Bridge has been a frequent source of delays due to its mechanical unreliability, often requiring crews to physically manipulate the structure to allow ships to pass underneath. The new bridge is built higher, eliminating this issue and promising to reduce disruptions in the long term. Amtrak worker Warren Lebeau told News 4, “The ride quality, [between] NJ Transit and Amtrak, it’s going to be world class.”
The Portal North Bridge project is a key component of the larger Gateway Program, aimed at improving rail infrastructure along the Northeast Corridor. NJ Transit explains that the cutover is “essential to advancing long-term reliability and capacity improvements.”
Navigating the Disruptions
Commuters are seeking ways to mitigate the impact of the service changes. Joe Amditis, associate director at the Center for Cooperative Media at Montclair State University, developed a web tool called “RerouteNJ” to help riders find alternative routes and understand the schedule adjustments. Montclair Local News reports that the tool translates directions into 10 languages.
The disruptions have led to crowded conditions at transportation hubs, including Hoboken Terminal, as commuters adjust to the altered schedules. NJ.com described the scene Tuesday morning as “controlled chaos.”
Looking Ahead
While the current service reductions are inconvenient, officials emphasize that the long-term benefits of the Portal North Bridge will be substantial. The project is expected to improve reliability, increase capacity, and enhance the overall commuting experience for riders along the Northeast Corridor. Amtrak anticipates the cutover work will continue until approximately March 15, 2026.
Share your commuting experiences and thoughts on the Portal Bridge project in the comments below.
