Amtrak Shifts Track to New Portal North Bridge
Final track transfer from the 116-year-old original bridge over the Hackensack River began October 9, with cutover work expected to finish November 14.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Home Renovation
Amtrak and NJ Transit began transferring the final track from the original Portal North Bridge to the new structure over the Hackensack River on October 9. The original 116-year-old bridge has been handed over for demolition.
Why it matters
The cutover moves rail service onto the replacement crossing that carries the new track alignment between Portal North Bridge and Secaucus Station. Completion of the transfer is the step that lets the old bridge be taken out of service.
The original Portal North Bridge is 116 years old, and three new bridge sections were set to carry the new track alignment between Portal North Bridge and Secaucus Station. Cutover work is projected to finish November 14, though the source does not confirm whether that timeline has held.
The players
Amtrak
Amtrak is the national passenger rail operator that runs intercity service through the Northeast Corridor, including the Portal North Bridge crossing.
NJ Transit
NJ Transit is New Jersey's statewide public transit agency that operates commuter rail lines using the Portal North Bridge.
The details
Crews removed track and overhead power infrastructure on the west side of the bridge over the last few weeks, then installed new track there. On October 9, NJ Transit and Amtrak began moving the final track from the original structure onto the new bridge.
Timeline
October 9: NJ Transit and Amtrak begin final track transfer to the new structure.
Late October to early November: crews remove and install track and set the three new bridge sections.
November 14: expected completion of cutover work.
Big Picture
The cutover is a step in the Gateway Program's Portal North Bridge replacement, the project to replace the 116-year-old swing bridge that carries Northeast Corridor rail traffic across the Hackensack River into New Jersey.
Commuters and rail riders on the Northeast Corridor and NJ Transit lines through Secaucus will feel the effects of the track transfer as service moves to the new crossing. The source does not detail any schedule changes or service disruptions for riders during the cutover window.
The takeaway
Large infrastructure projects like this one are typically finished in stages, with each cutover narrowing what remains before the old structure can be retired. Riders should watch for updated service notices as the November 14 target approaches.
What happens next
Cutover work is expected to be completed by November 14.
Further reading
For related home-improvement coverage across the state, see Home Renovation in New Jersey.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Railway Track and Structures.
