FRA 21-06
Contact: Steve Kulm
Tel.: (202) 493-6024
Thursday, December 14, 2006
FRA and New Jersey Transit Begin Study to Improve Capacity and Operation of
Portal Bridge on Northeast Corridor
Public comments are being sought for a project to replace, repair, or retain a
nearly one hundred year old railroad bridge on the heavily congested Northeast
Corridor connecting the Newark, New Jersey and New York City metropolitan areas,
announced Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph H. Boardman.
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and New Jersey Transit (NJT) will
jointly prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS), in cooperation with
Amtrak, to study improvements to enhance capacity and operation of the
Amtrak-owned Portal Bridge that spans the Hackensack River. Originally
constructed in 1910, the bridge is nearing the end of its projected lifespan.
“Because of the bridge’s critical role in the successful operation of the
Northeast Corridor, it’s essential that we consider all of the possible options
and determine the best way to ensure safe and efficient transportation,”
Boardman said, noting that the two-track bridge currently handles 393 NJT and 51
Amtrak trains each weekday.
Among the Portal Bridge options under consideration: retaining the existing
structure and building a new bridge with two or three additional tracks;
modifying the existing bridge to improve its safety and possibly adding a second
bridge as well; and removing the Portal Bridge altogether and replacing it.
The FRA, NJT and Amtrak will evaluate the potential effects of each alternative
on the surrounding social, economic and physical environment, with a focus on
ecology, historic value, aesthetics, as well as transportation and air quality,
Boardman explained.
Public comment on the scope of the EIS, including the range of alternatives
considered and environmental issues or concerns will be accepted through January
31, 2007. Interested parties can also learn more by logging onto the project
website at www.portalbridgenec.com.
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Briefing Room
