By: Richard L. Smith
UPDATE 6:52 am: 60 min. Delays
Rail commuters traveling between New Jersey and Manhattan faced significant disruptions Friday after an overhead wire issue near the Portal Bridge forced the suspension of service.
According to information released by NJ Transit, rail service has been temporarily suspended in both directions between Newark Penn Station and Penn Station due to problems involving overhead wires maintained by Amtrak at the Portal Bridge.
Transit officials said the issue halted trains traveling into and out of New York, impacting commuters during a busy travel period.
To help reduce the disruption, NJ TRANSIT announced that rail tickets and passes are being cross-honored on NJ TRANSIT buses and PATH trains.
Riders may use these alternatives at Newark Penn Station, Hoboken Terminal, and the 33rd Street PATH Station.
Officials are encouraging customers to review available alternative travel options while crews work to resolve the problem near the heavily traveled Portal Bridge corridor, one of the busiest rail crossings in the Northeast.
Commuters are advised to check NJ TRANSIT’s website for updates and additional service information as repairs continue.