By: Richard L. Smith
New Jersey rail commuters are being advised to prepare for delays and possible cancellations this week as the Portal Bridge cutover project gets underway, a major infrastructure transition that officials say will ultimately improve reliability but will temporarily disrupt service across North Jersey and the Northeast Corridor.
The work involves shifting rail operations from the aging, more than 100-year-old Portal Bridge to the newly constructed Portal North Bridge.
The transition is expected to last approximately four weeks and requires schedule adjustments, limited track capacity, and operational changes that could slow service into and out of New York Penn Station.
The impact was already felt over the weekend, with 27 NJ TRANSIT train cancellations reported as the first phase of the cutover began. NJ TRANSIT issued an apology to riders for the inconvenience and is urging commuters to check schedules before traveling.
Officials are also encouraging customers to work from home if possible during the transition period.
While Presidents’ Day means lighter ridership on Monday, transit officials are particularly concerned about Tuesday’s commute, which will be the first full weekday under the modified schedule.
Riders on several lines should expect earlier departures, potential crowding, and longer travel times.
According to NJ TRANSIT, some Midtown Direct trains will operate differently during the cutover period, and cross-honoring options will be available to help passengers reach their destinations.
Officials stress that flexibility and planning ahead will be key over the next several weeks.
Though the temporary inconvenience may frustrate commuters, transportation leaders say the long-term benefit will be a modern, more reliable bridge system replacing infrastructure that has been in service for more than a century.
Commuters are advised to monitor NJ TRANSIT alerts daily, allow extra time for travel, and anticipate continued adjustments as the project moves forward.