Amtrak prepares major bridge switch as Northeast Corridor faces short-term disruption

Amtrak is preparing to carry out a major piece of infrastructure work in New Jersey that will temporarily reduce rail services but is expected to deliver long-term reliability benefits across the Northeast Corridor.

From February 13, 2026, one track of rail traffic will be transferred from the 115-year-old Portal Bridge in Kearny to the newly built Portal North Bridge over the Hackensack River. The operation, known as a cutover, marks a significant milestone in the Gateway Program and is a key step towards improving capacity and performance on one of the busiest rail corridors in the United States.

To allow the work to be completed safely, Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT will introduce a multi-week reduction in services in New Jersey and along the wider Northeast Corridor. Although fewer trains will run during this period, operators have confirmed that services will continue throughout the day and that typical journey times will be maintained where possible.

Both rail operators worked with regional partners to develop a service plan focused on limiting disruption for passengers while maintaining safe and workable operations during the cutover. The approach was shaped around three priorities: maximising capacity and seat availability, maintaining services on all rail lines, and upholding strict safety standards.

While the short-term impact is expected to be disruptive for some customers, Amtrak said the changes are necessary to ensure a smooth and secure transition to the new bridge. The work will pave the way for the Portal North Bridge to enter service later in 2026.

Once fully operational, the modern high-level fixed-span bridge is expected to improve reliability, safety and journey smoothness, while also allowing higher train speeds and increased service levels. Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT said the project remains on schedule and within budget, supported by close collaboration between the two organisations.

Amtrak President Roger Harris said:

“The cutover of the Portal North Bridge represents more than just work to connect railroad infrastructure; it signifies a whole new level of reliability on the Northeast Corridor and New Jersey that has never previously existed. In just a few short weeks, we will reward the patience of Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT customers by helping eliminate a cause of long delays and unreliable commutes.”

NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kris Kolluri said:

“We understand that this work will disrupt the way our customers travel during the cutover period, which is why every element of our service plan was designed to keep people moving as safely and efficiently as possible. While the disruption is temporary, the benefits—including a far more reliable and resilient commute along the Northeast Corridor—will last for generations.”

Image: Amtrak