WASHNGTON, D.C. –U.S. Representative Rodney Frelinghuysen (NJ-11) today applauded the groundbreaking of the Portal Bridge Project, part of the Gateway Program- a key passenger rail project designed to replace a century-old swing bridge over the Hackensack River in New Jersey with a high-level, fixed bridge.

“Through my work as Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, I have advocated forcrucial investments in New Jersey’s passenger rail infrastructure, including the replacement of the Portal Bridge.  I commend Governor Christie, the Port Authority and our federal partners for beginning work on this badly-needed project,” Frelinghuysen said.  “I will continue to fight for passenger rail programs like the Portal Bridge, and the entire Gateway Program, to ensure New Jersey has safe and efficient infrastructure to support job creation and our growing economy.” 

The existing Portal Bridge has been in service since 1910 and has been a source of delay for train traffic in northern New Jersey.  The two-track replacement, known as Portal North Bridge, will expand capacity in this critical region.  According to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the Portal Bridge will cost approximately $1.64 billion. 

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