Major construction in the Gateway tunnel project began this week, triggering a month-long reduction in rail service along multiple NJ Transit lines, including the Northeast Corridor line. Local officials warn the construction will cause significant delays for travelers — including Princeton students leaving campus for the upcoming spring break.
Starting Feb. 13, one track of rail service will be transferred from the Portal Bridge, a 116-year-old bridge over Hackensack River in Kearny and Secaucus, N.J., to the new Portal North Bridge. Consequently, significant schedule changes will be in effect from Feb. 15 through March 15.
Weekday service will be cut roughly in half. Trains will have added capacity, but will also make more stops. Additionally, delays and cancellations are expected for 280 Amtrak trains during the construction period.
Weekday trains will be reduced to a single track between Newark and Secaucus. While trains will still take passengers to New York, they will do so at a reduced frequency.
In general, customers can expect earlier departure times, reduced service frequencies, longer travel times, and last-minute consolidations or cancellations.
The Northeast Corridor line, which runs from Trenton to New York Penn Station with stops at Princeton Junction and Newark Liberty International Airport, is the busiest passenger rail route in the Western Hemisphere.
Some travel plans have already been disrupted: 27 trains were canceled on Sunday, three on Monday, and five on Tuesday.
Passengers, including Princeton students, have been inconvenienced. Tina Le ’29 told The Daily Princetonian she goes to New York “pretty frequently” — about two or three times a month. She was headed to New York on Tuesday when her train was delayed.
Le told the ‘Prince’ that she will be flying out of Newark for spring break travel — and taking a train to get there.
“I [am] just hoping for the best and that things go smoothly. Because I am going to EWR, I am worried about missing my plane,” Le said.
Still, she does not plan on switching modes of transportation. “Amtrak is very expensive, and NJ Transit’s usually the one at a price that’s affordable … Uber is really expensive.”
Princeton’s spring break runs from March 7 to March 15 this year.
Another student, Olivia Romano ’29, told the ‘Prince’ that she is concerned about her upcoming spring break travel and has to put additional effort into coordinating her trip.
“I have heard that I have to get off at a certain stop and then make a transfer, and that just seems like something that I don’t really want to do,” Romano said.
NJ Transit is advising passengers to allow extra time when traveling and to expect crowding. Commuters have also been recommended to travel outside of rush hour — before 7 a.m. or after 9 a.m. in the morning, and before 4 p.m. or after 7 p.m. in the evening — and to work from home if possible.
The change has been long in the making. The old Portal Bridge has continuously caused problems for commuters, from fires to malfunctions.
The current construction is part of the Gateway Program, a set of projects designed to facilitate improved rail transportation along the Northeast Corridor. Despite the delays and cancellations, NJ Transit maintains that the construction will ultimately be beneficial for everybody.
“While disruptive in the short term, these temporary service adjustments are necessary to ensure a safe and successful transition to the new bridge infrastructure,” NJ Transit said.
On Sunday, NJ Transit revived its Flexpass ticket option, which provides 20 one-way tickets that must be used within 30 days at a 15 percent discount.
The second phase of the Portal Bridge Cutover is slated for Fall 2026, marking the final transition to the new Portal North Bridge.
Elizabeth Hu is a staff News writer, assistant head Copy editor, associate Data editor, and staff Podcast producer from Houston, Texas. She can be reached at eh9203[at]princeton.edu.
Giselle Moreno is a contributing News contributor from Dallas. She can be reached at gm2076[at]princeton.edu.
Please send any corrections to corrections[at]dailyprincetonian.com.
Read More
Princeton Professor Sam Wang discusses platform in congressional race
Oliver Wu and Emily MurphyPrinceton neuroscience professor Sam Wang, who is running in N.J.-12, sat down with the ‘Prince’ to discuss his campaign platform. Wang spoke about political polarization, free speech and expression on college campuses, and the regulation of artificial intelligence, among other topics.
Princeton neuroscience professor Sam Wang, who is running in N.J.-12, sat down with the ‘Prince’ to discuss his campaign platform. Wang spoke about political polarization, free speech and expression on college campuses, and the regulation of artificial intelligence, among other topics.
Princeton men’s tennis crowned indoor ECAC champion for the second time in three years
Lucas NorThe Tigers defeated Columbia in a thrilling 4–3 dual match to win the indoor conference tournament
The Tigers defeated Columbia in a thrilling 4–3 dual match to win the indoor conference tournament
Princeton NAACP chapter hosts legislators to discuss Black political power and equity
Giselle MorenoLegislators joined the Princeton University NAACP chapter for a panel discussion on Black political power, addressing campus concerns including mental health resources and the rising cost of higher education.
Legislators joined the Princeton University NAACP chapter for a panel discussion on Black political power, addressing campus concerns including mental health resources and the rising cost of higher education.