U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) officials said the agency’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) had earmarked a $766.5 million Capital Investment Grant (CIG) to aid New Jersey’s Portal North Bridge Project.
The funds would be allocated to the New Jersey Transit Corporation (New Jersey Transit) to enhance the reliability of commuter rail service between New Jersey and New York by increasing capacity and reducing bridge maintenance expenses.
“This $766.5 million federal grant agreement will greatly improve the reliability of commuter rail and Amtrak service for thousands of passengers traveling through the Northeast Corridor, one of the busiest rail lines in the nation,” Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao said.
The work scope calls for New Jersey Transit to build a new, two-track fixed structure railroad bridge across the Hackensack River in Hudson County, New Jersey, along the Northeast Corridor to replace the aging bridge.
“FTA is proud to support the construction of a new railroad bridge which provides a vital link for rail passengers traveling between New Jersey and New York,” FTA Deputy Administrator K. Jane Williams said. “The project reflects our collaboration with New Jersey Transit to increase transit service capacity and support continued economic development.”
The total project cost is $1.888 billion, per officials.
“This federal investment underscores the Administration’s commitment to fund infrastructure that creates jobs and helps communities continue to recover from the COVID-19 public health emergency,” Williams said.