Nearly $100 million funding announced for Portal Bridge

Members of the New Jersey congressional delegation – U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker and Reps. Bill Pascrell (D-Paterson), Albio Sires (D-West New York), Donald Payne, Jr. (D-Newark) and Tom Malinowski (D-Ringoes) – have announced nearly $100 million in federal funding to move forward on the replacement of the Portal Bridge.

The replacement of the 110-year-old bridge ha been considered a critical component for the future of moving New Jerseyans across the Hudson River.  The bridge constantly breaks down and carries about 450 trains and 200,000 passengers daily.

“The oft-malfunctioning Portal Bridge has become the bane of existence for commuters.  It’s long outlived its usefulness, and must be replaced without further delay,” Menendez said.  “This federal funding keeps Gateway moving forward and makes needed upgrades along the busy Northeast Corridor to provide commuters a safer, more reliable and more resilient transit system.”

Malinowski, a freshman member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, attributed the Trump Administration’s decision to fund the project to “relentless advocacy and pressure from Congress.”