New Jersey commuters are facing about five weeks of major train, bus and ferry disruptions as NJ Transit and Amtrak enter the final phase of work connected to the new Portal North Bridge.
The service changes began October 11 and are expected to continue through November 14, with normal schedules scheduled to return November 15 if final testing is completed as planned.
Midtown Direct Service Diverted to Hoboken
The biggest changes affect weekday riders on the Morris & Essex, Gladstone Branch and Montclair-Boonton lines.
During the construction period, many Midtown Direct trains that normally travel to New York Penn Station will instead terminate in Hoboken.
From there, passengers can continue into Manhattan using PATH trains, NY Waterway ferries or NJ Transit bus route 126 to the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Weekend Midtown Direct service will continue operating to Penn Station.
Raritan Valley Line Also Affected
Riders on the Raritan Valley Line will also see changes.
One-seat rides that normally continue into Manhattan will terminate at Newark Penn Station during the work period, requiring passengers to transfer for the remainder of their trip.
Other temporary service changes and bus substitutions are also affecting portions of the North Jersey Coast and Port Jervis lines.
More Crowding Expected
NJ Transit is warning riders to expect heavier-than-usual crowds on PATH trains, ferries and buses as thousands of passengers adjust to the temporary schedule.
The agency is encouraging commuters who can do so to avoid the busiest periods, particularly between 7 and 9 a.m. and between 4 and 7 p.m.
The disruptions are tied to the final phase of the Portal North Bridge project over the Hackensack River, a major piece of infrastructure on the Northeast Corridor connecting New Jersey and New York.
Once completed, the new bridge is expected to replace the aging Portal Bridge and improve reliability for Amtrak and NJ Transit riders.
Sources: NJ Transit, Amtrak, The New York Times
By NJ RADAR Team