NJ Transit Upgrades Century-Old Bridge for Safer Commutes

NJ Transit begins Phase 2 construction on new Raritan River Bridge lift span, replacing 1921 structure

NJ Transit Starts Raritan River Bridge Work

NJ Transit began construction on a new lift span for the Raritan River Bridge on the North Jersey Coast Line, officials said Tuesday. Governor Philip D. Murphy joined NJ Transit President and CEO Daniel Rivera and state officials for a groundbreaking ceremony marking the start of Phase 2 of the bridge replacement project. The North Jersey Coast Line serves thousands of daily commuters, though specific ridership figures weren't provided.

Century-Old Infrastructure Gets Upgrade

The project replaces a bridge built in 1921 that's served the North Jersey Coast Line for more than a century, according to NJ Transit. Phase 1 of the replacement project was completed in 2023, which involved constructing fixed span approaches on both sides of the river. The new lift span will allow rail traffic to cross the waterway while permitting marine vessels to pass beneath when raised. Officials said the project's funded through NJ Transit's Capital Program, though specific cost figures weren't disclosed in the announcement.

Lift Span Construction Details

The lift span represents the critical middle section of the new bridge structure, connecting the fixed approaches built during Phase 1. "The construction of the new lift span is a critical step in replacing this century-old bridge," Rivera told reporters at the groundbreaking. "This investment in our infrastructure demonstrates our commitment to providing safe, reliable service for our customers while supporting economic growth throughout the region." NJ Transit hasn't announced an expected completion date for the lift span construction. Details about potential service impacts during construction weren't provided in the announcement.

Project Timeline and Implementation

Construction began June 24 with the groundbreaking ceremony attended by state and transit officials. New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti said the partnership between NJDOT and NJ Transit "exemplifies how state agencies can work together to deliver essential infrastructure improvements." Officials haven't provided a timeline for when the new bridge will be fully operational or when the old structure will be removed from service.

What Riders Need to Know

The project aims to enhance safety and reliability for North Jersey Coast Line passengers who travel between New York and the Jersey Shore. Murphy said the bridge replacement "will enhance safety, reliability, and service for the thousands of commuters who depend on the North Jersey Coast Line every day." Riders can check Moovit for real-time updates on North Jersey Coast Line service during the construction period.