NYC Stations Go 24/7 to Keep Region Moving
Two Manhattan stations will run 24/7 for 13 months during Amtrak Portal Bridge work
NYC Stations Add 24/7 Service for Bridge Work
Two key Manhattan stations will operate around the clock for more than a year to support a major rail infrastructure project. The 9 Street and 23 Street stations will maintain continuous 24/7 operations from February 14 through March 14, 2026, transit officials said. The extended hours accommodate the Amtrak Portal Bridge Cutover, though officials didn't specify how many additional riders the round-the-clock service will accommodate or what staffing changes will be required.
Extended Hours Support Regional Infrastructure
The year-long continuous operation represents an unusual commitment for the transit system, as most stations maintain standard service hours even during construction projects. Officials said the 24/7 schedule ensures uninterrupted access during the Portal Bridge replacement, a critical link in the Northeast Corridor rail network. The stations serve as connection points for commuters traveling between New York and New Jersey. Specific ridership data for the affected stations wasn't available, though transit agencies typically reserve round-the-clock operations for high-traffic locations during major infrastructure work.
Bridge Project Drives Service Changes
The Amtrak Portal Bridge Cutover involves replacing aging infrastructure that's essential to regional rail operations, according to the transit agency. Officials said the 9 Street and 23 Street locations were selected for extended hours based on their role as transit hubs, though they didn't provide details about how many routes serve these stations or what alternatives exist for riders. The project's classification as high severity reflects its significant impact on commuter patterns. Officials haven't said whether other stations will also extend hours or what contingency plans exist if construction timelines shift.
Implementation Begins Mid-February
The 24/7 operations start February 14 at 12:00am and continue through the project's completion in March 2026, officials confirmed. The transit agency announced the changes February 22, giving riders about three weeks' notice before implementation. Officials didn't specify whether the extended hours will require additional security personnel, maintenance staff, or other operational changes. Details about how the stations will handle overnight maintenance during continuous operations weren't immediately available.
Riders Face Year of Adjusted Access
Commuters using the 9 Street and 23 Street stations will have continuous access throughout the construction period, though officials haven't said whether service frequency will change during overnight hours. The extended operations aim to minimize disruption for the thousands of daily riders who rely on these Manhattan stations for New York-New Jersey travel. Moovit provides real-time updates for affected routes and can help riders plan trips during the extended service period.
