Environmental Impact Statement
The FRA and New Jersey Transit (NJT) are jointly preparing an EIS, in cooperation with Amtrak, US Coast Guard, US Environmental Protection Agency, and the Federal Transit Administration, to study improvements to enhance capacity and operation of the Amtrak-owned Portal Bridge that spans the Hackensack River. Originally constructed in 1910, the bridge is nearing the end of its projected lifespan. The Portal bridge plays a critical role in the successful operation of the Northeast Corridor. The two-track bridge currently handles 393 NJT and 51 Amtrak trains each weekday.
The scoping period ran through January 31, 2007. The Draft EIS was released and the comment period extended until March 31, 2008.
The Final EIS was issued on October 1, 2008. The Final EIS contains an evaluation of the environmental, social and economic impacts of four proposed alternatives for replacing the nearly 100-year old two-track bridge and a “no action” option. The Final EIS identifies the preferred alternative, which includes a three-track fixed northern bridge and a two-track movable southern bridge, both on new alignments. Should the project be built, the addition of extra tracks is expected to increase capacity, improve service, and increase operational flexibility.
A Record of Decision was issued on December 23, 2008.
The Final EIS,
Draft EIS and other information is available on the Portal Bridge EIS Website
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Documents available on this site:
