PERTH AMBOY, N.J. — NJ Transit has launched the next construction phase of the Raritan River Bridge replacement, a critical infrastructure upgrade on the North Jersey Coast Line that will replace the aging swing bridge with a modern vertical lift span.

This new phase will focus on installing the moveable center span, designed to lift vertically for marine traffic and increase rail efficiency and resilience.

The existing bridge, built in 1908, connects Perth Amboy and South Amboy but has long been vulnerable to coastal storms. It was heavily damaged during Superstorm Sandy, when surging waters and debris knocked the deck out of alignment and halted both rail and marine service for weeks.

“We are coming together in support of our shared mission to build a world-class transportation system, supported by safe, state-of-the-art and reliable infrastructure,” said Gov. Phil Murphy at the groundbreaking. “By breaking ground on the next phase of the Raritan River Bridge, we are one step closer to improving reliability and allowing trains to cross the river at much faster speeds—reducing travel time so commuters can get home in time for dinner or to help their kids with homework after school.”

The new bridge will consist of a two-track vertical lift span, slightly offset from the original alignment, and rejoin the NJCL mainline on both ends.

“Breaking ground on the lift span of the new Raritan River Bridge brings us another step closer to a more modern and resilient transportation network,” said NJ Transit President and CEO Kris Kolluri. “This significant investment is a testament to our broader strategy and commitment to modernize all of our aging infrastructure that ensures continued reliability and connectivity for our customers.”

New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner and NJ Transit Board Chair Fran O’Connor called the project a major milestone: “The new Raritan River Bridge will not only strengthen a critical transportation link along the North Jersey Coast Line but also safeguard this essential corridor against future extreme weather events.”

The construction contract was awarded to Skanska Koch Inc. of Carteret, N.J., for an amount not to exceed $444.4 million, with an additional 5% contingency. The project includes the construction of the lift span and flanking structures, plus signal, power, and communication systems.

The bridge approaches, awarded under a separate contract in 2020, are nearing completion. The full replacement is supported by a more than $446 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration.

The Raritan River Bridge is one of NJ Transit's most critical assets along the storm-vulnerable coastline. By replacing the outdated swing mechanism with a state-of-the-art vertical lift design, NJ Transit is preparing its infrastructure for both future growth in ridership and the growing threat of extreme weather events due to climate change.

The replacement also promises to significantly reduce service disruptions and speed up train crossings, enhancing the daily experience for thousands of commuters.

This project is part of a broader NJ Transit infrastructure overhaul that includes investment in station upgrades, electrification, and climate resilience—key steps in creating a more robust regional transportation network.

Originally reported by Mass Transit.