NJ Transit holds groundbreaking for new Raritan River lift bridge

PERTH AMBOY, N.J. — NJ Transit marked groundbreaking for the next phase of the new Raritan River Bridge — construction of a new center span — with ceremonies today featuring Gov. Phil Murphy and other officials.

The new lift bridge to accommodate marine traffic will replace the current 117-year-old swing bridge on the structure connecting Perth Amboy and South Amboy on the commuter operator’s North Jersey Coast Line. The bridge sustained significant damage during 2012’s Hurricane Sandy, including pushing the bridge deck out of alignment because of ocean surges and the impact of wave-borne debris against bridge girders. The damage led to a three-week period in which no train service or marine operations were possible until repairs could be completed.

“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,” NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri said in a press release. “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.”

Skanska Koch Inc. of Carteret, N.J., was awarded a $444.4 million contract for construction of the lift bridge, flanking spans, and associated infrastructure including signals and catenary wires [see “NJ Transit awards contract …,” Trains News Wire, Dec. 11, 2024]. Approach spans, being built under a separate contract awarded in 2020, are nearly complete.

“By breaking ground on the next phase of the Raritan River Bridge,” Murphy said, “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. Resilient and reliable transportation along the North Jersey Coast Line will keep us on track toward a bright economic future and I am grateful to everyone who helped us reach this milestone.”