Heavy-lift specialist Mammoet has completed a key phase in the construction of the Portal North Bridge, a major infrastructure project aimed at improving one of the busiest rail routes in the United States.
The new bridge is set to replace the ageing Portal Bridge, a critical but outdated structure linking Newark, New Jersey, with New York City.
The existing Portal Bridge, over 100 years old, has been a constant headache for Amtrak and New Jersey Transit riders. Its swing-style mechanism often gets stuck, leading to frequent delays. The new Portal North Bridge is a fixed-span design that sits about 15 metres above the water, eliminating the need for movable parts and allowing smoother traffic flow—both on the tracks and in the water below.
Working with Skanska-Traylor Joint Venture and Carver Marine, Mammoet helped move three huge bridge sections, each over 120 metres long, from an assembly site at the Port of Coeymans. The sections were first rolled onto barges and floated down the Hudson River.
Once near the installation site, they were shifted onto a mid-river staging platform and then lifted using Mammoet’s specialised Mega Jack system. This technology allowed teams to quickly raise the bridge sections to the right height, overcoming the challenges posed by tidal shifts in the river.
To ensure each section fit perfectly into place, Mammoet also used a slide track system for the east and west sections of the bridge. Tugboats and winches were used to position the massive structures before they were gently lowered into place on top of new columns.
The new Portal North Bridge is a key part of broader efforts to upgrade rail infrastructure in the Northeast Corridor, which serves more than 200,000 daily passengers. It promises to significantly improve reliability, speed, and efficiency for travellers moving between New Jersey and New York.
Sidney King, Mammoet’s project manager, said the successful relocation of the bridge sections was a result of detailed planning and strong teamwork. “We’re proud to report a seamless operation,” he said, adding that Mammoet looks forward to continuing its role in the project.