NYC commuters already deal with plenty on their daily journeys, from packed platforms and spotty Wi-Fi to cancellations and delays. But for the next five weeks, getting between New Jersey and Manhattan could come with a few extra hurdles.
NJ TRANSIT and Amtrak are adjusting train schedules as crews complete a major infrastructure milestone on the Portal North Bridge project, with cancellations, reduced service and rerouted trains expected to affect thousands of daily riders.
The work involves moving the final track onto a new bridge over New Jersey’s Hackensack River, temporarily limiting the number of trains that can enter New York Penn Station. As a result, commuters on several NJ TRANSIT lines will need to plan ahead before heading to the platform.
Here’s which NJ TRANSIT lines are affected, when the changes take effect, and where to find the special schedules before your next commute.
When are NJ TRANSIT train schedule changes in effect?
The adjusted schedules began taking effect in October as crews undertake the final phase of the Portal North Bridge project.
The current construction window runs through mid–November, with regular service expected to resume on November 15 for NJ TRANSIT and November 16 for Amtrak, subject to required testing and safety checks.
Which NJ TRANSIT train lines are affected?
The changes affect several major lines connecting New Jersey communities with Newark and New York City, including:
- Northeast Corridor
- North Jersey Coast Line
- Raritan Valley Line
- Morristown Line and Gladstone Branch
- Montclair-Boonton Line
- Main Line and Bergen County Line
- Pascack Valley Line
- Port Jervis Line
Some services will operate on reduced schedules, while others will have adjusted departure times, stopping patterns or alternative connections. Certain Midtown Direct trains will also be diverted to Hoboken rather than New York Penn Station.
🌐 See the full list of temporary schedules here.
What alternative transportation can NJ TRANSIT riders use?
To help manage congestion during construction, NJ TRANSIT is cross-honoring eligible rail tickets on select alternative services, including:
- PATH: Hoboken and 33rd Street service
- NY Waterway ferries: Hoboken to Midtown, including West 39th Street Pier
- NJ TRANSIT buses: Select routes connecting commuters with their destinations
Additional shuttle service is also planned to help maintain connections between Secaucus Junction and New York Penn Station. Riders should check the agency’s current guidance for route-specific eligibility and schedules before traveling.
🌐 For more information, see NJ TRANSIT’s official press release.
Don’t miss out! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and now on WhatsApp, too!