Portal Bridge

The Portal Bridge over the Hackensack River, originally built in 1910, was used by 500 NJ Transit and Amtrak trains daily between Newark and New York Penn Stations. The existing structure was a drawbridge that opened for navigational traffic, impeding rail traffic. Under this $1.7 billion design project, the existing swing bridge river crossing was replaced, and a new parallel crossing was added. The design featured 3-span tied-arch structures with adequate clearance for navigational traffic below.

SJH provided design services and prepared construction documents for the installation of construction access platforms, estimated at $49 million. The 33-foot-wide platforms were steel-framed structures with timber decking supported on steel bents. The steel bents were supported by end-bearing steel piles. These platforms facilitated the construction of a permanent viaduct and supported heavy crane movement. SJH was also involved in the design of the permanent viaduct structures and retaining walls.