When the first of three five-million-pound arches of the Portal North Bridge began its 30-hour journey down the Hudson River in November 2024, it was exciting to recognize that we were witnessing engineering in motion.
STV, in joint venture with AECOM, is providing comprehensive construction management and inspection services for the Portal North Bridge on behalf of NJ TRANSIT. This role has given us a front-row seat to one of the most significant infrastructure projects in the region. The Portal North Bridge Replacement is more than an upgrade – it’s a solution to a century-old challenge. The original 114-year-old swing bridge has long been a bottleneck, plagued by delays and disruptions. Now, it is being replaced with a modern, fixed-span structure that will increase the bridge’s height to 50 feet, more than doubling the previous clearance and ensuring uninterrupted service for both marine and rail traffic.
STV’s work goes beyond oversight; it’s about active engagement. Every day, we’re working with our clients and partners to overcome challenges and push forward a groundbreaking vision for this 2.44-mile stretch of the heavily traveled Northeast Corridor. The technical challenges for the Portal North Bridge reconstruction are immense. In this specific instance, moving a 400-foot-long, five-million-pound arch requires meticulous planning, innovative engineering and seamless coordination among a wide array of stakeholders.
In January 2025, the project reached another significant milestone with the launch of the second network-tied arch. On Thursday morning, January 16, this massive five-million-pound structure set sail from the Port of Coeyman’s, loaded onto McDonough Marine Service’s Tarmac 2680 barge by Mammoet. Guided by Carver Marine Towing tugboats—Erin Elizabeth, Daisy Mae and CMT Pike—the arch traveled down the Hudson River toward the project site on the Hackensack River in Kearny, NJ. Assembled by Skanska Traylor Bros., Inc. JV and DA Collins Family Companies, this second of three monumental sections continued the precision-driven approach that defines the project.
This project is a powerful example of what’s possible when strategic partnerships come together. Our joint venture brings decades of combined infrastructure expertise to the table, delivering what regional leaders have called a “transformational project.” The numbers tell part of the story: a $1.56 billion construction contract, nearly $1 billion in federal funding secured and a project that’s integral to the larger Gateway Program Hudson River Tunnel. But what those numbers don’t capture is the human effort and the collaborative spirit that will help deliver on this endeavor.
The arrival of the first arch was a moment of celebration for all of us. The subsequent launching of the second arch in January further reinforces our progress. These are visible symbols of what we can achieve together – proof that technical expertise, visionary thinking and a commitment to excellence can turn a complex challenge into a tangible triumph. With the final tied arch scheduled for installation in February 2025, we are on track to complete this transformative infrastructure project on schedule.
For our team, it’s a reminder of why we do what we do. Every measurement we take, every inspection we conduct and every decision we make brings us closer to upgrading this bridge from a functional necessity into a catalyst for regional progress.
As the STV team continues to support the new Portal North Bridge, these milestones reinforce our purpose. We’re not just delivering infrastructure; we’re shaping the future. We’re proving that innovation and collaboration can drive meaningful change, creating a more reliable and efficient transportation network for hundreds of thousands of daily commuters.
