NJ Transit has embarked on phase 2 of the Raritan River Bridge replacement, moving forward with the construction of a new vertical lift span that will improve rail service between Perth Amboy and South Amboy. Groundbreaking took place on June 25, marking a milestone in overhauling one of the region’s oldest movable rail bridges.
This phase includes the construction of the bridge’s center span, which will rise vertically to allow marine traffic to pass—a major advance from the existing 117-year-old swing bridge, which swings open. The new bridge is meant to improve operating efficiency, weather resilience, and travel times on the busy North Jersey Coast Line.
NJ Transit President and CEO Kris Kolluri spoke to the broader importance of the project. “Breaking ground on the lift span brings us one step closer to a stronger, modernized transportation network,” he said. “It represents our ongoing investment in replacing older infrastructure to bring reliability and connectivity to customers.”
The Raritan River Bridge is a critical link on the North Jersey Coast Line, serving some 11,500 weekday passengers and 2 million tons of Conrail freight each year. Due to its important role in passenger and freight traffic, the project is being viewed as a crucial piece of the region’s transportation future.
The New Bridge
The new bridge will have two tracks and will be relocated somewhat from the current position before connecting to the mainline at both ends. It will also be taller than the current structure, which will take it above the 100-year floodplain. All improvements should double the speed of trains crossing the bridge—from the current 30 miles per hour to as much as 60.
Governor Phil Murphy touted the advantages for everyday commuters. “This Raritan River Bridge replacement project brings us a step closer to quicker, more dependable service,” he stated. “That’s more time at home helping the kids with homework or having dinner with family and less time spent stuck in transit.”
The replacement of the bridge became an urgent requirement following Superstorm Sandy in 2012, which caused extensive damage. Ocean surges and debris displaced the deck out of alignment and required an 18-day shutdown. NJ Transit later confirmed that the original structure, in service since 1908, was never designed to withstand such lateral forces.
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Phase 2 Contract
Carteret-based Skanska Koch Inc. signed a $444.3 million contract in December 2024 to undertake the second phase. Their work includes constructing the lift span, building flanking spans, and adding important systems like signals, communications, and catenary wires.
Phase one began in May 2020 and was finished last year under George Harms Construction Co. Inc. That segment was initially costed at $248 million and paved the way for this phase.
Design
The bridge design is being shared by Hardesty & Hanover and Gannett Fleming, while construction management is being carried out by AECOM and Mott MacDonald under an nearly $34 million contract approved back in 2019.
The replacement bridge will be 10 feet wider than its predecessor and constructed with a steel superstructure on reinforced concrete piers. Kolluri indicated that rising steel prices—particularly between pre-pandemic planning and post-pandemic letting of contracts—have been a significant cost driver.
The project is already over budget
The initial two phases of the project have cost over $692.3 million to date, which exceeds the original $595 million appropriated for the whole three-phase project. Demolition of the current bridge will be the third and last stage.
To help finance, NJ Transit reallocated roughly $240 million from the abandoned Transitgrid power backup project to the bridge program.
Upon completion, the new Raritan River Bridge not only will be safer and longer-lasting, but it also is expected to significantly improve the daily commute for thousands of commuters and freight carriers.
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Raritan River Bridge Replacement Project
Project Overview
Location: Between Perth Amboy and South Amboy, NJ
Line: North Jersey Coast Line
Current Usage: 11,500 weekday commuters, 2 million tons Conrail freight annually
Bridge Type: New vertical lift span replacing 117-year-old swing bridge
Project Phases
Phase 1 (Completed)
Timeline: May 2020 – 2024
Contractor: George Harms Construction Co. Inc.
Cost: $248 million (estimated)
Scope: Foundation work
Phase 2 of Raritan River Bridge Replacement Project (Current)
Groundbreaking: June 25, 2025
Contractor: Skanska Koch Inc.
Contract Value: $444.3 million
Scope: Lift span construction, flanking spans, signals, communications, catenary systems
Phase 3 (Future)
Scope: Demolition of existing bridge
Key Improvements
Speed: Train speeds double from 30 mph to 60 mph
Height: Above 100-year floodplain
Width: 10 feet wider than current bridge
Design: Steel superstructure with reinforced concrete piers
Tracks: Two-track configuration
Project Costs
Original Budget: $595 million (all three phases)
Current Cost: $692.3+ million (phases 1-2 only)
Key Partners
Phase 2 contractor: Skanska Koch Inc.
Design: Hardesty & Hanover / Gannett Fleming joint venture
Oversight: AECOM / Mott MacDonald ($34 million contract)
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