PORTAL NORTH BRIDGE/GATEWAY
A landmark infrastructure achievement — Muñoz Engineering provided construction layout, 3D modeling, and laser scanning on the Gateway Program's busiest stretch of residential/commuter rail in the Western Hemisphere.
PORTAL NORTH BRIDGE
The Portal North Bridge replaces the notorious 116-year-old Portal Bridge swing span over the Hackensack River — long considered the single biggest chokepoint on the busiest rail corridor in the United States. The original bridge, carrying over 450 daily Amtrak and NJ Transit trains, frequently malfunctioned while opening and closing for marine traffic, triggering cascading delays across the entire Northeast Corridor.
The new $1.56 billion fixed-span bridge rises 50 feet above the Hackensack River and spans nearly 2.5 miles of the Northeast Corridor. Its fixed-span design eliminates all moveable components, allows train speeds up to 90 mph, and permits unimpeded marine traffic below. The first track entered service on March 13, 2026.
Muñoz Engineering is proud to be playing a key role in one of the most crucial projects within the Gateway Program. As a subconsultant to the Skanska / Traylor Bros PNB Joint Venture, Muñoz provided surveying, laser scanning, and 3D modeling on this project, working in one of the most challenging active rail environments in the country. Additionally, we have performed all aspects of construction layout and as-builts using Trimble & Leica equipment. We have performed track and rail monitoring in support of other trades, and have established an extensive network of survey control points that will be used for the entirety of the project.