Commuters & Harrison Brace For Impact Of Transit Limited Service to NYC

Commuters traveling from Harrison to New York City are facing a month of reduced NJ Transit rail service as crews shift train controls, signals, and operations from the century-old Portal Bridge to the new Portal North Bridge over the Hackensack River, a major infrastructure transition tied to the Gateway Program.

Beginning Sunday, February 15, 2026, NJ Transit and Amtrak began a multi-week “cutover” process to transfer rail operations from the old swing bridge to the new fixed-span structure, forcing temporary service reductions and schedule changes across nearly all lines serving New York Penn Station.

What’s happening — and why trains are limited

The work involves switching electrical systems, signals, tracks, and communications to the new bridge. A step, officials say, is essential before it can carry regular train traffic.

During the transition:

• NJ Transit trains must operate on a single track between Newark and Secaucus, reducing capacity into New York.

Service is being significantly reduced, with fewer trains and revised schedules across most lines.

Nearly all rail lines that normally serve Penn Station are affected, except the Atlantic City Line.

The disruption is expected to last about four weeks, with regular schedules planned to resume around mid-March following safety testing.

Direct impact on Harrison commuters

For riders in Harrison, many of whom depend on NJ Transit connections at Newark, Secaucus, or Hoboken, the service reductions result in longer travel times, fewer train options, and a greater reliance on transfers.

Key impacts include:

• Reduced frequency into New York Penn Station on Northeast Corridor and related lines.

Midtown Direct weekday trains are diverted to Hoboken, requiring PATH, ferry, or bus connections into Manhattan.

Earlier departures, consolidations, and cancellations across the system.

For Harrison residents who typically board at Newark Penn or transfer from PATH, this means a more complicated commute and, in some cases, added cost or travel time.

Spillover at the Harrison PATH station

NJ Transit is cross-honoring rail tickets on PATH at Hoboken and 33rd Street and encouraging riders to use alternate modes, including buses and ferries.

That shift is expected to increase demand system-wide on PATH, including the Harrison PATH station, as riders look for more reliable ways to reach Manhattan. Officials have warned of possible crowding at PATH hubs during peak periods.

For Harrison commuters, the PATH line, already one of the busiest cross-Hudson options, is likely to see heavier peak-hour traffic as displaced NJ Transit riders shift routes. By the time the PATH train gets to the Harrison PATH station, it may be full already with persons who normally would take the NJ Transit train into New York City.

A painful transition tied to long-term reliability

The old Portal Bridge, built in 1910, has long been a bottleneck for Northeast Corridor rail traffic. Its swing design requires it to open to marine traffic, which has caused frequent mechanical failures and delays for decades. The old Portal Bridge, however, should be maintained as a second rail track in honor of its heroic service for over 100 years.  NJ Transit and Amtrak are short-sighted in that they believe the new Portal North Bridge will ever match the old Portal Bridge's lifespan.

The new Portal North Bridge is a fixed span that sits higher above the river and will not need to open, improving reliability and reducing disruptions once fully operational. Officials say the short-term inconvenience is necessary to deliver long-term improvements. The cutover marks a milestone in the broader Gateway Program, which aims to modernize rail infrastructure between New Jersey and New York.

What commuters should expect over the next month

Through mid-March:

• Expect longer commutes and fewer direct trips into Manhattan.
• Allow extra time when transferring between NJ Transit and PATH.
• Anticipate crowding at Newark, Secaucus, Hoboken, and Harrison PATH stations.
• Consider off-peak travel or remote work where possible.

When the transition is complete, the new bridge is expected to provide a more reliable corridor for trains into New York, something transportation officials say will benefit Harrison commuters for decades. The plan to demolish the old Portal Bridge is shortsighted and should not proceed.  The old Portal Bridge should be repaired and preserved as a second crossing of the Hackensack River in case the new Portal North Bridge malfunctions or has to close for maintenance or repairs.  There is no benefit to knocking down the old Portal Bridge, which has continued to operate safely for over 116 years.  The Portal North Bridge will never reach that milestone, with a lifespan of 75 years with regular maintenance and upgrades, per press reports.

YourHarrison.com encourages residents to share their experiences with the NJ Transit's limited service into NYC and its impact on the Town of Harrison and the Harrison PATH station in particular, through the Community Discussion Board.

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