PENN STATION (WABC) — Commuters survived phase one of the Portal Bridge cutover work earlier this year to begin phasing out the old bridge and all the issues that came with it.

Now, phase two has arrived at Penn Station. This means five weeks of fewer trains, potentially more crowded trains, and more transfers.

A limited schedule just went into effect on Sunday night.

“This will all be over November 15th to provide you that better commute,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill.

Sherrill this past week reminded, NJ Transit train commuters that part two of the Portal Bridge cutover is now happening – in order to finish transitioning rail traffic to the brand new Portal North Bridge.

Back in February and March, commuters might remember phase one.

“That, to be honest, I already forgot. We got slowed down a little bit but it’s not terrible, like power or switch problems,” said Thomas.

During the cutover work, trains can only run on a single track between Newark and Secaucus. This means fewer trains into and out of Penn Station on weekdays.

Some lines won’t have service to Penn at all, and riders like Laura will have to transfer in Hoboken.

“I’ll probably end up just going into the city less, because it’s like more of an effort,” she said.

The 2.3 billion dollar project built the new bridge up higher, so it doesn’t have to open for marine traffic.

The old one got stuck many times in the past 20 years that Thomas has been commuting.

“They tell you the Portal Bridge opened and they cannot close it. Oh geez, you sit there for 30 minutes,” he said.

NJ Transit did call phase one a big success, as they moved the first track to the new, Portal North Bridge.

Those who have taken the ride over that new bridge have noticed It’s an upgrade.

“During the construction, it was obviously not a good time, but after it has gotten better,” Laura added.

During construction last time around, Eyewitness News spoke with commuters whose employers did let them telecommute some or all of the time.

Of course, Monday is a holiday so the major impact of the work won’t really be felt until Tuesday morning.

The old portal bridge first opened in November 1910. So it is retiring after 116 years of service.


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