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.<\/p>\n
Now, phase two has arrived at Penn Station. This means five weeks of fewer trains, potentially more crowded trains, and more transfers.<\/p>\n
A limited schedule just went into effect on Sunday night.<\/p>\n
“This will all be over November 15th to provide you that better commute,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Back in February and March, commuters might remember phase one.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Some lines won’t have service to Penn at all, and riders like Laura will have to transfer in Hoboken.<\/p>\n
“I’ll probably end up just going into the city less, because it’s like more of an effort,” she said.<\/p>\n
The 2.3 billion dollar project built the new bridge up higher, so it doesn’t have to open for marine traffic.<\/p>\n
The old one got stuck many times in the past 20 years that Thomas has been commuting.<\/p>\n
“They tell you the Portal Bridge opened and they cannot close it. Oh geez, you sit there for 30 minutes,” he said.<\/p>\n
NJ Transit did call phase one a big success, as they moved the first track to the new, Portal North Bridge.<\/p>\n
Those who have taken the ride over that new bridge have noticed It’s an upgrade.<\/p>\n
“During the construction, it was obviously not a good time, but after it has gotten better,” Laura added.<\/p>\n
During construction last time around, Eyewitness News spoke with commuters whose employers did let them telecommute some or all of the time.<\/p>\n
Of course, Monday is a holiday so the major impact of the work won’t really be felt until Tuesday morning.<\/p>\n
The old portal bridge first opened in November 1910. So it is retiring after 116 years of service.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
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