Amtrak Takes a Major Step Forward on Sawtooth Bridges Replacement Project

Amtrak has announced critical advancements in replacing the century-old Sawtooth Bridges in New Jersey. This $1.6 billion project will transform rail capacity and speed by 2032. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Amtrak Partners to Advance Sawtooth Bridges Replacement in New Jersey

Amtrak has announced critical advancements in replacing the century-old Sawtooth Bridges in New Jersey. This $1.6 billion project will transform rail capacity and speed by 2032.

A joint venture of Skanska, Walsh & Herzog has been awarded a contract for pre-construction activities. AECOM and STV will also provide support and oversee project management during construction.

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The existing Sawtooth Bridges, built in 1907, handle over 400 daily Amtrak and NJ Transit trains. Additionally, PATH (Port Authority Trans-Hudson) services and Conrail freight traffic use this busy rail corridor.

Currently, the aging bridges restrict speeds to 60 mph, leading to delays and inefficiencies. The replacement project will add two new tracks, enabling train speeds of up to 90 mph.

Spanning a 1.9-mile section, the project involves constructing three new bridges. This includes realigning NJ Transit’s Morris & Essex line to accommodate the expanded Northeast Corridor tracks.

Laura Mason, Amtrak’s executive vice president, emphasized the importance of this transformative investment. “This project addresses decades of underinvestment and modernizes the nation’s busiest rail corridor,” she said.

NJ Transit CEO Kevin Corbett highlighted how replacing century-old infrastructure will reduce delays and enhance reliability. He noted that customers will benefit from improved travel times and expanded capacity.

Amtrak’s Sawtooth Project: Enhancing Speed, Capacity, and Reliability on the Northeast Corrid

The Sawtooth Bridges replacement is part of Amtrak’s broader effort to modernize infrastructure in New Jersey, New York, and beyond. The project also supports economic growth and regional transit development.

Amtrak’s partnerships with NJ Transit, PATH, and Conrail have been crucial in advancing this initiative. Collaboration with elected officials ensures unified support for this complex, multi-year project.

By 2032, the new infrastructure will allow smoother and faster operations, benefiting both commuter and freight rail services. The project underscores Amtrak’s commitment to meeting the demand for modern rail systems.

This investment aligns with Amtrak’s national vision of creating a reliable and efficient railroad for future generations. The Sawtooth Bridges replacement remains a cornerstone of this ambitious plan.

Further updates are expected as pre-construction work progresses in the months ahead. Amtrak continues to prioritize partnerships and innovation to ensure the success of this vital project.

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