New Jersey commuters will see a return to the familiar NJ Transit timetable on Sunday, marking the end of a five‑week period of adjusted service that supported the completion of the new Portal Bridge. The bridge, a critical crossing over the Hackensack River between Newark and Secaucus, has been the focus of extensive construction and testing, prompting the agency to operate a single‑track system for all trains on that segment.

Why schedules were changed

During the construction phase, NJ Transit ran a revised schedule to keep trains moving while work crews finished the bridge. The single‑track operation meant that many trains were rerouted to Hoboken, and some services ran on a reduced frequency. The agency communicated these changes early, urging riders to plan ahead and consider alternate routes where possible.

What riders can expect now

With the bridge nearing the end of its testing phase, the agency announced that regular service will resume on Sunday. However, NJ Transit cautioned that final testing could still cause brief delays, with some trips potentially running up to 20 minutes late. The agency asked commuters to stay informed via its website, mobile app, and station announcements.

Impact on daily commuters

For daily riders, the return to the standard schedule restores the predictable timing that many rely on for work, school, and other obligations. The Portal Bridge project, once fully operational, is expected to improve reliability across the Northeast Corridor, reducing bottlenecks that have historically caused cascading delays during peak periods.

Looking ahead

Officials from NJ Transit and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey highlighted the long‑term benefits of the new bridge, including increased capacity for both commuter and intercity trains. While the short‑term inconvenience of schedule changes was unavoidable, the agency emphasized that the infrastructure upgrade is a vital investment in the region’s transportation future.

Tips for commuters

• Check the NJ Transit app or website for real‑time updates before departing.
• Allow extra travel time on Sunday, especially if you are connecting to other services.
• Consider alternative routes, such as bus or carpool, if you have a tight schedule.
• Stay alert for station announcements regarding any last‑minute adjustments.

Overall, the resumption of normal service is a positive step for New Jersey’s transit network, signaling that the hard work on the Portal Bridge is bearing fruit and that commuters can look forward to more reliable travel in the months ahead.

Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.