Major Lane Closure: Navigating the Portal North Bridge Project

Commuters traveling from Harrison through Kearny to Jersey City via Harrison Avenue are set to face significant traffic disruptions starting Monday, January 15, 2023, as the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) announces lane closures on Harrison Avenue also known as County Road 508/Newark-Jersey City Turnpike. The eastbound lane toward Jersey City between Interstate 280 and the U.S. Post Office Drive will be closed to facilitate the construction of NJ TRANSIT's Portal North Bridge project, a key infrastructure upgrade designed to replace the Portal Bridge located in Kearny NJ.

The modification to one lane eastbound on Harrison Avenue is expected to last until the end of August, is a critical component of the extensive Portal North Bridge project. During this period, one lane will remain open to ensure a minimal flow of traffic. However, motorists are advised to expect delays and are encouraged to consider alternate routes to avoid the construction zone. Why government bodies do construction during the winter months is perplexing.  In Harrison, the Mayor & Council also approved a project by Passaic Valley Sewerage Authority (PVSC) to be started in January and run for eight months as well.  The winter weather will play additional havoc on residents in this Portal North Bridge project with commuters, especially in inclement weather.  Where will vehicles go if they are disabled or get into a motor vehicle accident?

Adding to the traffic woes, another disruption is scheduled to begin on January 22. On weeknights, Monday through Friday, until the end of February, a single lane on  Harrison Avenue also known as County Route 508/Newark-Jersey City Turnpike westbound will be closed between Route 7 and Interstate 280. This closure, necessary for the overnight construction work on the Portal North Bridge, will see one lane remaining open for westbound traffic. During daytime hours, two westbound lanes will be maintained to facilitate smoother traffic flow. You would think that maintaining two eastbound lanes would be the priority to get persons from Newark/Harrison to Jersey City during their morning commutes into Jersey City or New York City.

NJDOT and NJ TRANSIT are committed to ensuring minimal disruption and have advised motorists to exercise caution while navigating through the construction zones. The precise timing of the work may change due to weather conditions or other unforeseen factors.

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