Lawmakers: Portal Bridge malfunction shows need for Gateway Project

<p>The Portal Bridge over the Hackensack River became stuck Friday morning, halting rail traffic during the morning commute.</p>

News 12 Staff

Mar 16, 2018, 11:44 PM

Updated 2,239 days ago

Share:

The Portal Bridge over the Hackensack River became stuck Friday morning, halting rail traffic during the morning commute.
This is not the first time the century-old bridge has gotten stuck and delayed commuters. The incident has prompted New Jersey lawmakers to continue to push the federal government to help fund the Gateway Tunnel Project.
The project would replace the Portal Bridge as well as build a new rail tunnel under the Hudson River. But President Donald Trump has indicated that he is opposed funding for the project.
“If the tunnels are closed and the bridge doesn’t work, then at the end of the day we’re creating a trap for people,” says Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez.
Menendez says that funding for the project will be included in the U.S. Senate version of a government spending bill, despite the president’s opposition.
"On the Senate side, we're insisting that there be money for Gateway and if that becomes the impasse over whether or not we can come to a national budget, so be it,” Menendez says.
Republican Rep. Tom MacArthur and other New Jersey Republicans have also united in calling for funding for Gateway. They are calling it a project of “critical importance.”
State officials have already committed to raising New Jersey Transit fares in 2020 to pay for New Jersey’s portion of the project.


More from News 12
3:52
I-95 in Norwalk closed until at least Monday following tractor-trailer fire

I-95 in Norwalk closed until at least Monday following tractor-trailer fire

1:39
 Warm and dry temps for Connecticut; cooler weekend expected

Warm and dry temps for Connecticut; cooler weekend expected

2:26
Gov. Lamont declares state of emergency in response to the I-95 tractor-trailer fire

Gov. Lamont declares state of emergency in response to the I-95 tractor-trailer fire

2:30
I-95 oil tanker fire disrupts local traffic through Norwalk; detours, closures in place

I-95 oil tanker fire disrupts local traffic through Norwalk; detours, closures in place

3:14
Visit Ridgefield, Connecticut's first 'cultural district' in the state

Visit Ridgefield, Connecticut's first 'cultural district' in the state

2:39
Racist social media posts ignite outrage in Wilton community

Racist social media posts ignite outrage in Wilton community

  Police: Apparent grenade found in Bridgeport

Police: Apparent grenade found in Bridgeport

0:36
Live Nation Concert Week offers $25 tickets to over 5,000 shows

Live Nation Concert Week offers $25 tickets to over 5,000 shows

2:22
Do you constantly reuse the same username and password? 6 steps to help safeguard your online accounts

Do you constantly reuse the same username and password? 6 steps to help safeguard your online accounts

0:35
Mets foundation partners with America's Vet Dogs to raise future service dog

Mets foundation partners with America's Vet Dogs to raise future service dog

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

2:14
Investigation underway after 4 dogs die in Milford car fire

Investigation underway after 4 dogs die in Milford car fire

0:32
 Police: Meriden man accused of suffocating victim in front of her child

Police: Meriden man accused of suffocating victim in front of her child

0:36
'Difficult decision.' UConn president addresses arrests of students and encampment teardown

'Difficult decision.' UConn president addresses arrests of students and encampment teardown

0:24
Charges upgraded to father of 2-year-old found buried in a shallow grave in 2023

Charges upgraded to father of 2-year-old found buried in a shallow grave in 2023

0:36
'Difficult decision.' UConn president addresses arrests of students and encampment teardown

'Difficult decision.' UConn president addresses arrests of students and encampment teardown

0:39
Jonathan Cubit visits students at Franklin Elementary School in Stratford

Jonathan Cubit visits students at Franklin Elementary School in Stratford

1:38
Scholar Athlete: Keira Cunniffe

Scholar Athlete: Keira Cunniffe

1:48
Volunteers prep for Minks to Sinks sale to benefit Family and Children's Agency

Volunteers prep for Minks to Sinks sale to benefit Family and Children's Agency

1:54
Stamford’s BOE reinstates Columbus Day, Veterans Day in school holiday calendar

Stamford’s BOE reinstates Columbus Day, Veterans Day in school holiday calendar