Skanska USA has won a $93 million contract from Amtrak to rehabilitate the Dock Bridge in Newark, New Jersey. The 91-year-old bridge is a key structure along the Northeast Corridor (NEC), carrying approximately 720 train crossings daily. The project will upgrade the six-track, triple-span movable lift bridge and support the broader Gateway Program aimed at enhancing passenger rail infrastructure across New Jersey and New York.
Skanska Awarded Dock Bridge Rehabilitation Project
Skanska USA will deliver the Dock Bridge Rehabilitation Project under a bid-build contract awarded by Amtrak. The bridge spans the Passaic River between Newark and Harrison, New Jersey, and serves passenger rail operations for Amtrak, Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH), and New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit).
The Dock Bridge forms part of Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor, a rail route extending more than 450 miles between Boston and Washington, D.C. The structure carries six passenger rail tracks across three parallel vertical-lift bridge spans.
Construction is underway, with final completion expected at the end of 2028.
Scope of the Dock Bridge Rehabilitation Work
The rehabilitation project focuses on upgrading the bridge structure, removing existing movable bridge systems, and modifying key rail infrastructure components.
The major elements of the project include:
- Upgrading the three parallel vertical-lift bridges, decommissioning the movable spans, securing them in a fixed position, and removing existing mechanical and electrical systems.
- Jacking existing bridge counterweights, installing permanent counterweight supports, and rehabilitating lift span expansion bearings.
- Rehabilitating concrete piers, removing the existing fender system, and replacing catwalk railings and miscellaneous structural metals.
- Supporting Amtrak force account work and modifying traction power systems and miter rails.
- Completing rehabilitation activities that will extend the service life of the Dock Bridge as part of the Gateway Program.
Dock Bridge Rehabilitation Joins Gateway Program Projects
The Dock Bridge project is part of Amtrak’s Gateway Program, which is designed to enhance the Northeast Corridor, the busiest passenger rail route in the United States.
The Gateway Program includes major infrastructure and station projects in New Jersey and New York. According to the project information, the program also includes construction of a new $16 billion Hudson River Tunnel between New Jersey and New York City.
The Dock Bridge rehabilitation represents one of several Gateway Program projects involving Skanska.
Skanska’s Additional Gateway Program Projects
Skanska is currently working on two other Gateway Program projects.
In a joint venture with Traylor Brothers Inc., Skanska is involved in the replacement and demolition of the existing Portal North Bridge. The project includes construction of a new rail bridge across the Hackensack River, new rail bridges over nearby roadways, retaining walls, access roads, construction access platforms, new track configuration, traction power supply and distribution, and catenary and communication support structures.
Skanska is also working with Walsh & Herzog in a joint venture to conduct pre-construction activities for the Sawtooth Bridges Replacement Project in Kearny, New Jersey.
Skanska Highlights Partnership With Amtrak
Michael Donohue, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Skanska Koch, highlighted the company’s continued partnership with Amtrak on the rehabilitation project.
“We are proud to continue our partnership with Amtrak on this critical bridge rehabilitation, delivering safer and more efficient operations on one of the nation’s busiest rail corridors,” said Donohue.
He added that the project will extend the life of the bridge, improve reliability for thousands of daily passengers, and support stronger rail infrastructure for decades to come.
Project Completion Expected in 2028
The Dock Bridge Rehabilitation Project is scheduled for completion at the end of 2028. The project adds to Skanska’s ongoing involvement in Gateway Program initiatives focused on improving major rail infrastructure assets across the Northeast Corridor.
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