Mammoet Installs Bridge Sections for Portal North Bridge Project in New York

30 Second Takeaway

Mammoet has completed the transport and installation of three bridge sections for the Portal North Bridge project in the New York metropolitan area. Using its Mega Jack system and slide track technology, the company supported a key milestone in replacing the century-old Portal Bridge with a new fixed-span structure designed to improve rail and maritime traffic flow.

Supporting a Major Rail Infrastructure Upgrade

Mammoet has successfully transported and installed three bridge sections for the Portal North Bridge project, a critical rail infrastructure development serving the New York metropolitan area.

Each bridge section measured more than 120 metres in length and was fabricated at the Port of Coeymans assembly site before being prepared for river transport and final installation.

Transport from Assembly Site to River

From Coeymans to the Hudson River

The bridge sections were moved from the Port of Coeymans to a roll-on location, where they were loaded onto barges for transport down the Hudson River. This phase of the operation required careful coordination to ensure stability and precise handling of the oversized structures.

Lifting and Positioning Operations

Mega Jacks and Slide Track Systems

For the lifting operations, Mammoet employed its Mega Jack system, enabling controlled vertical movement of the bridge sections. Once transferred to barges, each section was loaded onto a temporary mid-river staging area before being positioned for installation.

The bridge sections were jacked up between 14 and 16 cassettes high before final positioning. Tugboats and winches were used to manoeuvre the sections into place, while the East and West bridge sections required additional fine positioning using Mammoet’s slide track systems.

Project Collaboration and Execution

First Major Milestone Achieved

Mammoet project manager Sidney King highlighted the collaborative effort required to deliver the operation.

“Our team combined extensive experience and technical expertise to support this first major milestone for the Portal North Bridge project. The bridge section's relocation and successful loading onto the barge demanded careful planning and close coordination with Skanska and Carver, and we're proud to report a seamless operation.”

Replacing a Century-Old Bridge

Improving Rail and Waterway Capacity

The new fixed-span Portal North Bridge will replace the existing 100-year-old Portal Bridge between Newark, New Jersey, and New York City. Once complete, the bridge will sit approximately 15 metres above the water, allowing simultaneous movement of rail traffic and marine vessels, reducing congestion and improving reliability along the busy Northeast Corridor.

About Mammoet

Mammoet is a global leader in engineered heavy lifting and transport services, supporting complex infrastructure, energy, and industrial projects worldwide. The company is recognised for its expertise in large-scale bridge installations, jacking systems, and precision transport solutions.

Website: https://www.mammoet.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What project did Mammoet support in New York?

Mammoet supported the Portal North Bridge project by transporting and installing three large bridge sections.

How large were the bridge sections?

Each section measured more than 120 metres in length.

What lifting equipment was used?

Mammoet used its Mega Jack system along with slide track systems for precise positioning.

Why is the Portal North Bridge project important?

The new bridge will replace a century-old structure and improve rail reliability while allowing uninterrupted waterway traffic.

Who were Mammoet’s project partners?

Mammoet worked in close coordination with Skanska and Carver on the project.