Amtrak’s plan includes a total replacement and expansion of the 100 year-old Portal Bridge over the Hackensack River between Kearny and Secaucus. Network tied arches carrying four tracks at a high level will replace the existing two-track moveable bridge.

There is increased traffic and congestion into midtown Manhattan. The existing 100-year-old rail tunnels are already operating at capacity during rush hour and ridership is expected to double in the next two decades. US senator Frank Lautenberg said that he had sought a solution when the proposed ARC Tunnel project was cancelled and that Amtrak answered the call. As well as helping commuters, the Gateway project will expand intercity and high-speed rail in the area.

Amtrak projects that the entire Gateway Tunnel project could be completed in 2020 at an estimated cost of US$13.5 billion.