The record of decision for the final environmental impact statement confirms that the FRA has decided to proceed with a configuration that includes a three-track fixed northern bridge and a two-track moveable southern bridge built on a new alignment. There will also be a grade separation of tracks to eliminate crossover movements.

The study, which was prepared in cooperation with Amtrak and New Jersey Transit, considered four 'build' alternatives in addition to a 'no action' option. The existing Portal Bridge is a two-track, moveable swing-span structure that began operation in 1910. It is used by almost 500 trains every weekday and is proving a bottleneck.

A contract for the project's design services was awarded last year to a joint venture of Jacobs Engineering Group, Gannett Fleming Transit & Rail Systems and HNTB Corporation.