All Things Portal Bridge: Amtrak and NJT Status and Replacement Discussion

Thank you, Paul.

Thanks for the video Paul.

There's still along way to go, but it's nice to see the progress.

Something I missed was that apparently NJT has been posting construction time lapses on their YouTube channel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCBPi9Zf0Uc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhTuGN0EEao

And a drone flyover

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhxMDtfkFS4

FYI NJT’s project page contains an EarthCam (scroll down) panoramic view that updates once a day around noon. You can also scrub through the historical photos to observe progress.

https://www.njtransit.com/portal

The first bridge support structure appears to be mostly complete.

They're going to get him this time.

And there goes a Friend of Amtrak and NJT - and with seniority to make it count.

I personally cannot condone a public official mired in corrupt activities - even if his name is Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ).

Sure, Gov Murphy will appoint a Democrat who will "vote the party line". But that does not mean this replacement Senator will have the clout to further passenger rail interests.

Relevance?

The concern that without him championing Amtrak and this project for NJ, they could both be in jeopardy.

Thank you for your concurrence, Mr. Photobug.

While there is no law against physically holding precious metals or currency in any amount, such definitely raises suspicions.

I've had tradesmen working at my house over the years, who when the job was done start in with the "could you get me some cash?', to which I say "you can verify quick enough if my check is good, which by the way it is". I've had the retort "oh but cash is so much more convenient".

Wonder why they have worked on my house for the last time?

All told, possession of currency and metals certainly is sinister to me.

Construction has already started; I don't see the problem.

OK, Mr. Daybeers, I get it!

The posting should have been placed elsewhere, but it certainly cannot be dismissed for lack of rail passenger relevance.

Again, I do not condone for one moment the activities of which Sen. Menendez stands accused. Again I note that possession of large amount of negotiable property (cash, precious metals) suggests sinister activities, even though there is no US law prohibiting the possession of such.

As both Mr. Photobug and I have noted, the loss of Sen. Menendez and his seniority, as well as "his knowing his way around The Hill" will adversely affect the interests of passenger rail, i.e. Amtrak and NJT. Of course Gov. Murphy (D-NJ) will appoint a Democratic successor who will vote how he is told. But there goes the experience is how to introduce and navigate legislation on any matter. Anyone familiar with the ways of Washington, of which I am not, will tell you that "Mr. Smith" (James Stewart) is not how the place works.

Trust this explanation will suffice.

Gilbert B Norman wrote: ↑Sat Sep 23, 2023 5:45 am Thank you for your concurrence, Mr. Photobug.

While there is no law against physically holding precious metals or currency in any amount, such definitely raises suspicions.

Another issue not mentioned in the news reports is were these alleged illicit proceeds reported on the defendant's income tax returns and the appropriate taxes paid? Additional charges may yet be forthcoming, as well as a substantial income tax due at federal and state levels.

Reminder: this isn't corruption.net.

Cross-posting to NJT.

Progress: CBSNews.com

Work coming along to replace more-than-a-century-old North Portal Bridge for Amtrak, NJ Transit riders heading to Penn Station

As you ride on an Amtrak or NJ Transit train into Penn, commuters can see the construction currently being done to replace the more-than-century-old bridge over the Hackensack River. The bridge has always had to swing open when a boat that couldn't fit underneath would need to pass. Once this project is complete, Amtrak says a two-track bridge will replace this outdated relic with a modern high-level fixed span.

"The progress on Portal North Bridge has just been incredible, reaching 25 percent completion since construction began just over a year ago," said Mehmet Oztekin, Senior Construction Program Manager for NJ Transit.

The new bridge will also permit high track speeds and increased capacity according to officials. This will result in more on-time service to and from work and millions of dollars in maintenance cost savings.
...

NJT has an updated time-lapse video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Agv1ugEOwmE

Jeff Smith wrote: ↑Thu Sep 28, 2023 5:57 am Reminder: this isn't corruption.net.

No, but we do need to know the background of this firing.

https://news.yahoo.com/nj-transit-fires ... 25628.html

More: https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/ ... 157664007/

NJ Transit fires manager of new Portal Bridge construction, part of Gateway tunnel project

NJ Transit's chief of construction management, who was overseeing the Portal Bridge project — the largest single project in the agency's history — was fired this week.

Mohammed Nasim, a licensed engineer who has more than 30 years of experience delivering large projects, said he was given no reason for his firing, except that he was an "at will" employee and was escorted out of the agency's Newark headquarters by police.

"It was a very unfair decision. Many people were shocked, including the FTA, the contractor," he said when reached by phone, referring to the Federal Transit Administration.
...
NJ Transit spokesman Jim Smith did not answer questions posed by NorthJersey.com, including why he was fired, but confirmed his departure from the agency.
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The Portal Bridge replacement project is on time and on budget, but Nasim said he warned the leadership teams at the FTA, Amtrak and those above him at NJ Transit that he had some concerns, including the need for support staff for the contractor and settlement issues from construction.

The latter, he said, could impact the track alignment at the old Portal Bridge and the structures that support the overhead wires that power the trains, which have led to work stoppages on the new bridge.
...