Thank you for the opportunity to testify today. My name is Zoe Baldwin and I am the NJ Director for the Regional Plan Association, a nearly 100 year old urban planning organization working toward better mobility, economic opportunity and a more sustainable and resilient metropolitan region.

We were thrilled to see today’s agenda approving the Portal North Bridge contract award, which will allow work to finally begin on one of the most important rail projects in the region.

The current, 110-year-old swing bridge frequently freezes, slowing or stopping rail travel on the busiest rail corridor in the country. Replacing the outdated bridge will greatly facilitate system reliability and overall travel times, both welcome news to the 200,000 riders who cross the span daily.

This project has been decades in the making and is also an essential precursor to the Gateway Tunnel program. Today’s approval is a major step forward for the riding public, and RPA congratulates NJ Transit staff and leadership for their work to bring this home.