However, large metal objects are being placed on the jacks at the bridge site - they are definitely preparing to lift something heavy. I wonder what else other than the arches they plan to lift.
There’s an actual bridge now at Tonelle Avenue, but the camera hasn’t updated in 5 days. They’re actually past the point they were at before Christie killed the first version.
The first arch’s departure is imminent. In two days, its position has changed from next to the others to moving towards what appears to be a pier or barge. In the next couple of days, it will likely be either loaded on a barge awaiting its departure or underway sailing down the Hudson on its way to the bridge site. I don’t have any dates on when it’s expected to be underway but it is going to be extremely soon.
Look out, everyone. The first arch is on its way! As I suspected, based on my satellite imagery, the first arch was to be shipped very soon. It’s now on its way to the bridge site.
I will continue to provide regular updates on its progress to the bridge site - my satellite imagery updates every 2-3 days. I suspect it will arrive at the bridge site by the end of the week as the arch is already by Poughkeepsie, NY.
Yes. I have access to a satellite with frequent updates every 2 to 3 days as it flies over the areas of interest. Google doesn’t update nearly as often.
I wonder if the Portal Bridge project is advancing faster than expected.
The Amtrak project page is indicating that it is at 70 percent completion as of Fall of 2024 which seems to be a large jump over the 50 percent completion that was listed just a few months ago in August.
They even said to expect the arches by winter. Its mid-fall and the first arch is about to be installed. The 70% completion isn’t a lie either. There has been immense progress since the beginning of this year. I expect all 3 arches to probably be installed by the end of the year if they continue at the pace they are going.
A commenter then noticed (as of 40 mins ago) that it was tied up by the bridge site while riding over NJT’s ex-DL&W trackage on their way out of Hoboken.
Here’s the location of the arch in relation to Portal Bridge using the photo above for reference. It’s almost there. It will likely be brought in tonight going into into tomorrow morning before rush hour when the train traffic is lighter. Cloud cover has rendered the satellite imagery ineffective but thankfully there are plenty of other sources out there for updates.
Arch Update:
It’s at the bridge site, and installation is imminent. It is currently in the space between the NJ Turnpike and the Portal Bridge. Anyone going over the turnpike bridge (especially on a bus which is higher) has a nice view of the construction site and the arch. They are likely to transfer it from the barge it was transported on to the one set up with the jacks to permit installation.
NJT recently published a photo of the big arch in the portal bridge area. Note the Mammoet self-propelled transporter the arch is perched on. That will possibly play a role in the installation.
No. The white supports are to support the structure during transport. The cables that support the arch as you can see have a lot of slack. Once the arches are installed the cables will be tensioned and the temporary supports will be removed.
Anyways, to get on topic of the active arch installation process: Arch Update: The arch is off the barge. It’s currently mounted on temporary supports likely to transfer it to the jack-equipped barge which will then hoist it to the bridge.
I recently heard from some unnamed sources that they might install the arch after thanksgiving. I cannot confirm the validity of the information at this time but it may be plausible as there will most definitely be a work stoppage for the holiday. I will be on the lookout for any additional information that may contradict this timeframe for installation.
As of right now, the arch is perched on supports that are driven into the riverbed. The delivery barge was removed and there’s been limited site activity. I do notice the height of the temporary resting place is high enough to allow the barge with the jacks on it to fit underneath.
I also found an image someone took at the Port of Coeymans showing the process of the arch being prepped for delivery. The second arch looks like its either complete or near full completion.
As for the other elements of the Gateway Project, there has been considerable progress:
A request for qualifications has been announced for building the surface trackage leading to the site of the future second Hudson tunnels. This is one of the first steps towards the actual construction.
Gateway also announced that the cofferdam for the Ground Stabilization Project has been completed. Concrete mixing will be the next step, stabilizing the soil for the eventual tunnel boring.
Arch Update:
They’re wasting no time with the arch installation. It seems they chose the northernmost span, something I suspected since there’s temporary support structures there. The arch is currently being jacked up and awaits installation.
Satellite Imagery:
