Benson Statement on Portal Bridge Malfunction

Mechanical Issue Created Delays for Thousands of Commuters

(TRENTON) – Deputy Speaker and Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee Chair Daniel Benson (D-Mercer/Middlesex) released the following statement Friday regarding the Portal Bridge malfunction which disrupted morning commutes:

“This morning’s mechanical issue at The Portal Bridge which left thousands of commuters stranded is yet another example of why the Gateway Tunnel Project is crucial to New Jersey’s transportation system. This incident proves that it is as much about having vital projects like the Portal Bridge that connects to the Gateway Tunnel as it is having the additional tunnel itself.

“Too many of our residents rely on out-of-date infrastructure to get to and from work every day. We have a desperate need to update our crumbling bridges and tunnels, which so many of our residents rely on to make a living.

“I fear that these types of incidents will only become more frequent the longer these issues are ignored by the federal government. New Jersey is willing to pay our fair share for the Gateway Tunnel Project, which would include the construction of a new Portal Bridge, but the Trump Administration has shown a clear lack of leadership.

“I remain confident that New Jersey will continue to find ways to continue investing in this critical project and provide commuters with the resources they deserve. We are committed to working and fighting for the necessary funding to complete this crucial project.”