The project involves demolishing the existing swing bridge superstructure and replacing it with new vertical lift bridge towers, lift span, two flanking spans, and communication and signal systems.

The New Jersey Transit board of directors in December last year that Skanska would build the bridge on the North Jersey Coast Line (NJCL).

The lift bridge, spanning the Raritan River between Perth Amboy and South Amboy, will lift to allow marine traffic to pass underneath it, replacing the 116-year-old swing bridge.

At the time, NJ Transit indicated that the contract for the work would not exceed $444.4 million, plus 5% for contingencies.

The existing bridge is the sole rail link for 17 of the 20 NJCL stations to connect to Newark and Manhattan, situated between the Perth Amboy and South Amboy rail stations. The NJCL provides service to approximately 11,400 daily customers.

While it is still safe for train travel, the bridge was significantly damaged during Superstorm Sandy in 2012, including the movement of the bridge deck out of its normal alignment due to ocean surges against the bridge superstructure and the impact of wave-borne debris against the bridge girders.

Engineering company H&H provided concept development and final design for the replacement bridge and is currently providing construction phase services.