New Jersey’s construction and infrastructure landscape is entering a decisive period as several long-anticipated megaprojects move from planning to execution, reshaping transportation, commercial development, and regional mobility across the state. From rail corridors and airports to stadiums and mixed-use centers, billions of dollars in investment are translating into visible progress—and temporary disruptions—for residents and commuters.
At the center of the state’s transportation overhaul is the Portal North Bridge replacement, a $2.3 billion effort to retire the 114-year-old swing bridge spanning the Hackensack River. The project has now entered its final construction phase, a critical milestone for the Northeast Corridor, the nation’s busiest passenger rail line. Crews are actively preparing to connect the first new track to live rail service, a complex operation that will require schedule adjustments and service changes for riders throughout the month. Once operational in 2026, the new fixed-span bridge is expected to dramatically improve reliability, eliminating one of the corridor’s most notorious bottlenecks.
The Portal North project is just one component of a much larger surge in capital spending. Statewide, New Jersey is projected to see approximately $58.4 billion in construction investment through 2026 and 2027, underscoring the scale of transformation underway. Transportation infrastructure, aviation upgrades, and large-scale redevelopment projects are driving much of that growth, reinforcing the state’s role as a critical economic and logistical hub in the Northeast.
Air travel is another focal point. At Newark Liberty International Airport, the $3.5 billion AirTrain replacement project has moved into a highly visible construction phase. The aging people-mover system is being fully rebuilt to improve reliability, capacity, and accessibility for millions of travelers each year. As work accelerates, passengers can expect periodic changes to airport circulation and transit access, but officials say the long-term payoff will be a more resilient and modern connection between terminals, parking, and rail service.
Beyond transportation, commercial and mixed-use development is poised to redefine key corridors. In Bergen County, plans are advancing for a sweeping redevelopment of Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus. The project, slated to break ground in early 2026, will transform one of the region’s most recognizable shopping destinations into a multi-use environment combining retail, residential, and experiential space. Developers see the project as emblematic of a broader shift in how large-scale properties are being reimagined to meet changing consumer and lifestyle demands.
Sports and global events are also influencing construction priorities. With the FIFA World Cup on the horizon, work is underway at MetLife Stadium to bring the venue into compliance with international soccer standards. Renovations to the lower bowl require the removal of thousands of seats to widen the playing field, a technically demanding process being executed while maintaining the stadium’s event schedule. The upgrades position New Jersey to play a central role on the world stage while leaving behind long-term improvements to one of its most prominent facilities.
Together, these projects illustrate the breadth of activity shaping New Jersey’s built environment. From rail reliability and airport modernization to redevelopment and international event preparation, the state is experiencing a period of sustained infrastructure momentum. Ongoing reporting on major construction initiatives and development trends can be found throughout Sunset Daily News’ coverage of New Jersey’s construction landscape, where the impacts of these investments are tracked as they unfold.
As cranes rise and crews move in, the effects are being felt in real time—through detours, schedule changes, and construction noise—but the long-term vision is clear. New Jersey is laying the groundwork for a more connected, competitive, and resilient future, one project at a time.
