States Are Pursuing an End to Twice-a-Year Clock Changes States across the United States are increasingly pushing for the elimination of the twice-a-year clock changes associated with daylight saving time. This movement has gained momentum as lawmakers and citizens debate the potential benefits and drawbacks of maintaining the practice. Proponents argue that ending the time changes would reduce confusion, improve public health by stabilizing sleep patterns, and save energy by extending daylight hours during the winter months. Opponents, however, contend that the practice has historical roots and that its removal could disrupt agricultural schedules and transportation systems. The push to abolish daylight saving time has been bolstered by recent studies suggesting that the biannual adjustments contribute to health issues such as increased heart attack risks and sleep disorders. Advocacy groups, including the Sunshine Protection Act coalition, have called for a permanent shift to standard time year-round, citing economic and health benefits. However, the U.S. Department of Transportation and other federal agencies have expressed concerns about the potential impact on energy consumption and infrastructure. In recent years, several states have introduced legislation to either permanently adopt daylight saving time or revert to standard time. For example, Hawaii and Arizona have long opted out of the practice, while Florida and Idaho have passed laws to remain on daylight saving time permanently. The debate has also sparked discussions about the role of federal versus state authority in regulating such a widespread practice. The issue remains contentious, with political and cultural divides shaping the conversation.#daylight_saving_time #arizona #sunshine_protection_act_coalition #us_department_of_transportation #hawaii
NJ TRANSIT and Amtrak are replacing the 116-year-old Portal Bridge over the Hackensack River with a new structure called Portal North Bridge. This new bridge will not require opening or closing for river traffic, marking a significant upgrade to the Northeast Corridor’s infrastructure. Starting in February 2026, Amtrak will begin transferring one track of rail service from the existing bridge to the new structure, which aims to enhance long-term reliability and capacity along the corridor, ultimately improving the travel experience for passengers. This project represents the first major bridge cutover initiative on the Northeast Corridor. The transition involves extensive work, including the installation of new tracks, finalizing the new catenary system, and testing the signal system. Crews are operating around the clock to ensure all necessary connections between the new bridge and the existing railroad network are completed. The complexity of the task underscores the scale of the effort required to integrate the new structure into the current infrastructure. The Portal North Bridge project is part of a broader set of major infrastructure initiatives underway across the Northeast Corridor. These efforts are supported by generational investments from state and federal partners, reflecting a commitment to modernizing critical transportation systems. The collaboration between NJ TRANSIT, Amtrak, and federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Railroad Administration, and Federal Transit Administration has been central to the project’s success. This partnership highlights the potential for coordinated efforts to achieve significant infrastructure advancements.#us_department_of_transportation #nj_transit #amtrak #portal_north_bridge #hackensack_river
