Construction has started on the Hudson Tunnel Project. The project is one of the largest infrastructure projects in U.S. history and a key component of the Gateway Program, an effort to revitalize the Northeast Corridor (NEC) by improving the rail infrastructure along a 10-mile segment. The scope of the Hudson Tunnel Project includes two components:
- The construction of a two-track Hudson River rail tunnel between Bergen Palisades in New Jersey and New York Penn Station in Manhattan
- Rehabilitation of the existing North River Tunnel, which sustained significant damage during Superstorm Sandy. The existing North River Tunnel was constructed in 1910 and is the sole passenger rail connection between Manhattan and New Jersey and the NEC.
Amtrak was joined by Hudson Tunnel Project’s sponsor, Gateway Development Commission (GDC), United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) Secretary Pete Buttigieg, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and other officials to celebrate the start of construction.
“After decades of delays, this project is finally moving forward, the Hudson Tunnel is a nationally important piece of infrastructure and will bring millions of visitors to New York every year,” said New York Gov. Hochul. “I am proud of the work we have done with President Biden, Secretary Buttigieg, Senior Advisor [Mitch] Landrieu, Amtrak and our partners in New Jersey to advance this project and I thank Rep. [Chuck] Schumer (D-NY) and the New York Congressional delegation for providing critical support.”
“The start of construction in New York for the Hudson Tunnel Project signifies something different than all previous milestones – that our vision for new, state-of-the-art infrastructure is no longer just a vision; it’s becoming reality,” said Amtrak Board Chair and GDC Vice Chair Tony Coscia. “We thank the Biden-Harris Administration, Secretary Buttigieg, Rep. Schumer, Sen. Gillibrand (D-NY), Gov. Hochul, Gov. Murphy, the FRA, our GDC partners and all of the federal and local officials who have championed this project and advanced it to this point.”
The Gateway Program has seen significant additional progress in recent months. Construction of the new Portal North Bridge, led by New Jersey Transit and Amtrak, recently passed the 35 percent completion mark, and key elements of the Hudson Tunnel Project have advanced, including:
- The Hudson Tunnel Project entered the Engineering Phase of the Federal Transit Administration’s Capital Investment Grants Program, making the project eligible for $6.88 billion in federal grants.
- GDC was selected for a $25 million Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity Grant from USDOT for construction of the Tonnelle Avenue Bridge and Utility Relocation Project.
- USDOT’s Build America Bureau is advancing applications for Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing loans to support the Hudson Tunnel Project.
- Five out of nine contemplated Hudson Tunnel Project contracts are in procurement or construction.
“The tremendous benefits that the new tunnel will bring start now. Today is not just about commemorating the tunnel’s future promise, It’s about the 72,000 new jobs created in the process, the $19 billion in economic activity and the American suppliers and manufacturers who just gained a very reliable customer,” said GDC CEO Kris Kolluri.
