
In a significant development for transportation infrastructure, Senator Chuck Schumer, the Democratic majority leader from New York, announced an additional $3.8 billion in federal funding for the long-awaited Hudson River rail tunnel project. This announcement comes just as construction is set to accelerate this month on the initial phase of the $16.1 billion tunnel known as the Gateway project, situated on Manhattan’s West Side.
The early phase of the project involves the construction of a concrete casing under the Hudson Yards section of Midtown Manhattan, creating a pathway for trains between the river’s edge and Pennsylvania Station. Simultaneously, work is scheduled to commence on the New Jersey side of the river, involving the realignment of a highway to enable the digging of the tunnel. Plans outlined by the Gateway Development Commission include the use of two massive boring machines, which will carve through the cliff, under the river, and into the bedrock of Manhattan. Commuter trains will ascend through the concrete casing to platforms at Penn Station, with tunnel digging anticipated to begin in 2025. The new tunnel is expected to become operational a decade later.
The Gateway project’s history has been marked by delays and political obstacles, with the plan to build a tunnel between Penn Station and New Jersey being debated for over 15 years. However, under the Biden administration’s support, Senator Schumer has secured over $10 billion in federal funds for the project, positioning it as a national priority, according to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
The existing tunnels, which are more than a century old, are in a state of disrepair, leading to frequent delays and disruptions in train services. The addition of the two-track Gateway tunnel would not only facilitate the rehabilitation of the old tunnels but also enhance the overall efficiency of the rail system. Despite skepticism stemming from past setbacks, Senator Schumer expressed confidence in the project’s completion due to the substantial federal funding already secured.
The Biden administration’s attention to the Gateway project has been evident, with President Biden allocating $292 million for the construction of the concrete casing earlier this year. Senator Schumer also announced a $6.88 billion grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, with the latest $3.8 billion award bringing the federal contribution to more than $11 billion, covering approximately 70% of the estimated total cost. New York and New Jersey have agreed to split the remaining costs.
The infusion of federal funding not only accelerates the much-needed rail tunnel project but also frees up state resources for other essential transportation initiatives.
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