Amtrak will begin major rehabilitation of the East River Tunnel in New York City later this year following the award of a construction contract to a Skanska E-J ERT Joint Venture. The tunnel is comprised of four tubes – two of which require significant repairs and comprehensive reconstruction following damage caused by floodwaters that entered the tunnel during Superstorm Sandy.
The $1.6bn East River Tunnel Rehabilitation Project will demolish all existing tunnel systems down to the liner, before completely restoring both tubes that were damaged in 2012. During this project, one tube will be closed at a time, minimizing service impacts while maximizing track access for construction, and renewing the tunnel infrastructure to serve customers for another 100 years.
Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner said, “Today’s announcement brings us one step closer to renewing the East River Tunnel for a new generation. We thank Senator Schumer and the Biden-Harris Administration for their support that has made the renewal of this critical asset possible, and we appreciate the collaboration with our partners at MTA and NJ TRANSIT on this consequential project. Together, we’re committed to delivering this important infrastructure investment for New Yorkers, New Jerseyans, and everyone else who relies on the NEC – America’s busiest rail corridor.”
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer commented, “We have worked long and hard for this moment: celebrating the start of construction and repair of the Sandy-damaged East River Tunnel. These tunnels are the most important link in the commute of hundreds of thousands of Long Islanders and a problem in this vital transit link creates a nightmarish domino effect for the entire system — but now commuters can rejoice because construction is about to begin. This effort to repair the East River Tunnel hasn’t been easy, but this ten-year challenge will see $1.26bn dollars’ worth of federal investment that will supercharge some of the most critical work to finish the job, improve safety, and deliver for commuters and visitors alike.”
About the project: This work will involve demolishing the existing tunnel systems down to the concrete liner, followed by reconstructing and modernizing all tunnel systems, which include:
- Spot repair and patching of the concrete tunnel liner
- Reconstruction of the bench walls in a modern high-low configuration
- Conversion from ballasted track to a modern direct fixation track system with integrated drainage
- Installation of new, state-of-the-art fire and smoke detection systems
- Replacement and modernization of signal, traction power, standpipe and drainage systems
Comments: