The tunnel, which opened in 1910, comprises four tubes – two of which require significant repairs and comprehensive reconstruction following damage caused by floodwaters during Superstorm Sandy in 2012.
The East River Tunnel Rehabilitation Project will demolish all existing tunnel systems down to the liner, before completely restoring the two tubes. During the project, one tube will be closed at a time to minimise disruption to rail services.
The tunnel connects New York Penn Station – the US’s busiest train station – to the east and is used daily by more than 450 Amtrak, Long Island Rail Road and NJ Transit trains.
The project involves demolishing the existing tunnel systems down to the concrete liner, then reconstructing and modernising all tunnel systems. This includes 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 direct fixation track system with integrated drainage; new fire and smoke detection systems; and replacement and modernisation of signal, traction power, standpipe and drainage systems.
Above ground, the tunnel approaches will be upgraded, along with signal equipment, power cables and ventilation facilities.
Major construction will start later this year and is due to be completed in 2027.
As well as the US$637m contract awarded to Skanska, Amtrak has awarded a construction management contract to a STV Inc/Naik Consulting Group, PC Joint Venture. The project has also had ongoing support from Jacobs Engineering Group with design development for the rehabilitation and system improvements.
The approximately US$1.6bn project is primarily funded by the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, with a US$1.26bn federal grant awarded by the Federal Railroad Administration. The remaining portion will be funded by the project partners – MTA, NJ Transit and Amtrak.
