In another step forward for the proposed new twin-bore rail tunnel under the Hudson River in New York, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has approved the release of the draft environmental impact statement (EIS) for public consultation.
The move is a precursor to obtaining federal funds for the Trans-Hudson Commuter Rail Tunnel Project – the Trans-Hudson Express (THE tunnel). The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey has already committed up to US$2bn to the Access to the Region’s Core (ARC) project, of which the new tunnel is the centrepiece.
ARC includes two new 6.5km long, single-track rail tunnels between New Jersey and New York, additional capacity north of NY Penn station under 34th St in Manhattan, and signal and track improvements. Subway links will also feature in the project.
Project sponsor NJ Transit plans for construction to start in 2009 and the project to open within seven years.
In another step forward for the scheme, at the end of last year NJ Transit hired a construction manager – THE CM Consortium, a JV of Tishman Construction, Parsons and Arup. It elected to bring a construction manager in early to ensure the practicality of the design and to keep a focus on deadline and budget. In addition to construction management and design oversight, the JV will make independent cost estimates to figures produced by the engineering team.
NJ Transit awarded the preliminary design last August to THE Partnership. The members of the JV are Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB), STV Group and DMJM Harris, and they are due to complete by about March 2008.
FTA gave the green light to preliminary engineering in the middle of 2006, following a cost-benefit analysis and funding review of THE Tunnel. The project aims to boost commuter rail capacity between New York and New Jersey.
Initial study consultant on THE Tunnel is Transit Link Consultants, a JV of Systra Consulting and Parson Brinckerhoff Quade & Douglas.
