Amtrak awards US$637m construction contract for NYC East River Tunnels

The tunnel is said to be 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.

Amtrak says that the 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.

The project is estimated to cost approximately US$1.6 billion and is primarily funded by the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA), in addition to a US$1.26 billion federal grant awarded by FRA in November 2023.

The remaining portion will be funded by the project partners – MTA, NJ TRANSIT and Amtrak.

Preparatory work is reported to be already underway in Sunnyside Yard, with major construction expected to begin in late 2024 and continue through 2027.

Stephen Gardner, CEO of Amtrak, said, “The 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.”