Hudson Tunnel Project Progresses with 2035 Completion Goal

Construction on the Hudson Tunnel Project, which began in November 2023, is moving ahead, with significant progress being made on one of the largest infrastructure projects in U.S. history. The project aims to improve transportation safety and efficiency between New York and New Jersey for years to come.

The three key components of the Hudson Tunnel project include:

1. The construction of a new two-track Hudson River rail tunnel from Bergen Palisades in New Jersey to New York Penn Station in Manhattan.
2. The completion of the third segment to connect the new Hudson Tunnel to Penn Station.
3. Rehabilitation of the existing North River Tunnel, which was heavily damaged by Superstorm Sandy in 2012.

Steve Sigmund, GDC Chief of Public Outreach, emphasized the critical nature of the project, which aims to provide long-term resilience for both New Jersey Transit and Amtrak riders. The project is composed of ten smaller projects, three of which are currently underway.

Key Milestones and Current Work

• The Tonnelle Avenue Bridge and Utility Relocation project in New Jersey, which will provide access to the tunnel boring machines, is set for completion by 2025.
• In New York, work on the Hudson Yards Concrete Casing, Section 3 is expected to finish in 2026, connecting the new tunnel to Penn Station.
• The Hudson River Ground Stabilization project started in 2024 and is scheduled to conclude by 2027, ensuring the stability of the riverbed before tunnel boring begins.

In February 2025, the $1.18 billion contract for the Manhattan Tunnel Project was awarded, which will build the section of the new tunnel under the Hudson River to Manhattan.

Challenges and Environmental Considerations

The project faces significant challenges, particularly the complicated process of acquiring easements and ensuring that tunnel boring machines can pass through the Palisades. Environmental considerations also include protecting local riverbed ecosystems while stabilizing the ground for the tunnel’s construction.

‍Federal Funding and Economic Impact

The project is fully funded, with $16.3 billion secured from various sources, including the Federal Transit Administration, the Federal Railroad Administration, and the states of New York and New Jersey. Sigmund emphasized the critical economic impact of the project, which is expected to generate over $19 billion in economic activity and create more than 95,000 jobs during the construction phase.

Completion Date and Long-Term Goals

The Hudson Tunnel project is set to be completed by 2035, providing a vital transportation link for decades and contributing to the broader economic growth of the region. Sigmund noted the project's significance for the Northeast Corridor, which is responsible for 20% of the nation's economic output.

Next Steps and Upcoming Milestones

The GDC is preparing for upcoming phases of the Hudson River Ground Stabilization Project, with tunnel boring activities scheduled to begin soon. The Hudson Tunnel Project remains on track for its 2035 completion, with continued efforts focused on ensuring long-term success.

The Hudson Tunnel Project is expected to become a critical piece of infrastructure for the future, addressing issues that have plagued transportation in the region for decades. Once completed, the new tunnel will increase capacity and improve service reliability for millions of commuters traveling between New York and New Jersey. The overall goal of the project is to create a sustainable, efficient transportation system that will benefit the economy, the environment, and the daily lives of residents for years to come.

Originally reported by Brandon Lewis in Mass Transit.