By rosebell
After grant of a construction contract to a Skanska E-J ERT joint venture, Amtrak is due to commence major rehabilitation of New York’s East River Tunnel later this year.
Including four tubes, two of which require significant repairs and comprehensive reconstruction following damage caused by floodwaters during Superstorm Sandy in 2012,this tunnel inaugurated in 1910.
Considering that all existing tunnel systems down to the liner will be destroyed before completely restoring the two tubes in the East River Tunnel Rehabilitation Project, during the project, one tube is due to be closed at a time to minimize disruption to rail services.
Linking New York Penn Station, that is the US’s busiest train station, to the east, the tunnel is used by more than 450 Amtrak, Long Island Rail Road and NJ Transit trains per day.
While demolishing the existing tunnel systems down to the concrete liner, then reconstructing and modernising all tunnel systems are the contents of this project, it 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.
Additionally, the tunnel approaches are slated to be upgraded, along with signal equipment, power cables and ventilation facilities, above ground, whereas the scheduled date for commencing major construction is later this year and is due to be completed in 2027.
In addition to the US$637m contract handed 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 funder of this project with around US$1.6bn value is the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, with a US$1.26bn federal grant awarded by the Federal Railroad Administration, while the remaining portion will be funded by the project partners – MTA, NJ Transit and Amtrak.
