By rosebell
As the first tunnel boring contract awarded for the Hudson Tunnel Project (HTP), the Gateway Development Commission (GDC) has granted the Palisades Tunnel Project contract to Schiavone Dragados Lane JV.
While involving US$465m for the total contract price, the award also includes an additional 5% of the contract price for contingencies.
The scheduled date for commencing work on the Palisades Tunnel Project is the coming months and is expected to be completed in 2027.
Considering that Phase Two of the Hudson River Ground Stabilization (HRGS) Project is the first heavy construction project of the HTP, the GDC also authorised a Notice to Proceed for this phase. May 2024 was the startinf time for Phase One of the HRGS Project, whereas the determined date for concluding is autumn this year and Phase Two is due to be completed in 2027.
Building of the first 1.6km of twin tunnels on the New Jersey side of the Hudson River will be up to the Palisades Tunnel Project, while it includes boring two tunnels almost 1.6km long with an internal diameter of 7.67m and six cross-passages, as well as furnishing and installing a concrete tunnel lining with waterproofing membrane. The project also involves building the Hudson County Shaft, from where the TBMs will be removed when tunneling is complete.
In order to ensuring that the TBMs can dig the tunnel and protect the riverbed, HRGS Project involves injecting a mix of soil, concrete, and water into the riverbed in 365m of the shallow area on the Manhattan side of the Hudson River, whereas cofferdams are going to enclose the work zone and to limit impacts on the river ecosystem and construction will be timed to avoid disrupting fish spawning seasons.
While surveying and the design and construction of a test cofferdam were contents of Phase One of the HRGS Project, Phase Two will include injecting grout into the silt on the riverbed to create columns of soil mixed with cement and water that will stabilise the ground above the future tunnel.
In February, the contract for the HRGS Project was handed to Weeks Marine Inc by GDC.
It also approved hiring William Fletcher as inspector general. The inspector general reviews GDC’s policies and processes and recommends enhancements and preventive measures to minimise the risk of misconduct. Fletcher will also investigate complaints regarding fraud, waste, and abuse and administer and manage the Commission’s whistleblower program.
