By Lynda Myer
In order to construction on the Hudson Tunnel Project (HTP), and securing the framework necessary to ensure the new tunnel contracts are executed, the supporting or executing partner (SEP) agreements with Amtrak and the New Jersey Transit Corporation has been authorized by the Gateway Development Commission (GDC).
Involving work on the tunnel and systems fit-out, GCD’s agreement with Amtrak is for Package 2, while the agreement with New Jersey Transit covers Package 3, which encompasses the tunnel’s New Jersey surface alignment.
The authorization follows GDC’s SEP Agreement with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for services in support of the tunneling and heavy civil work, as well as with Amtrak for the Hudson Yards Concrete Casing – Section 3.
In a joint statement, New York commissioner and co-chair Alicia Glen, New Jersey commissioner and co-chair Balpreet Grewal-Virk, and Amtrak commissioner and vice- chair Tony Coscia, said: “There is incredible momentum behind building this tunnel because there is urgent need for it. Initial construction is beginning in both New York and New Jersey, but we cannot miss a beat. With these SEP Agreements, GDC and our partners are ensuring this tunnel is built as rapidly as possible.”
In New Jersey and New York, the early construction work for the tunnel is undergoing, whereas the location of Tonnelle Avenue Bridge and Utility Relocation Project, which is due to create a new roadway bridge is immediately above a future railroad right-of-way, received its Notice to Proceed last week. Additionally, the construction preparation is progressing for the Hudson Yards Concrete Casing – Section 3, the essential rail right-of-way preservation project that will link the new tunnel into New York Penn Station.
According to the GDC Board’s resolution authorizing GDC was allowed to adopt a Title VI and Nondiscrimination Program Plan, completing a critical federal civil rights requirement, that is in addition to authorizing SEP Agreements with Amtrak and New Jersey Transit.
Other major developments in recent months include:
- The HTP entered the Engineering Phase of the Federal Transit Administration’s Capital Investment Grants Program.
- The project was selected for a US$292m US Department of Transportation (USDOT) MEGA Grant for work on the Hudson Yards Concrete Casing – Section 3.
- The USDOT Build America Bureau is advancing applications for Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing loans to support the local funding share of the HTP.
- Five out of nine contemplated HTP contracts are in procurement or construction.
Construction of the new 3.9km two-tube Gateway Tunnel beneath the Hudson River, between Newark, New Jersey, and New York City’s Penn Station, as well as refurbishing Amtrak’s existing 112-year-old North River rail tunnel, which was badly damaged by Hurricane Sandy in 2012, are the contents of Gateway Program with US$16bn value.
