Amtrak Awards East River Tunnel Rehabilitation construction contract

On Friday, Amtrak announced it had selected Skanska E-J ERT Joint Venture to handle the construction of major rehabilitation of the East River Tunnel in New York City.

The East River Tunnel Rehabilitation project will fully modernize the 114-year-old tunnel tubes damaged by Superstorm Sandy. Comprised of four tubes – two of which will need significant repairs and comprehensive reconstruction – the project will repair a critical commuter link to New York City.

Officials said the tubes will be closed, one at a time, to minimize service impacts. The project will demolish all of the existing tunnel systems down to the liner, before completely restoring both tubes. The tubes were damaged by floodwaters in 2012.

“Today’s announcement brings us one step closer to renewing the East River Tunnel for a new generation,” Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner said. “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.”

Officials said the project is expected to continue the life of the tunnels for another 100 years.

“Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, projects of national significance continue to move forward along America’s busiest rail corridor, and today’s progress on the East River Tunnel is just the latest example,” FRA Administrator Amit Bose said. “The Biden-Harris Administration is investing billions of dollars in the Northeast Corridor to replace and rehabilitate aging infrastructure that will allow for higher speeds, shorter travel time, and greater reliability for a growing number of riders. These improvements will be felt in New York, New Jersey, and beyond while creating jobs and growing the economy. We appreciate the partnerships and planning that are helping to make progress on the East River Tunnel possible, and we look forward to our work together.”

The project is estimated to cost $1.6 billion over the next 10 years, $1.26 billion of which comes from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

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