New York, NY –  Amtrak is investing heavily in the future of Northeast Corridor travel with the rehabilitation of the East River Tunnel. The project, awarded to a Skanska E-J ERT Joint Venture for $637 million, will see a complete overhaul of two of the tunnel's four tubes.

Floodwaters from Superstorm Sandy in 2012 caused significant damage to these tubes, necessitating a comprehensive reconstruction.  Amtrak assures minimal service disruptions by closing only one tube at a time during construction.

The total project cost is estimated at $1.6 billion, with the bulk of funding coming from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).  A critical boost also came from a $1.26 billion federal grant awarded by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) in November 2023. The remaining project costs will be covered by project partners, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), NJ TRANSIT, and Amtrak.

Preparatory work has already begun in Sunnyside Yard, with major construction slated to start in late 2024 and continue through 2027.

"This announcement marks a significant step towards ensuring the East River Tunnel serves future generations," said Stephen Gardner, CEO of Amtrak. "We are grateful for the support of Senator Schumer, the Biden-Harris Administration, and our partners at MTA and NJ TRANSIT. Together, we are committed to delivering this vital infrastructure project for the people of New York, New Jersey, and all those who rely on the Northeast Corridor, the busiest rail line in America."

This project signifies a major investment in the Northeast Corridor's infrastructure, ensuring continued reliability and safety for passengers traveling between New York City and points north and east.