Hudson Rail Tunnel Capacity Enhancements, New York, USAFor almost a century, just one two-track rail route has provided a connection across the Hudson River, which lies between New York and New Jersey. It has now reached its maximum capacity, and is a major problem for the region. The need to provide more space for the entire commuter rail system from west of the Hudson River and midtown Manhattan has come from the sharp rise in the number of services – up from 88 in peak hours in 1994 to 186 in 2004. The solution has been identified as a second tunnel to double capacity across the Hudson River. The project is seen as critical in attracting jobs and population to New York and New Jersey. New Jersey Transit is at the centre of the project, as it is running out of station and tunnel capacity to reach New York City's Penn Station. This location has reached its peak capacity with 42,500 passengers passing through during the morning peak period. THE PROJECTThe first funding for a second tunnel under the Hudson River was announced in 2006, and the total cost of the project has been estimated at $7.2bn. "The project is seen as critical in attracting jobs and population to New York and New Jersey."
The proposed tunnel, which is subject to preliminary engineering and public hearings in late 2006, will start in North Bergen and continue under Union City and Hoboken to a new station under 34th Street in Manhattan. The new tunnel will provide extra capacity, more than doubling the number of trains reaching Manhattan during the morning rush hour, while also reducing journey times, overcrowding and pollution. The project is being led by New Jersey Transit and has received financial backing worth $2bn from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which will be provided in two instalments. New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund has also committed $5m towards the initial engineering phases. Following engineering surveys, full construction work is due to begin in 2009 with the aim of completing the new tunnel in 2016. INFRASTRUCTUREAt this early stage of the project, a twin-bore tunnel is planned to form the second crossing of the Hudson River. A new interchange will also be built at 34th Street in Manhattan to relieve pressure on New York City's Penn Station, which is failing to meet its passengers' expectations. Running from North Bergen, under Union City and Hoboken to reach 34th Street, the tunnel is expected to be a distance of 15km. The $7.2bn project extends beyond building the tunnel and station. Additional capacity will be provided on Amtrak's Northeast corridor and there will be connections to rail lines serving Rockland, Orange, Bergan and Passaic amongst other counties to provide greater continuity in journeys. Upon completion the new tunnel is expected to meet the demands placed on New Jersey Transit for the next 20 years. "Employment in the area is expected to grow from the current 2.7 million to 3 million in the centre of Manhattan."
ROLLING STOCKNew Jersey Transit – NJ Transit – operates 11 heavy rail commuter routes in the New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia region. To accommodate the second Hudson River crossing, an order for new rolling stock is expected when the project passes the preliminary engineering and public hearing stages. The order for new trains is expected to include dual power locomotives and new passenger carriages. SIGNALLING AND COMMUNICATIONSSignalling will follow a similar pattern to that already in use in the area, using multiple aspect signals to control train movements from a control centre. The specification is awaited as to what safety systems will be present in the tunnel. THE FUTUREThe second Hudson River tunnel is being designed for the future of New York and New Jersey and the expected growth in commuter rail travel in the coming two decades. Employment in the area is expected to grow from the current 2.7 million to 3 million in the centre of Manhattan, whilst the wider area surrounding the Hudson River employment is estimated to grow from 9.6 million to almost 11 million by 2025, with the number of commuters needing to travel across the river increasing too. A completion date of 2016 has been set for the project, with physical construction starting in 2009.
|
  The new Hudson River rail tunnel will be used by both NJ Transit commuter trains and Amtrak services off the Northeast Corridor. | |
 A mixture of diesel and electric powered services are currently in service. New dual-power trains are expected to enter service when the new tunnel opens in 2016. | ||
 New York Penn Station has reached capacity. As part of the project a new station will be built next to it at 34th Street in Manhattan. | ||
 Commuters form the bulk of the passengers using NJ Transit services to cross the Hudson River to reach their place of work. The new tunnel will shorten their journeys and reduce overcrowding. |
Copyright 2008SPG Media Limited a subsidiary of SPG Media Group PLC
