Palisades Tunnel Project
The Palisades Tunnel Project is the first tunnel boring contract awarded by the Gateway Development Commission (GDC) of the larger $16 billion Hudson River Tunnel Project (HTP), an investment to build a modern dual-tube railway tunnel and rehabilitate the current 114-year-old tunnel, which has become a choke point for rail traffic up and down the Northeast Corridor (NEC). The line represents the only passenger rail link between Manhattan and New Jersey and regionally from Washington, D.C. to Boston. It was built in 1910 to early 20th-century standards and consists of two tracks—one inbound and one outbound.
Overview
The Palisades contract includes the construction of the first mile of two twin tunnels with an internal diameter of 25 feet and 2 inches on the New Jersey side of the Hudson River.
Two gigantic Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) will be used for the excavation, advancing underground at an estimated average speed of about 10 meters per day.
The scope of works foresees also construction of the tunnel’s western portal near Tonnelle Avenue in North Bergen, six cross-passages, and a shaft in Hoboken and Weehawken, Hudson County.
When complete, the new Hudson Tunnel Project (HTP) will run along the NEC, from the Tonnelle Avenue portal and under the Hudson River to New York Penn Station (NYP).
Work is expected to start in 2024 and be completed during 2027.
Technical Highlights
- 1 mile long dual-tube railway tunnel with an internal diameter of 25’ 2”
- 6 cross-passages
- 120-feet deep and wide shaft in Hoboken and Weehawken, Hudson County (for TBM removal)
- Twin 5,100-foot precast segmental tunnel liner
BENEFITS/POSTIVE ASPECTS TO COMMUNITY
- Eliminates a single point-of-failure for a regional economy
- Utilizes U.S. suppliers and manufacturers from around the United States
- Creates multiple opportunities of direct, indirect, and induced jobs
Palisades Tunnel Project Gallery