Amtrak East River Tunnel Rehabilitation
The project addresses long-standing structural and systems deficiencies in two critical tunnel tubes running between Penn Station and Sunnyside Yard, both severely impacted by Superstorm Sandy. The project scope includes full demolition down to the concrete track bed, structural steel ring repairs, reconstruction of bench walls and duct banks, installation of a direct fixation track system, upgraded drainage, modern fire-life safety and communication systems, and new signal/comm infrastructure. It also includes reopening and reconfiguring tunnel cross passages to improve emergency access and code compliance. Challenges include managing full-scale tunnel reconstruction in a heavily trafficked corridor shared by Amtrak, NJ TRANSIT, and LIRR, while maintaining uninterrupted rail service at surface level and ensuring integration of all new systems with existing infrastructure. SCE as a subconsultant, is providing senior resident engineers for heavy civil and rail systems work for the rehabilitation of the tunnel.
