Progress Update: East River Tunnel Rehabilitation Project
Amtrak’s East River Tunnel Rehabilitation Project is progressing on schedule, with steady advances since the first long-term tunnel outage began earlier this year.
As part of the construction management team, SCE has overseen completion of the decommissioning phase, which included removing existing tracks, power, and signal systems, while also installing temporary lighting and ventilation to support a safe work environment. The project has now moved into demolition work, focusing on the removal of ballast, track, and the concrete bench walls that provide access to key tunnel systems.
The rehabilitation addresses damage caused by Superstorm Sandy, which left the tunnels vulnerable to ongoing water intrusion and corrosion. Once complete, the project will deliver modern infrastructure including direct-fixation track, upgraded power and signal systems, new drainage, and enhanced fire-life safety measures. These improvements are designed to strengthen the tunnel’s reliability, safety, and resilience across the busy Northeast Corridor.
SCE resident engineers are on site daily, ensuring quality standards are upheld, work stays on schedule, and safety remains a top priority. This investment is critical to supporting safe and dependable travel for the millions of passengers who rely on the corridor each year.
