The map takes the user through the 10 miles of the Gateway Program, spanning from Newark Penn to New York Penn Station, depicting how the entire stretch of rail will see significant improvements
NEW YORK - Today, the Build Gateway Now Coalition released an interactive map that allows users to explore the 11 transportation infrastructure projects in the Gateway Program. The projects are overlaid on a map of New Jersey and New York, focusing on the ten-mile stretch between Newark Penn Station and New York Penn Station. The construction status of the projects is depicted by color, and a description of each project gives insight into why it’s important.
By traveling through the map, the user can see the full span of each project area and how, when completed, the entire stretch of rail between New York and Newark will be modernized. The user can also see the proximity of the projects and appreciate that all 11 are in one of four phases: 1) Concept Planning, 2) Preliminary Design/NEPA, 3) Advanced Design and Pre-Construction or 4) Construction. Each project serves a key purpose in improving this critical segment of the Northeast Corridor. From refurbishing and replacing old infrastructure at Dock Bridge, Sawtooth Bridges and Portal Bridge, to adding tracks and expanding capacity at Harrison Fourth Track, Secaucus Junction and New York Penn Station, the Gateway Program will enhance the travel experience for hundreds of thousands of riders a day.
The linchpin of the Gateway Program – the Hudson Tunnel Project – must be completed swiftly in order to avoid a partial shutdown of the existing tunnel. The Hudson Tunnel Project, which includes building a new tunnel and refurbishing the existing one, will promote cleaner transportation choices, create tens of thousands of jobs, and bolster our nation’s economy – on top of greatly improving service for the riders who depend on it. The tunnel currently needs a Full Funding Grant Agreement to move into the construction phase of the project.
“As last week’s delays and cancellations clearly showed, improving and modernizing all the components of the Gateway Program is essential to bringing the busiest stretch of rail in the Western Hemisphere up to date,” said Brian Fritsch, Campaign Manager, Build Gateway Now. “The interactive map helps to illustrate that while there are 11 distinct projects in the Gateway Program, all are necessary to create a faster, more reliable trip for riders while also adding the capacity necessary to serve the region for the foreseeable future. The Build Gateway Now Coalition is pleased with the progress many Gateway projects have made over the past few years and look forward to advocating for full completion of the program with the project’s partners.”
