Regional Plan Association congratulates the Gateway Development Commission on reaching the halfway point of construction on the Hudson Yards Concrete Casing – Section 3. Achieving this milestone on schedule is a testament to the expertise, coordination, and dedication of the GDC team, and reinforces our confidence in their ability to successfully deliver the Hudson Tunnel Project.
For decades, the Hudson Tunnel Project has been the most urgent mass transit infrastructure priority in the United States. In less than two years, GDC has made remarkable progress toward this historic effort. This work is not just important; it is essential. Millions of riders are counting on the GDC to deliver a 21st-century rail system that provides reliable service into, out of, and through New York City. The Hudson Tunnel Project stands on its own as a vital reliability initiative with transformative value for passengers, our region, and the nation.
The Northeast Corridor is the most heavily used passenger rail corridor in the country, and the ten-mile stretch between Newark and New York is its most congested and vulnerable segment. The urgency of this project is clear: from the economy to equity, the consequences of delay or failure are unacceptable. The recent NJ TRANSIT strike underscored the real-world impact of service disruptions to every commuter, whatever mode they use. While temporary, it gave us a glimpse into how devastating a long-term tunnel shutdown could be for working people and businesses alike.
Reliable rail service is essential to sustaining our regional economy and workforce. The majority of new commuters working in New York now come from west of the Hudson River. Ensuring a reliable, on-time commute is critical not only for quality of life but for attracting workforce talent and driving economic growth. For hourly workers, in particular, every minute matters, a delayed train can mean lost wages, missed opportunities, or even job loss.
Regional Plan Association is proud to stand with the GDC and our partners in the Build Gateway Now Coalition as we work to secure a modern, resilient, and equitable transportation future. The Hudson Tunnel Project is an investment we cannot afford to delay.
