The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) Board of Commissioners has approved a $400-million project to overhaul two Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) tunnels between New York and New Jersey that were damaged by Superstorm Sandy in 2012. The project will cover the repair and upgrade of critical rail, electrical and signal systems.
“PATH is a critical lifeline between New Jersey and New York, and the investment we approved today is vital to keep it operating safely and efficiently,” stated Port Authority Chairman John Degnan. “This project, coupled with one we are doing to install a new computerized signal system, will allow us to accommodate projected growth in mass transit for many years to come.”
The project will replace PATH track, third rail, electrical, signal and communications infrastructure along portions of Tunnels E and F under the Hudson River that link the Exchange Place and World Trade Center stations. The work will be done on weekends. The PANYNJ is exploring ways to shorten the projected eight-year project construction schedule.
“We are laser-focused on making sure the transportation assets we own are properly maintained to ensure their ability to serve the tens of millions of travelers who rely on them every year,” said Steven Cohen, Port Authority vice chairman. “Hurricane Sandy took a major toll on PATH and on other critical transportation facilities, and this project will aim to not only fix the damage, but mitigate future potential problems from severe flooding.”
The project is slated to begin in the third quarter of 2017 and be completed in 2026. Work will be done on 35 weekends per year. There will be single-track operation during weekend work to allow for continuous train service.
Currently, the Port Authority is installing a federally mandated computerized signal system on PATH’s 33rd Street Line to improve passenger service and safety. The work is being done on weekends and will continue through December 2016.