Mayor Pushes Back Against Amtrak’s Tunnel Closure Plan

Things are heating up regarding the planned Amtrak shutdown! Mayor Eric Adams has stepped into the fray, urging the federal government to intervene before commuters face major issues.

In a pointed letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Monday, Adams expressed strong opposition to Amtrak’s proposal to shut down the train tunnel connecting Queens to Manhattan. He emphasized that this move, sanctioned by the MTA, would disrupt service for millions and potentially expose the entire transit system to unnecessary risks during what is anticipated to be a three-year project.

“Amtrak has turned a deaf ear to reason,” Adams stated, highlighting the agency’s disregard for more sensible work schedules, like conducting repairs at night or during weekends. Instead, he called their plans “meaningless,” as they seem intent on venting daytime capabilities.

Adams is pushing for federal help before the tunnel closes this Friday, but a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Transportation didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.

The mayor isn’t alone in his concerns; he’s joined by other politicians like Governor Kathy Hochul, Representative Mike Lawler, and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. They all share worries that closure plans could severely affect riders from Queens and Long Island.

“Rather than keeping one tunnel operational during repairs, especially at peak hours, Amtrak has chosen to shut it entirely, which could lead to massive service disruptions,” Adams remarked.

Adams also countered claims from Amtrak President Roger Harris, who previously stated that the tunnels beneath the East River are so compromised by damage from Superstorm Sandy that closure is necessary. In response, Adams pointed out that engineers from London Bridge Associates have affirmed that a phased approach to the $1.6 billion East River Tunnel Rehabilitation project is feasible.

While Adams did not specify cost implications in his letter, an Amtrak spokesperson didn’t provide immediate comment on Tuesday. However, last week, Harris accused the MTA and Governor Hochul of misrepresenting Amtrak’s plans, insisting that the proposal was approved by the MTA back in October 2023.

In a surprising move, the MTA board shocked Amtrak executives by passing a resolution last Wednesday that criticized the suspension plan.

During the closure, Amtrak will limit operations to just 10 round trips from Penn Station to Albany, down from the usual 12.