It’s hit a snag.
Amtrak has decided to delay the start of the East River Tunnel closure by two weeks, a decision that comes after concerns from Mayor Eric Adams, Governor Kathy Hochul, and others about the impact on commuting for millions.
The rehabilitation project for the East River Tunnel is now slated to start on May 23 rather than this Friday, as Amtrak President Roger Harris informed Hochul in a letter on Tuesday.
The delay was announced after the MTA alerted Amtrak that significant infrastructure projects overseen by city agencies are running behind schedule.
Train companies indicated they would utilize this extra time to revise the unpopular service plans previously sanctioned by the MTA, potentially leading to delays for commuters.
“We think it’s essential to present cohesion to the public during this transition,” Harris stated.
The Eastbound Route project managed by the MTA’s Long Island Railroad is reportedly six months delayed and won’t conclude in time for Amtrak’s initial May 9 tunnel closure plan.
Amtrak confirmed it’s collaborating with the MTA and New Jersey Transit to align service plans and explore strategies to alleviate service disruptions.
Harris expressed a desire for a meeting with Hochul, the LIRR, and Metro-North Railroad to consider alternatives, such as rerouting services to Grand Central Terminal.
While Amtrak maintains that shutting down one tunnel tube is critical for safe repairs—stemming from damage caused by Superstorm Sandy in 2012—Harris highlighted that the meeting aims to pinpoint gaps in service plans and foster a united front for the public.
He also mentioned the importance of demonstrating that all involved organizations are responsible stewards of taxpayer investments.
Earlier on Tuesday, Adams reached out to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, urging intervention to limit tunnel closures to nighttime and weekends.
Adams claimed, “Amtrak refused to listen to reason,” asserting that the closure “serves no purpose.”
