NY, NJ congressmen seek 'doomsday' plan for rail tunnel failure

Rep. Josh Gottheimer and Rep. Peter King are pushing for a "doomsday" plan in case the century-old rail tunnel between New Jersey and New York has a major failure.

News 12 Staff

Mar 11, 2019, 9:29 PM

Updated 1,873 days ago

Share:

NY, NJ congressmen seek 'doomsday' plan for rail tunnel failure
New Jersey Democratic Rep. Josh Gottheimer and New York Republican Rep. Peter King are pushing for a "doomsday" plan in case the century-old rail tunnel between New Jersey and New York has a major failure.
The congressmen announced a bill Monday at New York's Penn Station to call for a contingency plan in the event of a disaster.
About 200,000 passengers pass through the tunnel each day. The tunnel is 110 years old and was badly damaged during Superstorm Sandy. Amtrak officials say that one of the tubes will need to be closed for repair within the next five years.
Transportation experts estimate if one of the two tubes were to be shut down, peak train service would be reduced by 75 percent.
"If just one tunnel comes down we go from 24 trains an hour to six trains an hour going in and out. That would devastate the economy,” Gottheimer said.
The Federal Railroad Administration estimates if the entire tunnel were to close for one day, it would cost nearly $100 million in lost economic activity and productivity.
There are plans for a new rail tunnel – the Gateway Project. King says that President Donald Trump initially agreed in 2017 to authorize the $13 billion project. But the plan has been mired in a dispute between both states and the federal government over funding. New York and New Jersey have agreed to pay for half of the tunnel.
A study by the Regional Plan Association found that there could be some serious ramifications if a tunnel goes down. The study found that the reduced trail service would lead to more cars on the roads, and through the Lincoln and Holland tunnels. This could mean longer commutes and heavier traffic into and out of New York City.
It could also have an impact on townships with train stations. The study found that property values could go down and towns could see less tax revenue as a result.
The bill asks for a contingency plan from the Department of Transportation within 60 days.
The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.


More from News 12
2:37
Video released by CSP shows the moment a Connecticut state trooper is struck by a car on I-95 in Bridgeport

Video released by CSP shows the moment a Connecticut state trooper is struck by a car on I-95 in Bridgeport

2:30
Highs in the 60s and 70s this weekend; Showers tomorrow night

Highs in the 60s and 70s this weekend; Showers tomorrow night

2:13
‘Ashes and memories—that’s it.’ Brookfield fire victims get up close look at devastation; donation efforts underway

‘Ashes and memories—that’s it.’ Brookfield fire victims get up close look at devastation; donation efforts underway

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

1:01
Bridgeport officers rescue man threatening to jump off bridge on I-95

Bridgeport officers rescue man threatening to jump off bridge on I-95

Kids Helping Kids and Person to Person partner to host annual Handled with Care Boutique

Kids Helping Kids and Person to Person partner to host annual Handled with Care Boutique

0:19
Police: Philadelphia man faces charges for a swatting incident in Norwalk

Police: Philadelphia man faces charges for a swatting incident in Norwalk

1:58
New Haven police preparing for Sunday's pro-Palestinian protest on the Green

New Haven police preparing for Sunday's pro-Palestinian protest on the Green

1:37
Guide: How to dispose of prescription medicines in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York

Guide: How to dispose of prescription medicines in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York

1:27
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks will light up Bridgeport this weekend

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks will light up Bridgeport this weekend

0:49
Beardsley Zoo celebrates Arbor Day

Beardsley Zoo celebrates Arbor Day

0:21
Police: Man arrested for attempting to push officer during UConn protest

Police: Man arrested for attempting to push officer during UConn protest

0:40
Stamford Mayor discusses future goals during State of the City address

Stamford Mayor discusses future goals during State of the City address

0:27
Attorney General Tong urges UnitedHealth Group to take action following cyberattack

Attorney General Tong urges UnitedHealth Group to take action following cyberattack

2:13
Star softball pitcher returns to field following cancer treatment

Star softball pitcher returns to field following cancer treatment

0:33
Two East Hartford barbers rescue toddler from running into traffic

Two East Hartford barbers rescue toddler from running into traffic

Patriots select quarterback Drake Maye with No. 3 pick in NFL draft

Patriots select quarterback Drake Maye with No. 3 pick in NFL draft

0:33
Fairfield police: Bridgeport man arrested for car break-ins, possession of firearm

Fairfield police: Bridgeport man arrested for car break-ins, possession of firearm

2:24
Bridgeport officials plan to help residents without heat, hot water at Success Village

Bridgeport officials plan to help residents without heat, hot water at Success Village