Amtrak’s award of a construction contract to Skanska E-J Joint Venture for work on repairs to the East River Tunnels that were subject to flooding by Super Storm Sandy in 2012 resulting in significant damage is only the start of a long journey facing LIRR commuters before completion.
We need to see the detailed construction schedule submitted by the construction contractor.  It will be reviewed and approved by Amtrak. The schedule would provide the weekly, monthly and yearly detailed construction project interim milestones, along with sequencing of work that justify the promised 2027 completion date. Don’t be surprised, if the project completion date slips into 2028 or 2029. The budget may also increase. There will be contract change orders during construction. They may be due to unforeseen site conditions, last minute requests by Amtrak operations, maintenance or other departments, LIRR and NJ Transit. Construction contractors sometimes submit claims for additional financial reimbursement. These claims may be based upon additional work not included in the original contract.
Amtrak has previously stated that it will require one of the two tunnels damaged by Super Storm Sandy to be out of service at a time to advance project work. The other two tunnels will also need work to bring them up to a state of good repair. With only three of four tunnels available, there will be a 25% reduction in Penn Station access and capacity.
To preserve existing service, some LIRR rush hour trains will be canceled or combined. This results in overcrowded trains with insufficient seating capacity. Some riders end up standing in the vestibules and aisles. Conductors are unable to walk thru trains and check tickets. Until this work is over, it will be impossible to guarantee safe and reliable on time service with the same current level of service, including a seat, during AM and PM peak trips to and from Penn Station for LIRR commuters.
The LIRR 1960’s motto “Line of the Dashing Dan” should be changed to “Line of the Slow Moving Sloth” when it comes to completing East River Tunnel repairs as a result of damages from 2012 Super Storm Sandy fifteen years later in 2027.
Larry Penner
Great Neck
Larry Penner is a transportation advocate, historian and writer who previously served as a former Director for the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 New York Office of Operations and Program Management.
