Amtrak may work with NJ Transit to build a second set of tunnels (previously known as ARC that was scuttled by NJ Gov. Christie) under the Hudson River, possibly to connect with New York's Penn Station, according to an Amtrak VP and NJ Transit.
"A partnership (with NJ Transit) would be the immediate strategy to get two tracks (built under the Hudson) as soon as possible," said Al Engel, Amtrak Vice President of High Speed Rail, who was interviewed after he addressed the Transportation Research Forum New York Chapter on Nov 4.
"Engel's statement is the first confirmation that the two agencies are meeting about how to use years of planning, engineering and environmental work for the NJ Transit
tunnel for a set of Amtrak tunnels.
The tunnels would be the first phase of a four-phase, $117 billion, plan to provide 220-mph Japanese-style high-speed rail service on the Northeast Corridor between Washington and Boston, which would be completed by 2050, he said."
This development may be viewed favorably by incoming House Transportation Chairman John Mica who has frowned on many of the corridors selected by the administration for its high speed rail investments and openly wondered why the Northeast Corridor was not selected.
"Mica said he wants to "refocus on several projects that could be a success, particularly in the Northeast corridor, which was almost totally neglected by the administration. We'll revisit all of those projects." [AP: Key GOP lawmaker cool to high-speed rail grants, 11/04/2010 ]
Thanks to Crain's News Alerts
FULL STORY: Amtrak looks to use NJ Transit work on tunnel plan
Commute Nightmare Awaits Amtrak and New Jersey Transit Passengers
At best, it will take seven years to build the Amtrak Gateway tunnels, the replacement of Access to the Region's Core. If one of the existing two aging tunnels has to be shut to make repairs before the project is completed, commute nightmare ensues.
On the Importance of Maintaining Trans-Hudson Rail Capacity
Amtrak's Gateway project is not only key to maintaining and increasing commuter and intercity rail capacity between the Empire and Garden States, but also to ensuring that the $1 billion investment in the new Moynihan Station makes sense.
Amtrak's $151 Billion High Speed Rail Plan
With the CA state Senate's appropriation of $8 billion toward their $68 billion high speed rail plan, the spotlight turns to the other coast - the Northeast Corridor, with Amtrak's unveiling its updated, $151 billion plan. Both run 220 mph trains.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
Test News Post 1
This is a summary
Test News Headline 46
Test for the image on the front page.
Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service