The GDC Board of Commissioners awarded the Manhattan Tunnel Project contract, a segment of the Hudson Tunnel Project (HTP) to the Frontier-Kemper-Tutor-Perini joint venture on Feb. 3. The board also approved the issuance of the notice to proceed to begin construction. Commissioners also approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) related to the Project Labor Agreement established last year with the unions working on the project.
Construction on this segment of the Hudson Tunnel Project (HTP) is set to commence in the coming months, with completion projected for 2029. An initial estimate by EY suggests the project will generate approximately 15,800 new jobs.
GDC’s board approved the $1.18 billion contract after a comprehensive selection process that evaluated technical capabilities and price. A joint venture will execute the project.
The project scope includes designing and building part of a new two-track Hudson River crossing. This work will run from the Hudson River Manhattan Bulkhead to a concrete casing across 12th Avenue in the Hudson Yards.
The work also includes the clearing of obstructions to provide clearance for tunnel boring machines digging beneath the Bulkhead and into Manhattan. Improvements will also be made to protect existing infrastructure. Including the Bulkhead and sewer lines – during the course of the work.
Project Leadership Remarks
Being able to start my tenure as CEO with news of this contract award is a real milestone,” said GDC CEO Tom Prendergast. “Of all the technically challenging components of the HTP, the Manhattan Tunnel Project may be the most complex. Building anything in Manhattan below ground requires meticulous planning and expert delivery. Experience I learned from managing numerous subway expansion projects. Also, I look forward to working with Frontier-Kemper-Tutor-Perini and our partners on Manhattan’s West Side to move this critical infrastructure project forward.”
U.S. Senator Charles Schumer emphasized the importance of the milestone, stating, “This contract award marks another significant step forward for the Gateway Program. As I’ve said before—we’re full speed ahead! The Hudson Tunnel Project and its connections are crucial to New York’s economic stability and resilience.”
Read also: Gateway Tunnel Project: A major infrastructure undertaking in NYC and NJ
Manhattan Tunnel Project Technical Details and Key Components
The Manhattan Tunnel Project will entail designing and constructing approximately 700 feet of twin tunnels, each with a 30-foot diameter. The segment east of 12th Avenue will serve as a permanent structure, and transitioning west from the Manhattan Bulkhead to 12th Avenue, contractors will construct a temporary tunnel casing. Primarily, this temporary casing will create a clear pathway for the final tunnel, which tunnel boring machines will ultimately install. Furthermore, the project includes developing an access shaft at 12th Avenue that will later transform into a permanent ventilation facility for the new tunnel.
NJSA Stipend Program Approval
In addition to the items about the Manhattan Tunnel Project contract, the Board of Commissioners approved the establishment of a stipend program to facilitate the procurement process for the New Jersey Surface Alignment (NJSA) Project. This program will reimburse stipends for work product to teams that submit bids for the NJSA Project and are not successful in being awarded the contract. Given the complexity of the NJSA Project, this stipend program is necessary. To allow teams to invest the resources necessary to prepare an innovative, price-certain responsive bid.
Read also: Hudson River rail tunnel project in New York, USA
Manhattan Tunnel Project (Part of the Hudson Tunnel Project) – Factsheet
Overview of the Project
Project Name: Manhattan Tunnel Project
Part of: Hudson Tunnel Project (HTP)
Authority in Charge: Gateway Development Commission (GDC)
Contractor: Frontier-Kemper-Tutor-Perini JV
Date of Approval: February 3
Key Facts
Start of Construction: To start in the coming months
Expected Completion: 2029
Jobs to be Created: About 15,800 new jobs will be created as estimated by EY.
Scope of Work:
Construct 700 feet of twin tunnels each 30 feet in diameter
Connect from Manhattan Bulkhead, Hudson River to Hudson Yards Concrete Casing (east of 12th Avenue)
Clearance for the obstructions of tunnel boring machines Strengthening of the existing infrastructure includes Bulkhead, sewer lines. To develop an access shaft at 12th Avenue-to become a ventilation facility Significance Critical part of Gateway Program Improves economic resiliency. And transportation infrastructure in New York Ensures seamless integration with future tunnel development.
Read also: $16 Billion Gateway Tunnel Project Under Hudson River Gets Final Green Light
