Published: December 18, 2025
A Season of Progress
Over the past three months, the East River Tunnel Rehab Project has entered a new chapter as our crews transitioned from heavy demolition to the start of renewal work in Line 2. Follow along for recent progress both inside and outside the tunnel.
Inside the Tunnel
In late October, our contractor poured the first section of concrete for the new tunnel benchwalls. These walls run along both sides of the tunnel, housing heavy duty electrical conduits and providing emergency egress. While the original tunnel design incorporated two “high” (tall) benchwalls, our team has developed a modern configuration for the rehabilitated tunnel, featuring a “high” benchwall on one side of the tunnel and a “low” benchwall on the other side. The new “low” benchwall will provide improved access beneath trains in the event of a delay or maintenance issue that must be resolved underneath the train.
Benchwall concrete pour
New high & low benchwalls
The benchwall construction process requires several carefully sequenced operations, including:
This carefully sequenced process follows an aggressive, yet realistic, schedule. As of December 11, the project team has placed over 11,000 linear feet (more than 2 miles) of benchwall since the first pour. When finished, Line 2 will contain approximately 14,000 cubic yards of new concrete, enough to fill five Olympic-sized swimming pools.
With the 13-month Line 2 outage approaching the 50% mark, the contractor is now operating at peak staffing levels with approximately 350 workers on site per day.
While benchwall pours are the most visible indicator of progress, other work inside the tunnel is also advancing. Crews continue trimming remaining concrete to achieve precise design profiles, performing spall repairs, and applying epoxy coatings to maintain structural integrity.
System installations are also moving forward. New “snake tray” cable management systems now line the tunnel walls, ready to support communication, lighting, and safety systems. Fire standpipe legs are being installed, along with permanent lighting fixtures that will illuminate the tunnel for decades to come. Electrical teams have begun pulling high-voltage feeder cables through newly installed conduits, laying the groundwork for energizing the system.
Systems installation, including new conduit and other systems
New high/low benchwall configuration with “snake trays” pictured higher up in the tunnel
Outside the Tunnel
In early October, the project team successfully installed an Aerial Utility Bridge (AUB) across the east portal, a feat nearly a year in the making. This massive steel structure now spans the Long Island Rail Road tracks, providing a critical pathway for signal and traction power cables. The operation required precision crane work during a 55-hour weekend outage, and thanks to meticulous planning, the bridge was set safely and on schedule. Alongside the AUB, a new signal hut was placed on its foundation, adding another key piece to the future signal system.
Aerial utility bridge installation
Post-installation view of the bridge
In November, the fourth and final signal hut arrived and was installed. Built by Amtrak’s talented in-house team in Lancaster, PA, these huts serve as the “brains” of the tunnel’s modernized signal system. Installing the last hut required close coordination with NYU Langone Medical Center to ensure hospital operations were unaffected, an achievement the entire team is proud of.
New signal hut being set in place
Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Safety is Amtrak’s top priority, and this project is no different. The project team and contractors recently partnered with FDNY and Amtrak’s Emergency Management Office for a high-angle technical rescue drill inside the Line 2 tunnel. Exercises like this ensure first responders are fully prepared to handle emergencies in the confined tunnel environment, an unlikely but possible reality
Community Outreach
Last week, we set up an outreach booth at New York Penn Station to speak with Amtrak, LIRR, and NJ TRANSIT customers about the ERT Rehab Project and its importance to the region. Thanks to everyone who stopped by!