Governor Hochul Celebrates Start of Tunnel Boring for Gateway Hudson Tunnel Project

Representative Herb Conaway said, "Today marks a historic milestone for the Hudson Tunnel Project and a major step forward for the future of passenger rail in New Jersey and across the Northeast. The launch of the first tunnel boring machine brings us one step closer to a safer, more reliable and resilient rail connection between New Jersey and New York, while strengthening our infrastructure and supporting economic growth across the region. I am proud to see this critical work advancing and look forward to the day when commuters can travel through a modernized Hudson River tunnel built to serve our region for generations to come."

Representative Josh Gottheimer said, "Thanks to hard work and some Jersey grit, today the boring machine starts turning, and the most consequential infrastructure project in America is moving. That means real progress for more than 200,000 commuters, thousands of good-paying labor jobs, and 20 percent of our nation's GDP. I am proud to have helped draft, negotiate, and pass the bipartisan legislation that got this project funded and moving for Jersey families."

Representative Tom Kean, Jr. said, "I am pleased to see this crucial progress toward completing the Gateway Tunnel Project. For years, I have fought to advance this effort, and today's construction milestones represent meaningful momentum. Reliable rail infrastructure is essential to New Jersey commuters and to the regional economy, and I will continue fighting to ensure this project reaches the finish line."

Representative LaMonica McIver said, "This step in the Hudson Tunnel Project marks a real milestone for the critical investment in our rail infrastructure. Creating nearly 100,000 jobs, generating billions of dollars in economic activity, and benefiting millions of passengers, this project does so much good - that's why we have fought so hard to make it happen. Even as Trump delayed billions in funding, trying to jam up a project that would make life here in Jersey better, GDC stayed the course. Hitting this target is a testament to the perseverance of the contractors who showed up to work every day without knowing if they'd be paid and the champions of this project who know the impact it will have on our lives in New Jersey."

Representative Analilia Mejia said, "This is a historic day for the Hudson Tunnel Project and for everyone who depends on this critical rail corridor. Every construction milestone brings us closer to more reliable rail service and a stronger regional economy. Investing in our infrastructure means creating good-paying jobs today while building a stronger future for our communities. I'm proud to stand with the workers and communities in my district and throughout New Jersey who will benefit from this project for generations to come, and I look forward to seeing this critical project continue moving full speed ahead."

Representative Rob Menendez said, "Today's milestone in North Bergen is an exciting step toward the modern, resilient rail network New Jersey families deserve. I want to thank all our hardworking union members who made today possible. This is huge progress for the Gateway Program, but our work isn't over. I will continue to partner with Governor Sherrill, our congressional delegation, local leaders, and organized labor to ensure that New Jersey continues to be at the heart of America's transit revival."

Representative Jerry Nadler said, "Thanks to years of hard work by construction crews, engineers, and project managers, today we are celebrating the most significant milestone yet in the Hudson Tunnel Project. Gateway will benefit New Yorkers, commuters, and Amtrak riders across the Northeast Corridor by increasing capacity, rehabilitating century-old infrastructure, and building much-needed tunnels. The launch of the first tunnel boring machine brings us one massive step closer to completing Gateway and delivering the reliable, resilient, modern rail infrastructure that our riders deserve. After years of advocating for and securing funding for this project, I am grateful to our federal, state, and local partners for keeping construction moving, and I look forward to this transformative project improving rail transportation for generations to come."

Representative Frank Pallone, Jr. said, "For more than a century, every Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT train between New Jersey and New York has depended on a single aging tunnel. Today, we're one big step closer to changing that and improving rail service between our states. I fought alongside the delegation to bring home the federal funding to get Gateway built, and it's great to see our investment turning into real progress."

Representative Nellie Pou said, "Today is a time for celebration. After fighting baseless political lawsuits and tearing down obstacle after obstacle, the Gateway Tunnel and the state of New Jersey continue to prevail. The launch of the Hudson Tunnel boring machine is a major win for countless engineers and construction workers, a win for North Jersey commuters, and a win for our region's economy. I am proud to witness this milestone and look forward to the benefits that it will provide to our communities."

Representative Chris Smith said, "The launch of the Hudson Tunnel Project's first boring machine is a significant accomplishment and the start of a much-needed investment in both local labor and local transportation infrastructure. The new tunnel system excavated by custom-made machines will promote the safety of thousands of commuters, maintain the continued viability of interstate rail networks in the Northeast, and strengthen the long-term foundations of our economy. I congratulate the Gateway Commission for this critical milestone and remain committed to ensuring that this project is executed on time and on budget."

Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman said, "The Gateway Tunnel is essential infrastructure for the millions who move along this major transportation hub, for the continued economic growth of the region and the country, and for the workers involved in its construction. It is the most urgently needed infrastructure project in the country. Despite the unnecessary delay caused by President Trump's shortsighted political quarrels, we're now seeing significant progress. I look forward to the magnificent day this tunnel project opens to traffic."

New York Gateway Development Commission Co-Chair Alicia Glen said, "New York City doesn't work without efficient, dependable public transportation. The Hudson Tunnel Project will finally fix one of the key weaknesses in our region's rail network, and we will feel the benefits for generations. Starting tunnel boring sends a clear signal: we are getting this tunnel done. I'm thrilled to celebrate this achievement and GDC's commitment to seeing this vital investment in public transit through."

New Jersey Gateway Development Commission Co-Chair Balpreet Grewal-Virk said, "New Jerseyans know the pain of a delayed train. The start of tunnel boring is more than just a construction milestone, it is one step closer to the modern, reliable train service that New Jerseyans, and everyone else who travels into and out of New York City, deserve. I'm proud to celebrate this major step forward for the Hudson Tunnel Project today and look forward to continuing to work with GDC's many partners to deliver the most urgent infrastructure project in the country."

Amtrak Gateway Development Commission Commissioner and Vice Chair Tony Coscia said, "The Hudson Tunnel Project is far more than a New York-New Jersey project, it is a critical investment in America. The Northeast Corridor is the busiest passenger rail line in the country, and right now it depends on a tunnel that was built by hand a decade before the first commercial radio broadcast. The tunnel boring machines launching today prove how far we have come since then, and building this tunnel will show the world that America can still build big things. This is a historic moment, and a statement about what our nation can accomplish."

Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Chairman Kevin O'Toole said, "The launch of this tunnel boring machine marks a major milestone for a project that is essential to the future of our region. Gateway will strengthen the connection between New York and New Jersey, as well as improve the reliability and resilience of the nation's busiest passenger rail corridor. The Port Authority is proud to be a partner in moving this transformational project forward."

Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Executive Director Kathryn Garcia said, "Gateway continues to build real momentum, and the Port Authority is proud to play a supporting role in this generational infrastructure project that will strengthen the region and drive long-term economic growth. We're contributing $2.7 billion and bringing our deep engineering and technical expertise to help move this critical regional priority forward."