Overview

• Amtrak will close Tube No. 1 of the East River Tunnel Friday night for a 10-day phase, marking the start of a multi-year rehabilitation project.
• The project will reduce tunnel capacity by 25%, affecting Amtrak, Long Island Rail Road, and NJ Transit services between Manhattan and Queens.
• Amtrak insists full shutdowns are necessary to rebuild damaged benchwalls, replace electrical wiring, and improve drainage, citing safety concerns.
• Critics, including Gov. Hochul and local officials, advocate for less disruptive repair methods, such as cable-racking, drawing comparisons to the 2019 Canarsie Tunnel repairs.
• Amtrak has agreed to enhanced inspections, additional shift crews, and an operational response plan to mitigate commuter impacts during the closures.