New Corporation Formed to Replace Amtrak's Hudson River Rail Tunnels

The Gateway Development Corporation will be formed by Amtrak, the U.S. Department of Transportation, New York, and New Jersey to replace the deteriorating 105-year-old Hudson River rail tunnels, a vital project that could cost $20 billion.

2 minute read

November 13, 2015, 9:00 AM PST

By Irvin Dawid


The announcement of the formation of the Gateway Development Corporation from Sens. Schumer (D-N.Y) and Booker (D-N.J.) "signaled the most significant progress yet on an effort federal officials have called one of the most important infrastructure proposals in the country," writes Emma G. Fitzsimmons for The New York Times.

"This agreement is a significant step forward for the Gateway project, which because of the current tunnel’s deteriorating condition and growing demand is among our nation’s most important infrastructure projects," stated Senator Cory Booker (D) of New Jersey in a press release.

Amtrak locomotive emerging from Hudson River tubes in North Bergen, NJ

The new corporation will be located within the within the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. "It will be controlled by a four-member board with representatives from New York, New Jersey, Amtrak and the federal Transportation Department," adds Fizsimmons.

Amtrak and DOT will pay half the costs according to Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and Amtrak President N.Y. Gov.Andrew Cuomo and N.J. Gov. Chris Christie have agreed to pay the other half. It was that agreement that enabled the formation of the Gateway Development Corporation with Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and Amtrak CEO Anthony Coscia, writes Larry Higgs for NJ.com.

"It’s the first inning of a long game," said Senator Chuck Schumer (D) of New York, "but it’s a big change that has the federal and state players on the field on the same team, instead of in opposing dugouts."

Larry Higgs summarizes the project:

The Gateway project would include two new tunnels under the Hudson River to augment the existing two 105-year-old Amtrak tunnels which NJ Transit also uses for all trains going into New York. The project would also include constructing two new tracks between Newark and New York for a total of four tracks. Amtrak estimates the earliest the new tunnels could be in service would be 2030.

Wednesday, November 11, 2015 in The New York Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking

Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

Red and white "Wildfire Evacuation Route" sign on signpost.

Cal Fire Chatbot Fails to Answer Basic Questions

An AI chatbot designed to provide information about wildfires can’t answer questions about evacuation orders, among other problems.

7 hours ago - The Markup

Protester at Echo Park Lake, Los Angeles holding sign that says "Housing is a human right"

What Happens if Trump Kills Section 8?

The Trump admin aims to slash federal rental aid by nearly half and shift distribution to states. Experts warn this could spike homelessness and destabilize communities nationwide.

July 10 - Shelterforce Magazine

Aerial of rainbow painted crosswalks at large intersection in Castro District, Sna Francisco, California.

Sean Duffy Targets Rainbow Crosswalks in Road Safety Efforts

Despite evidence that colorful crosswalks actually improve intersection safety — and the lack of almost any crosswalks at all on the nation’s most dangerous arterial roads — U.S. Transportation Secretary Duffy is calling on states to remove them.

July 10 - Streetsblog USA

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.

Home and Land Services Coordinator

Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners

Associate/Senior Planner

Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development

Senior Planner

Heyer Gruel & Associates PA