Tunnel boring machines begin digging new Hudson River rail link after funding battles

Key points

• The first of two tunnel-boring machines was activated in North Bergen, New Jersey, on September 28, 2026.
• The machines will dig approximately one mile through the basalt Palisades at a rate of 30 feet per day.
• The project is part of the $16 billion Gateway program, with federal funding restored after a court order.
• The new tunnels are scheduled to open for service in 2035, allowing repairs to the existing 1910 tunnels.
• The second boring machine is still being assembled and is expected to begin operations by the end of 2026.

Background

The existing Hudson River rail tunnels, completed in 1910, have faced significant strain, including damage from Hurricane Sandy in 2012. The Gateway project aims to double rail capacity between New Jersey and Penn Station. Recent infrastructure efforts, such as the East River tunnel rehab, highlight the broader push to modernize aging transit systems in the region.

How outlets are covering it

Gothamist and amNewYork emphasize the political struggle to secure federal funding, noting that the Trump administration’s attempt to withhold money was reversed by a federal judge. The New York Daily News highlights the technical details of the boring machines and the long-term timeline, while all sources agree on the project’s critical importance for regional and national economic stability.

Why it matters

The Gateway project is essential for improving rail reliability and capacity between New York and New Jersey. The successful start of tunnel boring after legal challenges demonstrates the resilience of the project against political interference and ensures the long-term viability of the region’s transit infrastructure.

What to watch

The first boring machine will begin active digging by October 13, 2026. The second machine is expected to be operational by the end of 2026. The project is on track to open in 2035, after which repairs to the existing tunnels can begin.