Amtrak's planned three-year closure of part of the East River Tunnel is causing significant concern. This will severely disrupt the commutes of over 100,000 daily LIRR riders and negatively impact NJTransit.
The article advocates for the repair of the tunnel during nights and weekends, a method deemed feasible by experts and already employed in similar projects. This would avoid the lengthy closure and its resulting disruption.
The article cites a 208-page report by London Bridge Associates that proves the feasibility of nights and weekends repairs, addressing all of Amtrak's objections. The report shows how the repairs can be done in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association standards.
Closing one of the four tubes could reduce operational flexibility, potentially leading to significant delays and disruptions. A reduction to two tubes during rush hour would likely cause major traffic jams for commuters.
The article concludes by urging Duffy to give Harris a clear choice: repair the tunnel using nights and weekends or be fired. The emphasis is on prioritizing the needs of the LIRR and NJTransit commuters over Amtrak's current plans.