Gateway tunnel enters a major construction phase
Officials activated the powerful cutters of a giant boring machine that will help create a new passenger rail tunnel beneath the Hudson River. The Gateway project will connect Manhattan with New Jersey and ranks among the largest American mass transit projects in generations. A ceremony in North Bergen marked the start of this stage.
The new tunnel is considered essential because the existing passage is 116 years old and carries about 200,000 passengers each day. New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill said the surrounding region generates 20% of the country’s gross domestic product. Sen. Chuck Schumer also stressed that disruptions could affect the national economy, not only local commuters.
A massive machine tackles the Palisades
Weighing 1,680 tons, the boring machine is nearly as long as two football fields and uses cutters harder than diamonds. It was custom-built in Germany, shipped to the United States in sections and reassembled in North Bergen. Final testing is continuing before excavation begins in the coming days.
Together, two machines will carve about one mile through the dense volcanic rock of the Palisades Cliffs. They are expected to advance roughly 30 feet each day. Later, another set of machines will excavate the portion running beneath the Hudson River.
Funding disputes continue around the project
The tunnel is expected to cost $16 billion and take about a decade to complete. However, years of political and financial setbacks have already affected its progress. President Donald Trump’s administration froze federal support last year, briefly suspending construction before a federal judge ordered payments to resume.
Meanwhile, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said cooperation between New York and New Jersey would keep the excavation moving. The Department of Transportation confirmed that its appeal remains active. The agency challenges the possible use of taxpayer funds for contracting practices it considers unconstitutional and discriminatory.
References
Shaffrey, T., & Marcelo, P. (2026, September 29). Powerful drill roars to life to dig Hudson River tunnel connecting New York and New Jersey. AP News. https://apnews.com/article/hudson-river-tunnel-new-jersey-nyc-ea191bdcf96e95ba569765caad4e4c95