The long-delayed Gateway tunnel project under the Hudson River is once again facing delays and a higher price tag. It now looks like construction to replace the century-old rail tunnel won’t be complete until 2035 — three years later than expected, according to the Gateway Tunnel Commission, which is managing the project. The old tunnel, which is managed by Amtrak but more heavily used by New Jersey Transit, won’t be fully rehabbed until 2038, also three years later than expected.
The commission on Wednesday also said the cost has climbed to $16.1 billion, about $2 billion more than last year’s projection. Officials at the agency blame rising inflation and supply-chain issues, citing plans to seek more federal aid to cover the rising costs. The original tunnel plan, known as the ARC, was scrapped in 2010 by former Gov. Chris Christie because of the cost. At the time, federal officials estimated the project would have cost about $14.7 billion.
