Port Authority approves Holland Tunnel rehab

21 February 2018


US - The Port Authority Board of Commissioners approved on February 15 a major rehabilitation and resiliency project for the Holland Tunnel to repair and restore critical mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems caused by Superstorm Sandy, and to install protective measures to mitigate future flooding in the facility.

The USD 364.2m project includes repairs and replacement of systems damaged by latent salt resulting from the October 29, 2012, storm, which filled the tunnel with 30 million gallons of water and resulted in flooding up to 9ft (2.7m) above the North Tube roadway.

As part of the project, repair and replacement will be done to the tunnel’s power cables, fire detection system, voice communication system, lighting, pump room equipment, and repairs to concrete, drum rings, curbs, ceilings and wall tiles. The project includes improved lighting to enhance driver visibility in the tunnel. Approximately 84 per cent of the project cost is projected to be reimbursed by federal funds.

In addition to repairs to tunnel systems, the project also includes resiliency measures to increase the stop log height at the doorways of the ventilation buildings in New York and New Jersey to meet current FEMA design flood elevation standards.

Work on the project is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2019 and take approximately five years to complete. The work must be staged during limited overnight hours to minimize disruption to travelers. Full single-tube closings are expected for 48 months. It is anticipated that one tube will be closed at a time, with traffic diverted to the Lincoln Tunnel during the closure.

“It’s essential that we maintain this artery in a state of good repair given its critical role in the region’s economy and in moving tens of thousands of commuters and visitors each day,” said Port Authority chairman Kevin O’Toole. “Our goal is to get this project done as quickly and seamlessly as possible with minimal disruption to the traveling public and local communities.”

Prior to the 2013 hurricane season, the Port Authority undertook several preventative measures to minimize potential flooding. They included the purchase and installation of stop logs at each of the tunnel’s vent buildings, the installation of concrete barriers at the North Tunnel exit portal and New Jersey Administration Building, and the purchase of emergency generators, pumps and other barriers.

The tunnel was closed to traffic just prior to Superstorm Sandy’s arrival on October 29, 2012. It reopened on November 2 to limited bus operations and on November 7, normal operations resumed.