The Manhattan Tunnel Project is building the section of the new tunnel under West 30th Street and creating a controlled pathway for the tunnel boring machines under 12th Avenue.
The Manhattan Tunnel Project is building the section of the new tunnel that will connect to the Hudson Yards Concrete Casing and preparing a pathway under 12th Avenue for the tunnel boring machines that will build the middle section of the tunnel that stretches from New Jersey to Manhattan.
This complex work must be done before the tunnel boring machines build this section of the tunnel to ensure existing sewer lines and utilities are not disrupted by tunnel boring.
This project also involves designing and building an access shaft at 12th Avenue that will be used to support underground construction and remove the tunnel boring machines that build the portion of the tunnel under the Hudson River.
Construction Approach
Due to the presence of historic fill along Manhattan’s western shore, the Manhattan Tunnel Project requires complex tunneling activities.
To provide the flexibility needed, the selected contractor has proposed excavating the tunnel using a digger shield.
This will enable the majority of construction to take place underground, improving safety and significantly reducing the impacts of construction on surface roads and sidewalks.
Quick Facts
Status: In Progress
Project Purpose
- Build the portion of the new tunnel tubes connecting to the Hudson Yards Concrete Casing
- Protect existing utilities and sewer lines
- Remove obstructions that could slow or damage TBMs
- Construct a new access shaft/ventilation shaft
Notable Elements
- 700 feet of twin 30-foot diameter tunnels
- Requires complex tunneling to navigate sewer and utility lines
- Most construction will take place underground, limiting impact on surrounding community
Contact Information
- 1-800-239-9497
- ManhattanConstruction@gatewayprogram.org
Upcoming Construction
See Our Progress
Construction of the Manhattan Tunnel Project launched in 2025. Early work is focused on building the Access Shaft at 12th Avenue and stabilizing the ground near the Manhattan bulkhead.
You can see the progress we are making in real time via the EarthCam below! Click and drag the image to pan the camera. Use the buttons below the image to peruse an archive of past photos.
You can see more photos and videos from all of our construction sites in our Photo Gallery and Video Gallery.
Join GDC’s Manhattan Construction Notice Mailing List
The Gateway Development Commission sends out regular Construction Notices in advance of upcoming work. To be added to GDC’s Manhattan Construction Notice mailing list, please fill out the form below: