Holland Tunnel slated for $364 million in Hurricane Sandy repairs

The Port Authority has announced a $364 million project for repairs and resiliency at the Holland Tunnel. (Journal file photo)

The Holland Tunnel is set to undergo a massive $364 million overhaul that will see systems damaged during Hurricane Sandy repaired and replaced, the Port Authority announced.

The rehabilitation and resiliency project, which was approved by the Port Authority Board of Directors Wednesday, is expected to begin next year and take approximately five years to complete. Around 84 percent of the project cost is expected to be reimbursed by federal funds.

In addition to the price tag, the project will come at a cost for motorists. The Port Authority plans to institute full single-tube closings during overnight hours for four years while the work is completed. It is anticipated that one of the tunnel's two tubes will be closed at a time, with traffic diverted to the Lincoln Tunnel during the closures.

"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," Port Authority Chairman Kevin O'Toole said in a statement. "Our goal is to get this project done as quickly and seamlessly as possible with minimal disruption to the traveling public and local communities."

The devastating 2012 storm filled the tunnel with 30 million gallons of water and caused up to 9 feet of flooding above the north tube roadway. The project will include the repair and replacement of the tunnel's power cables, fire detection system, voice communication system, lighting, and pump room equipment. Repairs will also be made to concrete, drum rings, curbs, ceilings and wall tiles in the tunnel.

The project will also include resiliency measures to increase the stop log height at the doorways of the ventilation buildings in New York and New Jersey in order to meet current FEMA design flood elevation standards.

The work is slated to begin in the second quarter of next year.

In the coming months, Port Authority staff will meet with the elected officials from the surrounding communities to discuss traffic mitigation and detours.
"Superstorm Sandy taught us some very important lessons about the impact Mother Nature can have on our transportation facilities, including the Holland Tunnel," Port Authority Vice Chairman Jeffrey Lynford said in a statement. "Not only do we need to ensure that the tunnel remains a viable lifeline between the two states, but also that we take the appropriate steps to prevent the devastating impacts of future storms."

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