The Gateway Development Commission has selected a joint venture formed by Traylor Bros., Inc., Walsh Construction, and Skanska to carry out Package 1C: The Hudson River Tunnel Section, a key phase of the Hudson Tunnel Project within the larger Gateway Program.

Package 1C involves building a new section of passenger rail tunnels beneath the Hudson River, connecting New Jersey and Manhattan. The project scope includes excavation of two parallel single-track tunnels, each stretching roughly 7,250 feet, running from the Hudson County Access Shaft in Weehawken, New Jersey, to the 12th Avenue Access Shaft on Manhattan’s West Side. Additional work includes installation of tunnel liners and flooring, construction of nine cross passages between the tunnel tubes, stabilization efforts near the Hudson Bergen Light Rail system, and permanent structural support work for the Willow Avenue Bridge.

These new tunnel tubes are a central component of the Hudson Tunnel Project, which aims to improve the dependability of rail travel along the Northeast Corridor. The initiative includes construction of two new tunnels beneath the Hudson River and rehabilitation of the century-old North River Tunnel, originally opened in 1910 and later damaged during Superstorm Sandy. Project leaders have described the Hudson Tunnel Project as a foundational element of the Gateway Program and one of the nation’s most pressing rail infrastructure priorities.

Construction activities under Package 1C will utilize specially engineered mixed-ground tunnel boring machines designed to navigate the challenging geological conditions beneath the river, including soft soils, weathered rock, and stabilized terrain. The work will also feature installation of precast concrete tunnel linings and permanent inverts, along with extensive ground treatment operations in complex underground environments.

Chris Hebert, vice president at Traylor Bros., Inc., said the contract award represents an important achievement for the joint venture and an opportunity to contribute to a nationally significant transportation project. He noted that the partnership combines extensive underground construction expertise and looks forward to collaborating with the Gateway Development Commission and stakeholders to safely complete this vital section of the Hudson Tunnel Project.

Jeff Twidwell, senior vice president of Northeast Transportation at Walsh Construction, emphasized the strength of the collaboration between Traylor Bros., Walsh, and Skanska, highlighting the group’s combined experience in large-scale transportation and tunneling projects. He stated that the project requires strong coordination, technical excellence, and a firm commitment to safety and quality, adding that the team is ready to deliver infrastructure critical to the region’s rail system.

Keith Chouinard, senior vice president and general manager of Skanska USA Civil, described the selection as recognition of the joint venture’s proven ability to handle highly complex infrastructure projects. He said the team brings extensive tunneling knowledge, operational discipline, and a strong focus on safety and performance to the project.

Gateway Development Commission CEO Tom Prendergast called the award of Package 1C another important advancement toward creating a more dependable and modern passenger rail network for the hundreds of thousands of commuters traveling in and out of New York City each day. He praised the joint venture’s experience and capabilities, expressing confidence in the team’s ability to successfully deliver a crucial portion of one of the country’s most urgent passenger rail initiatives.

The Traylor/Walsh/Skanska joint venture combines specialized expertise in heavy civil engineering and underground construction, supported by a strong history of delivering large transportation infrastructure projects. Under the agreement, the consortium will manage one of the Hudson Tunnel Project’s most technically challenging phases, including tunnel excavation, mixed-ground TBM operations, segmental lining installation, cross passage construction, and ground improvement work across difficult subsurface conditions.

Construction is scheduled to begin in the coming months once the notice to proceed is issued.

In a vibrant celebration blending art, community, and infrastructure, PSEG and City of Orange officials unveiled a striking new mural at the Orange Heights Switching Station in Orange, New Jersey, on Thursday. The installation integrates essential electrical infrastructure with the unique character of the neighborhood.

Situated at the corner of South Jefferson Street and Forest Street within a redevelopment and arts-focused zone, PSEG collaborated closely with city leaders, local residents, and members of the Valley Arts District. This partnership ensured that the electric reliability project met both energy infrastructure requirements and the community’s revitalization goals.

“This station demonstrates the power of collaboration and creativity, showing how we can enhance energy infrastructure while actively engaging with the neighborhoods where we operate,” said Rick Thigpen, PSEG Senior Vice President for Corporate Citizenship. “It’s a strong example of how public-private partnerships can improve infrastructure while enriching the community.”

Operational since 2024, the Orange Heights Switching Station replaced the aging Orange Valley Substation nearby. The previous facility, with equipment nearing the end of its lifespan, was vulnerable to flooding during major storms, including Superstorm Sandy and Hurricane Irene, which threatened critical systems and put nearly 9,000 homes and businesses at risk of outages.

Analysis of FEMA flood maps and historical data highlighted the urgent need for a new facility. The upgraded station is designed to meet modern reliability standards, endure future climate challenges, accommodate long-term energy demand, and enhance overall system reliability.

Merging Critical Infrastructure with Community Art
PSEG emphasized reflecting the neighborhood’s character and creativity throughout the project. City leaders, residents, and the Valley Arts District collaborated on the design to ensure it felt truly part of the community.

Curator Layqa Nuna Yawar worked with the City of Orange Arts Committee to gather mural concepts from local artists and organize a student art competition. Public workshops allowed residents to help shape the vision. The result is a perimeter wall that resembles a city block, complete with windows, doors, lighting, signage, and a new seating area with a sidewalk — all carefully designed to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding streetscape.

The mural’s centerpiece, created by artist Tom Nussbaum, is a bold abstract design inspired by patterns in global textiles and the complex networks of electrical distribution.

“The mural reflects the connections of the electrical grid and symbolizes the links our community shares with the world,” Nussbaum explained.

Orange Township Mayor Dwayne D. Warren remarked, “This project shows that building utility facilities can enhance, rather than detract from, a community’s quality of life. It also demonstrates how companies like PSEG respond most effectively when the community’s voices and talents are engaged and celebrated.”