All Of It: The Historic Discoveries Unearthed By The Gateway Tunnel Project Construction
Host: Kate Hines (in place of Alison Stewart)
Release Date: July 23, 2025
Duration: Approximately 25 minutes
Podcast: All Of It by WNYC

Introduction

In this episode of All Of It, host Kate Hines delves into the intricate developments surrounding New York City's transit infrastructure, with a particular focus on the Gateway Tunnel Project. Joining her is Stephen Nessen, WNYC and Gothamist transportation reporter, who provides expert insights into the project's progress, challenges, and broader implications for commuters. The episode also touches upon related topics such as subway flooding, bike lane controversies, and future subway expansions.

Gateway Tunnel Project: Progress and Discoveries

Timestamp: [01:56] - [09:24]

Stephen Nessen opens the discussion with an overview of the Gateway Program, a monumental $16 billion initiative aimed at replacing the aging Hudson River Tunnel, which was compromised during Superstorm Sandy in 2012. The project addresses the tunnel's deteriorated state, emphasizing the urgent need for its replacement to ensure the safety and efficiency of rail services operated by Amtrak and New Jersey Transit.

• Key Points:
  • The Gateway Program has been in the planning stages for decades, facing numerous delays primarily due to funding and logistical challenges.
  • Recently secured funding has allowed the project to move forward, marking a significant milestone after a year of preparation.
  • Construction is centered around the West Side of Manhattan, particularly near the High Line and Hudson Yards, areas still built on landfill rather than natural bedrock.

Notable Discoveries: During excavation, workers have unearthed remnants of Manhattan's past, including:

• Pig Bones: Found amidst the detritus, likely remnants from the historical meatpacking district where waste was irresponsibly discarded (Timestamp: [04:23]).
• Two-Story Staircase: An enigmatic structure whose original purpose remains unclear (Timestamp: [04:21]).

Kate Hines draws a parallel to the film Poltergeist, humorously noting the discovery of "pig bones" beneath the city to emphasize the hidden histories being uncovered (Timestamp: [05:30]).

Impact on Infrastructure:

• The Gateway Tunnel will significantly enhance rail capacity, potentially doubling the number of trains running from New Jersey into Penn Station from 24 to 48 trains per hour (Timestamp: [06:02]).
• However, Penn Station currently lacks the track capacity to accommodate this increase, necessitating further expansions.
• Discussions about through-running—where NJ Transit trains could extend services into the Long Island Railroad network—are ongoing, spearheaded by Andy Byford, who oversees Penn Station redevelopment (Timestamp: [07:24]).

Community and Traffic Disruptions:

• The ongoing digging is expected to disrupt traffic on the West Side Highway. Stephen anticipates lane shifts and potential slowdowns lasting up to a year (Timestamp: [08:29]).
• Additionally, future impacts on Hudson River Park's bike lanes are anticipated, though timeline specifics are a year out (Timestamp: [08:29]).

Listener Questions and MTA Policies

Timestamp: [09:13] - [11:13]

Kate Hines introduces a listener concern regarding MTA fare hikes and the transition from MetroCards to the OMNY payment system.

• Fare Increases:

  • The MTA adheres to a structured process for fare hikes, including public hearings and board approvals. However, delays and procedural changes have led to uncertainty about the timing of the next fare increase (Timestamp: [09:37]).
  • The proposed fare hike could see a single ride fare increase to $3, impacting regular commuters, especially those reliant on 30-day unlimited MetroCards (Timestamp: [11:15]).

• OMNY Transition:

  • The OMNY system, set to replace MetroCards by the end of the year, offers a tap-and-go payment method using contactless cards and devices (Timestamp: [10:54]).
  • While convenient for many, heavy users with 30-day needs find the new system costlier, raising concerns about the absence of an unlimited option within OMNY (Timestamp: [09:37]).

Subway Flooding and Infrastructure Challenges

Timestamp: [11:53] - [14:26]

The conversation shifts to the alarming 28th Street Geyser, a subway platform flooding phenomenon that has garnered significant attention.

• Incident Description:

  • Visually akin to a geyser, water burst forth from manholes, creating hazardous conditions on the platform (Timestamp: [12:04]).
  • While videos depict a dramatic surge of water, on-the-ground experiences reveal the resilience and composure of New Yorkers during such events (Timestamp: [14:14]).

• Causes:

  • The flooding is attributed to Manhattan's historical marshland topography, particularly around 28th Street, which channels heavy rainstorms into the subway system (Timestamp: [12:35]).
  • Urban development has encroached upon these natural water pathways without adequate infrastructure updates, exacerbated by climate change and unusually intense storms (Timestamp: [14:19]).
  • The century-old sewer system was not designed to handle current or future rainfall volumes, leading to overwhelmed drainage systems during extreme weather events (Timestamp: [13:30]).

Stephen emphasizes the cumulative impact of altered landscapes, removal of natural water-absorbing vegetation, and outdated infrastructure as critical factors contributing to subway flooding (Timestamp: [14:14]).

Bike Lanes and Bedford Avenue Controversy

Timestamp: [16:00] - [23:03]

The episode explores the contentious issue of bike lane usage and recent conflicts on Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn.

• Delivery Bikes in Bike Lanes:

  • A listener named Sky raises concerns about Amazon pedal carts monopolizing bike lanes, impeding actual cyclists’ mobility (Timestamp: [16:02]).
  • Stephen acknowledges the problem, noting the lack of city enforcement and the push from logistics companies for increased delivery options (Timestamp: [17:41]).

• Bedford Avenue Bike Lane:

  • The newly installed protected bike lane, intended to offer a safe passage separated from vehicular traffic, has become a flashpoint in Williamsburg.
  • A tragic incident involving a child being struck by an E-bike rider has intensified opposition from the Orthodox Jewish community, leading to legal battles and calls for the bike lane's removal (Timestamp: [18:26]).
  • Mayor Adams, seeking re-election support, has faced pressure to dismantle portions of the bike lane, but judicial rulings have so far maintained its presence pending further court decisions (Timestamp: [20:44]).

Community Dynamics:

• The controversy highlights the tension between urban planning for cyclists and the concerns of local communities about safety and traffic disruptions (Timestamp: [20:44]).
• The issue remains unresolved as legal proceedings continue, reflecting broader debates on urban transportation priorities (Timestamp: [21:19]).

Second Avenue Subway: Future Expansions

Timestamp: [21:03] - [23:03]

Stephen provides updates on the Second Avenue Subway, currently extending from Harlem to 96th Street via the Q train.

• Current Developments:

  • The initial phase, celebrated for bringing new stops and easing congestion, represented a significant achievement but was criticized for its high costs and oversized station designs (Timestamp: [21:03]).
  • Labelled as the "most expensive mile of subway" by The New York Times, the project has faced scrutiny over budget overruns and construction complexities (Timestamp: [21:20]).

• Next Phase:

  • The upcoming expansion to 116th Street is slated to cost approximately $7.7 billion and is projected to open in 2032 (Timestamp: [22:43]).
  • Work involves retrofitting existing tunnels from the 1970s, securing property rights, and relocating utilities to facilitate construction (Timestamp: [22:56]).

Challenges and Expectations:

• The MTA continues to navigate financial constraints and engineering hurdles to advance the Second Avenue Subway, underscoring the long-term nature of subway infrastructure projects (Timestamp: [23:02]).

Lightning Round: Additional Transit Topics

Timestamp: [23:06] - [25:48]

In a rapid-fire segment, Kate and Stephen tackle several pressing transit issues:

1. Subway Air Conditioning Failures:

   • Older subway lines suffer from unreliable air conditioning systems, leading to uncomfortable conditions for riders during hot weather (Timestamp: [23:15]).
   • The MTA is addressing these issues, but challenges persist due to the complexity and age of the existing infrastructure. Newer R211 cars offer improved climate control with built-in redundancies (Timestamp: [23:26]).

2. New Subway Cars and Open Gangway Trains:

   • The introduction of open gangway trains on the C and G lines has been well-received, promoting better passenger flow and comfort (Timestamp: [24:07]).
   • The MTA plans to expand the deployment of these popular train models across more lines, contingent on their continued reliability and positive reception (Timestamp: [24:32]).

3. OMNY System Concerns:

   • The transition to the OMNY payment system has faced technological hiccups, including account cancellations and overcharging issues (Timestamp: [24:34]).
   • Despite initial problems, the MTA is working to resolve these system flaws, though public trust remains a significant hurdle (Timestamp: [24:53]).

4. Listener Feedback on OMNY:

   • Kate addresses multiple listener concerns about the phasing out of MetroCards without adequate replacements for unlimited riding options, exacerbating frustrations among frequent commuters (Timestamp: [24:46]).

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a reaffirmation of the critical issues facing New York City's transit system. From the ambitious Gateway Tunnel Project and its archaeological surprises to the immediate challenges of subway flooding and bike lane disputes, All Of It provides a comprehensive look at the multifaceted nature of urban transportation in one of the world's busiest cities. Kate Hines and Stephen Nessen underscore the importance of community engagement and systemic improvements to navigate the complexities of expanding and maintaining a resilient transit network.

Notable Quotes:

• Stephen Nessen [01:56]: "The Gateway program is basically a plan to replace the existing Hudson River Tunnel that was damaged during Superstorm Sandy. It's a $16 billion project, and now everything's ready to go."
• Stephen Nessen [07:24]: "Through-running would mean that trains wouldn't have to stop at Penn Station and turn around as they do now, saving time and making the system more efficient."
• Kate Hines [12:35]: "The water flows in naturally because the historical marshes and streams are still part of the city's topography, exacerbating subway flooding."
• Stephen Nessen [20:44]: "The Bedford Avenue bike lane is currently in place, but its future is being decided in the courts after community opposition."
• Kate Hines [24:46]: "We have a lot of texts about OMNY and the price of the monthly MetroCard and how sad we are to see that go away."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented in the episode, providing listeners with a clear understanding of the major transit developments and challenges in New York City.