For the second time, the ARC is dead.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) is likely to again kill plans to resume building an Access to the Region’s Core rail tunnel underneath the Hudson River to Penn Station, reports the Newark Star-Ledger. The tunnel would relieve congestion and delays for Amtrak and NJ Transit riders, say advocates, but Christie said the $8.7 billion project is simply too expensive
Christie canceled the controversial project on Oct. 7, but then gave it a two-week reprieve after U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood asked him to consider more alternatives to save it.
Christie said federal officials offered to improve the financing terms but gave no new money to the fund it, according to the Star-Ledger.
Christie said he fears cost overruns on the tunnel could range anywhere from $1.1 billion to $5.3 billion.
The 9-mile tunnel would run between Secaucus and West 34th Street, and would double capacity between New Jersey and New York City.
New Jersey may have to repay the $300 million in federal transit money already spent on the project.
