I did hear that the Gateway execs did some hardcore negotiations with the Trump admin. I am really curious as to what “concessions” were made (if any) or if they simply smooth-talked their way into winning Trump over (this does work).
I ask you, when it comes to BSing DT, has there ever been a bigger shovel ready project?
Well, the sidewall and anti-suicide fencing is all up! Some good electrical work too.
Also, they sprayed some sort of liquid over the deck. Does anyone know what the purpose of that was? Maybe some sort of waterproofing mixture?
Additionally, this concrete structure has finished curing:
For the life of me, I can’t figure out what this is. I mean it’s definitely for the tbm’s. But as for the specific purpose? If anyone could enlighten me I’d appreciate it haha.
The sidewall was cast last week, and over the past few days, the molds were removed. Sometime prior to that, the power lines were moved to their final locations.
The concrete structure is very likely where the launch point will be, and a point where there can be level access to tunnel segments delivered by flatbed truck although it seems higher than trucks in the background so this is just speculation. The presence of standpipes and other utility connections may indicate the actual usage of that area is yet to be revealed although another theory is it will support launch and assembly equipment such as gantries or cranes.
In addition, early work is set to start in the near future for the viaduct that connects the NEC to the future Hudson Tunnels once a contract is awarded to a designated contractor.
Here’s the official Gateway Program press release concerning the TBMs and other projects.
Bonus: A GIF of the TBM head spinning
Because of the wrapping up of construction, traffic is now going to be shifted to the new section, likely so that the middle section can receive sealing, lane markings, etc.
The bridge is essentially finished at this point, and final touches are being applied, such as guard rails.
Things are winding down at the Portal Bridge. A lot of the construction fencing and temporary access points are dismantled and the construction barges are gone. We’re at a point where it’s substantially complete and the track switching over is expected in the coming months. Around this time, NJ Transit will also be publish its adjusted schedules while the switching over of the track takes place.
I still think it would be awesome if they lit the arches up at night but that’s unlikely and no information exists regarding that.
And here’s an official video showing the TBM assembly
And a new Palisades shaft camera has come online showing the shaft where the Palisades TBMs will be removed from. This camera also has an absolutely splendid view of Midtown Manhattan.
I love the new camera! Always felt odd there wasn’t one in this area. Also, you can go back on the timeline to September 22nd, so I guess it took them a moment to put it online for us to watch.
The Gateway Program has released a December newsletter.
Included is two high-res TBM photos.
They have a new interactive exhibit in NYC and one in NJ is opening soon. In addition, the wall separating HYCC2 and 3 will be coming down soon, linking the two tunnel casings together.
Is there a link to this cam?
The portal bridge cams are kind of broken right now (this happens a lot).
The portal bridge cams are accessed here Portal North Bridge | EarthCam Construction Camera
TBM components are starting to arrive. Some of the first pieces are supports to hold the cutter head while the TBMs are being assembled.
Screenshot from a Kyle Tillyer drone video:
Great photos of the pour! Man, I wish the HYCC-3 camera the GDC has would be put at this angle. The sideview they’ve been showing was great at first but as they dug deeper became pretty useless.
Have a happy new year all! To great and continued progress in 2026 
!
You got the big pour and the Hudson River Ground Stabilization cofferdam shifting.
While the bridge deck at Tonnelle Avenue is complete, some final touches are being added such as a concrete median between each set of travel lanes.
It also looks like the actual pit where the TBMs will dig was coated with some kind of spray concrete, likely to reduce debris and prevent cave-ins.
At the Portal Bridge, construction is basically complete. There’s little to no site activity on the actual spans. At some point this month, the work to connect the first track is to occur but I still have not been able to find a timeline for this and NJT and Amtrak have not announced modified schedules due to anticipated delays or reduced service during this process.
Elsewhere, the HYCC 3 is getting more concrete applied and the vent shafts are progressing at a substantial rate. Progress there is more difficult to track but they are progressing.
The next biggest thing I’m keeping an eye out for the arrival of the first TBM. Some parts were already being spotted but the actual machines are still on their way here from Germany.
The Gateway Program has provided an update on the HYCC 3 project. They recently completed a major concrete pour and the project continues to advance.
Gateway has announced that the TBMs are en-route and in anticipation of their arrival, the launch box where they will be sent into the Palisades is being built.
With the announcement, here are some resources from NJT, along with an information page that contains schedules reflecting service changes.
The schedules are expected to be enacted on February 15th, which is likely to be the start of work. By March 15th, regular service resumes following safety testing to ensure the bridge is ready.
The service advisory for Feb 15 to March 15:
Here’s a recent video someone published of the bridge progress. The NJT announcement comes at the right time as the tracks are basically ready for a cutover. Service outages are expected as the tracks have to be adjusted to allow trains to access the new bridge.
However, while one may think it’s just a matter of connecting tracks, more than just connecting the tracks are necessary to ensure the bridge is ready:
There are catenary poles and other obstructions that need to be moved as well, so that likely means power is shut off for periods while work commences. Around 6 poles will be removed and new signal infrastructure hooked up, along with several new interlockings to ensure service reliability.
Amtrak will also suffer delays, with many trains, including the flagship Acela service, being reduced.