Gateway Tunnel: Tom Prendergast Takes Helm of Critical Infrastructure Project

Even after stepping down as MTA head in 2017, veteran transportation expert Tom Prendergast couldn’t resist the allure of another massive transit megaproject. Now, at 72, he’s leading the Gateway Development Commission, tasked with constructing a $16 billion rail tunnel beneath the Hudson River.

“To be involved in a signature project that brings that much value is an opportunity I couldn’t pass up,” Prendergast told THE CITY. “Our job is to effectively communicate in a very obvious way all the work that’s going on so people see what that money is being spent on,” he added, emphasizing the importance of keeping the public informed about the progress.

The Gateway Program, hailed as “the most urgent major infrastructure program in the country,” aims to construct two new passenger rail tubes within a single tunnel, eventually replacing the existing 115-year-old tubes damaged during Hurricane Sandy. Construction is underway in Hudson Yards, where a concrete casing is being built, and at the river bottom, where machines will excavate the New Jersey portion of the tunnel.

This ambitious undertaking faces numerous challenges, requiring coordination between federal, state, and local governments, multiple railroads, businesses, and residents. Philip Plotch, principal researcher and senior fellow with the Eno Center for Transportation, likened the project to juggling flaming torches while walking a tightrope surrounded by axe-throwing cannibals.

“You need to make sure that working on one goal doesn’t cause problems meeting the others,” Plotch explained. “It’s like working on a Rubik’s Cube with one hand and juggling flaming torches with the other, while walking on a tightrope surrounded by axe-throwing cannibals.”

Despite the complexities, experts emphasize the project’s critical importance. Completing gateway is crucial for the entire Northeast Corridor rail line, connecting Washington D.C. to Boston. According to Plotch, “New York lives and dies by its transportation system. we’ve built an island with millions of people and millions of jobs because we have great rail service.”

Former colleagues praise Prendergast’s appointment, citing his deep understanding of transportation, construction, railroads, and the region. Carmen Bianco, who worked closely with Prendergast at the MTA, believes he’s the ideal candidate for this monumental task, stating, “He’s going to be amazing at it because he understands it from every aspect—he knows transportation, he knows construction, he knows the railroads, he knows the region. He’s a splendid catch for them and he should bring them a lot of good will.”

prendergast himself acknowledges the unique nature of this project, noting the freedom from the constant balancing act of delivering service while together building. “There was always the constant battle of like, ‘how do you deliver service and build somthing?’” he explained. “Because one gets delivered at the expense of the other. The uniqueness of this one, is that’s what makes it different and the criticality of the project for the region.”

With Prendergast at the helm, the Gateway Tunnel project is poised to advance, bringing crucial improvements to Northeast Corridor rail service and bolstering the economic vitality of the region.

Gateway Tunnel: A Conversation with Tom Prendergast on Transforming Northeast Corridor Rail service