East Side Access Question

I always thought the only dispute with Amtrak is who should pay for the construction under Sunnyside Yard, which, personally, I think is LIRR's job to pay, since they'd be the reason for any disruption to normal yard activities.

Amtrak is not expected to pay for any of the ESA tunnels or track work. ESA is proposing to add a connector tunnel that will provide a new connection to Sunnyside Yard without having to go around the loop tracks and train washer and also access to the Hellgate lines. This would help NJT a lot with the yard and could allow Metro North into Penn. Amtrak just doesn't want to spend any money, but since it is their playground, they want something out of ESA for the trouble of putting up with it.

"a new connection to Sunnyside Yard..."

From Penn, you mean? The eastward tunnels?

"...and also access to the Hellgate lines."

Like the original questioner, I'm wondering what sort of improvement to Penn-to-Hell Gate routing is planned. Or is it westbound they're talking about?

Sorry, the Cross Connector will provide an alternate route in and out of the yard from the Penn tunnels Amtrak and NJT use.