I am happy to note that the filling of the Long Slip canal seems to be moving forward. It is a slow move and as always with NJT, until the shovels are in the ground spending on capital projects is never certain. One press release, currently available on the website touts an open house held on Monday for contractors
https://www.njtransit.com/tm/tm_servlet ... SE_ID=3283. The bits related to the Long Slip canal filling are
Attendees were provided information on a recently upgraded Electronic Bidding Process which creates efficiency for contractors and the agency. Highlights included state-of-good repair program and rail infrastructure opportunities, such as Market Street Bus Garage construction at approximately $30 million; and resilience projects, such as the Long Slip Fill and Rail Enhancement Project at more than $150 million and Delco Lead, estimated at more than $200 million, and Task Order Contract Opportunities.
I believe that most of the money for the fill is federal Sandy recovery money, so I wonder how much pressure they are to use it or lose it.
Another bit indicating that there is movement there comes from the awarding of the Construction Management Contract for the project which was discussed at the March 13 board meeting. From the meeting agenda:
1903-06 NJ TRANSIT RESILIENCE PROGRAM: LONG SLIP FILL AND RAIL ENHANCEMENT – CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES – Authorization to enter into NJ TRANSIT Contract No. 18-003 with STV, Inc. for the Construction Management Services of the Long Slip Fill and Rail Enhancement Project at a cost not to exceed $16,443,810.16, plus five percent for contingencies, subject to the availability of funds.
One does need to wonder whether a $150 million project really needs a $16.5 million construction management, but at the end of the day the movement on this is a good thing especially in the light of the stalled new tunnels under the Hudson. The additional 6 tracks should alleviate delays that occur when Midtown Direct service gets diverted to Hoboken and maybe at some point in the future when demand warrants expand service on the Hoboken division.