Only two of the four shortlisted teams chose to submit for the latest contract bid, which covers work to tie the new Hudson River tunnel into existing Northeast corridor rail service.
Gateway officials said at its March 23 meeting that a roughly two-week shutdown cost millions, delayed key tunnel contracts and could force another halt within months as funding uncertainty persists.
Chicago transit projects could halt within days as a $2.1-B federal funding freeze forces contractors toward demobilization. Compliance with department of transportation policy guidance on MWBE programs triggered the dispute.
Even as Gateway tunnel construction resumes after a court-ordered release of federal funds, officials warn the $16B Northeast Corridor megaproject could face another shutdown within months if reimbursements again stall.
A federal judge’s temporary restraining order reinstatement of federal funding for the Hudson Tunnel Project took effect Feb. 12 when the federal government missed a deadline to file a formal appeal to the motion.