GDC Awards Two Major HTP Contracts
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-Chief
Hudson Tunnel Preferred Alternative. Gateway Development Commission illustration
The Gateway Development Commission (GDC) has awarded two contracts for construction and construction management services on the Tonnelle Avenue Bridge and Utility Relocation Project. Described as “a critical early work package of the Hudson Tunnel Project (HTP)” and “the first construction on the project in New Jersey,” it is expected to begin this fall.
Naik Consulting Group, P.C. will provide construction management and related technical services. Conti Civil, LLC will be responsible for construction. The project involves utilities relocation and a new roadway bridge for Tonnelle Avenue in North Bergen, N.J. The new roadway bridge will be located immediately above a new future railroad right-of-way, and will allow for a connection to the new tunnel portal at the western slope of the New Jersey Palisades. It will also provide construction access between the staging sites on either side of Tonnelle Avenue.
In addition to these contract awards, the GDC Board passed a series of resolutions:
- A Market Case Estimate of $47.3 million, including all final negotiated costs and contingencies related to the project’s construction and delivery, and authorizing the execution of construction funding agreements with project partners.
- A Supporting or Executing Partner Agreement with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for services in support of the tunneling and heavy civil work of the HTP.
- Labor Agreements between GDC and labor unions undertaking work on the Hudson River Ground Stabilization Project.
- A stipend program to support the Manhattan Tunnel Project procurement process.
- Appointment of Robert Hickman to serve as GDC Chief Administrative and Legislative Officer.
“ With the GDC Board’s action on the Tonnelle Avenue Bridge and Utility Relocation Project, five out of nine contemplated HTP packages will be in procurement or construction by October 2023,” the GDC noted. “Construction is also expected to begin this year in New York on the Hudson Yards Concrete Casing-Section 3.”
