Trump’s infrastructure plan must prioritize the Northeast Corridor

[corbe]

Trump’s infrastructure plan must prioritize the Northeast Corridor

By Michael Friedberg, Opinion Contributor — 02/10/18 09:00 AM EST

As President Trump prepares to announce his long-awaited infrastructure proposal, thousands of businesses and millions of commuters are hoping that his plan will include the funds needed to modernize the ailing Northeast Corridor rail system. If he does not take this crucial step forward, President Trump will be undermining his own economic agenda and missing an opportunity to address one of the nation’s greatest infrastructure challenges.

The Northeast Corridor — which stretches from Washington, D.C., to Boston — is the most important rail system in the United States, carrying more than 820,000 riders every day. The ability to move efficiently, reliably and safely between these cities is critical not only to workers and businesses throughout the region, but also for the health of the nation’s entire economy.

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http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/economy-budget/373246-trumps-infrastructure-plan-must-prioritize-the-northeast

[Right_in_Virginia]

Ah, no, no it shouldn't.

[Fishrrman]

The Corridor is in better shape now than it has been in years, with a few prominent exceptions.

Most of the track was rebuilt in the 1980's, and 90's.
New Haven to Boston was electrified (completed) 2001.
Metro-North has done extensive rebuilding between New York and New Haven, although the biggest job of all -- replacement of the 1890 4-track swing bridge at South Norwalk -- has yet to be undertaken (probably a four-year project).

A few major bridges between NY and DC must be rebuilt (such as the Passaic River drawbridge). Perhaps also the Susquehanna River bridge south of Philadelphia?

And as I've mentioned before, the Hudson River tunnels (2) and East River Tunnels (4) on either side of Penn Station in New York will need replacement, and soon.
This can't wait much longer. The loss of even one of the Hudson tunnels would have a devastating impact on the New York/New Jersey economies. So much so that it would make the World Trade Center attack look trivial by comparison.