HBLR WEEHAWKEN TUNNEL
Weehawken, NJ
Project Highlights / Scope of Work
- Constructed 8,300 TF of direct fixation track on concrete plinth and 750 TF of ballasted track on concrete ties
- Installed restraining rail as needed
- Designed custom temporary track support and adjustable steel form system to hold track in place during concrete pour
Challenges
- Limited access for material deliveries deep in tunnel
- Very tight schedule with strict return-to-service date
Project Description
This project extended service on the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail system from Port Imperial to a new station on Bergenline Avenue in Union City, NJ. The existing 4,000’ long railroad tunnel was converted from freight usage to passenger operations. The bulk of work was performed deep inside the Weehawken Tunnel beneath the Palisades.
A total of over 9,000 TF of new track was constructed. All 8,300 TF of direct fixation track was installed inside the tunnel using resilient fasteners on concrete plinths. We designed a custom temporary track support system specifically for this project which held the track in place and allowed for precise adjustments during the pouring of the concrete plinths. In addition, adjustable steel forms were created for the plinth construction. The sharply curved entrances to the tunnel were constructed of ballasted track on concrete ties. Restraining rail was installed as needed.