Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman has formally reached out to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy with an urgent request to revise the upcoming East River Tunnel repair schedule to minimize disruptions faced by daily commuters.
In a letter sent today, the County Executive expressed serious concerns about the delayed repairs that are set to commence on May 9, 2025. He emphasized the critical need for a reassessment of the construction plan, stressing that the current strategy to conduct repairs during weekdays would significantly impact thousands of commuters traveling to and from New York City.
"These disruptions will ripple throughout the regional economy, impacting businesses, families, and communities," Blakeman stated.
The County Executive pointed to successful construction models, such as the L Train tunnel repairs, that employed innovative strategies to minimize commuter disturbance. He urged the U.S. Department of Transportation and Amtrak to consider similar approaches that prioritize night and weekend work, allowing for vital infrastructure improvements without extending weekday closures.
Finally, the County Executive addressed growing concerns regarding the lack of a transparent and detailed construction schedule. He said Nassau County is prepared to offer assistance with advancing commuter-focused solutions.
"Nassau County, with its vital commuter ties to New York City, deserves clear assurances that every effort is being made to minimize impact," Blakeman stated.