Obama should expedite construction of Hudson rail tunnel

We have reached a moment when regional transportation infrastructure is a priority. But the process of planning, review and construction is often long and complicated. That’s particularly true for the effort to build a new rail tunnel under the Hudson River — a project that requires a particular urgency.

Officials spent six years on environmental reviews for an initial new tunnel project, only to have New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie scrap the effort in 2010 so he could divert funds to fix his state budget. The tunnel might have opened in 2019 but for his craven move, so now we’re waiting for yet another environmental review.

The Gateway Project, the current effort to build a new tunnel, has to be completed before an existing tunnel fails. About 200,000 Amtrak and NJ Transit riders use the tunnels daily. Without them, the region would reach an economic and transportation breaking point, never mind an environmental impact from the increased use of cars.

This project needs an expedited study, with a specific scope and timetable. That requires an executive order from President Barack Obama to waive regulations, according to experts at Common Good, a group that aims to reduce government red tape. But a fast-tracked Gateway also would need top leadership. Obama should anoint a strong leader to shepherd the effort. That could keep it on track. And, if all goes well, a new tunnel could be built within six years.

An expedited review process with clear goals and a capable senior official in charge might turn this emergency into an opportunity. The White House must make Gateway the urgent priority it always should have been. — The editorial board