Tutor Perini, working through its subsidiary Frontier-Kemper Constructors and in joint venture with Frontier-Kemper, is playing key roles in two significant tunnelling projects in the United States: the Manhattan Tunnel Project in New York City and the Kensico-Eastview Connection Tunnel in Westchester County, New York. These contracts, awarded in 2024 and 2025, represent some of the largest tunnelling work currently underway in North America and are important milestones in rail and water infrastructure development.

Manhattan Tunnel Project (Hudson Tunnel Program)

The Manhattan Tunnel Project is a critical component of the broader Hudson Tunnel Project (HTP) — itself a central element of the multi-billion-dollar Gateway Program, an infrastructure initiative to improve rail capacity and reliability between New Jersey and New York.

On February 3, 2025, the Gateway Development Commission (GDC) Board of Commissioners awarded the design-build contract for the Manhattan Tunnel Project to a joint venture comprising Frontier-Kemper and Tutor Perini. The contract value is approximately US $1.18 billion, and GDC authorised the notice to proceed with construction following a competitive procurement process involving multiple shortlisted teams.

The scope of work covers the design and construction of approximately 700 feet of twin 30-foot-diameter tunnels from the Manhattan Bulkhead in the Hudson River to the cut-and-cover Hudson Yards concrete casing east of 12th Avenue. The project also includes construction of an access shaft at 12th Avenue, which will later be converted into a permanent ventilation facility. The section between the Manhattan Bulkhead and 12th Avenue will serve as a temporary tunnel shell, clearing the path ahead of future tunnel boring operations.

Construction officially began in spring 2025, with a targeted substantial completion date of 2029. As part of a larger rail infrastructure effort — reported as a roughly $16 billion programme — this contract represents one of the first major tunnel works on the New York side of the Gateway corridor.

As of early 2026, tunnelling and associated works are underway. Early construction focuses on establishing support systems, clearing obstructions such as legacy sewer lines and utility infrastructure, and preparing the site for further excavation work. The project continues to move through planned execution stages, with ongoing coordination between GDC, state transportation authorities, Amtrak, and other regional stakeholders.

Original tender and award documentation includes:

• The GDC RFP and shortlisted firm notices published on the Gateway Program procurement portal (Bonfire platform).
• The GDC Board resolution authorising Contract GDC-25-007-HTP and the notice to proceed, which formalised the joint venture award.
  Registered users can access these through gatewayprogram.org’s Procurements page under the Manhattan Tunnel Project listings. (No direct PDF links are publicly indexed without portal login.)

Kensico-Eastview Connection Tunnel (NYC Water Supply)

In October 2024, Frontier-Kemper Constructors — Tutor Perini’s tunnelling specialist subsidiary — was awarded a US $1.1 billion contract by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYC DEP) for the Kensico-Eastview Connection Tunnel Project. This project is an important expansion of the New York City water supply system, enhancing its resilience and redundancy.

This deep rock tunnel will run approximately 3.2 km (about 2 miles) between the Kensico Reservoir and the Catskill/Delaware Ultraviolet Light Disinfection (CDUV) Facility in Westchester County, providing a new conveyance line to support future water treatment and supply operations. It will be constructed roughly 400 ft to 500 ft below ground, lined with reinforced concrete and designed to improve operational flexibility in the water system that serves New York City and surrounding areas.

Work on the project was expected to begin in late 2024 or early 2025, following award acceptance and mobilisation, with substantial completion anticipated by 2030. As of early 2026, site preparations and early tunnelling activities are progressing. Shaft excavations and deep ground work are among the initial stage activities confirmed by industry reporting, while detailed tunnelling and installation of support systems continue to follow DEP’s construction plan.

Tender documentation for this project was issued through New York City’s official procurement channels under the DEP’s capital projects programme. The contract award notices and related bid documents are available through the city’s procurement system (e.g., PASSPort) to registered vendors.

Project Stages and Outlook

Manhattan Tunnel Project

• Tender and Award: Completed (February 2025).
• Construction Commencement: Spring 2025.
• Current Stage (2026): Active construction and excavation, site preparation, utility rerouting and obstructive debris clearance.
• Anticipated Substantial Completion: 2029.

Kensico-Eastview Connection Tunnel

• Tender and Award: Completed (October 2024).
• Construction Commencement: Initiated late 2024/2025.
• Current Stage (2026): Early tunnelling preparatory works, shaft construction and ground support installation.
• Anticipated Substantial Completion: 2030.

These projects demonstrate Tutor Perini’s continued engagement in large-scale tunnelling works in North America, spanning both rail and water infrastructure. Both contracts involve complex subsurface conditions and significant technical coordination with public agencies and stakeholders. 09/26.