A former writer for "The Daily Show" has produced a video explaining how red tape could delay the Gateway Tunnel project, potentially increasing gridlock and costing billions in tax dollars.

The video by Alex Marino explains the complex tunnel issues in "Transportation Armageddon." It was produced for Common Good, which advocates cutting red tape and bureaucratic reform.



It warns how road gridlock would expand in New York and New Jersey if one of the existing 106-year old tunnels has to be taken out of service for rehabilitation and rail commuters instead have to use their cars.

Gateway, bridge take big step toward funding

Earlier this year, Common Good put out a report that contends that fast-tracking the environmental review and permitting process could save up to $13 billion.

The Gateway Project would build two new rail tunnels under the Hudson, allowing the current 106-year old tunnels to be taken out of service to have flood damage from Hurricane Sandy repaired. Common Good is concerned that a red tape delay would force one of those tunnels to close to repair damage before Gateway's tunnels are built.

Gateway also would lay additional track on the New Jersey side, add an additional Portal Bridge and build more platforms in Penn Station, New York. Preliminary cost estimates put the entire project at $24 billion.

Amtrak, NJ Transit and Federal Transit Administration officials, however, are committed to an "aggressive" 24-month schedule to get the required studies completed and obtain environmental permits needed to start building the Gateway Tunnel project.



Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @commutinglarry. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

