The antiquated rail tunnels under the Hudson River between New York and New Jersey look older than their 105 years. In places, the cement walls next to the tracks are crumbling, exposing the electrical wiring that helps power and control the system. And even though Amtrak officials work every weekend to repair the two and a half-mile long tubes, they are alarmed by the rapid deterioration.

Even before salt water flooded into the tunnels during Hurricane Sandy nearly three years ago, the tunnels were in trouble. Now the corrosive residue left by the flooding is steadily eating into the concrete and the mechanical and electrical equipment vital to the system.

The only long-term solution is the construction of a new tunnel complex, as proposed by Amtrak in its Gateway Program. Without a new tunnel and new rail tracks, a massive storm or some other disaster could sever a critical link in the Northeast rail corridor that serves more than 750,000 people a day on 2,000 intercity and commuter trains. For commuters and rail passengers crossing the Hudson River who are already complaining about delays, it can only get worse.