The Gateway Program, a massive infrastructure modernization effort targeting the Northeast Corridor (NEC) between Newark, NJ and New York City, is projected to generate $445 billion in economic benefits by 2060, according to a new analysis from the Regional Plan Association (RPA).
The initiative encompasses 11 major infrastructure projects over a critical 10-mile segment of the NEC—the busiest passenger rail line in the U.S. With upgrades long overdue, the RPA’s report reveals both the economic urgency and opportunity of full implementation.
Economic and Employment Impact
- $445B total economic benefit by 2060
- $230B in direct benefits to the Tri-State area (NY-NJ-CT)
- $170B additional impact across the U.S. economy
- $42.8B in construction-related economic activity
- 46,100 jobs sustained annually on average over the program’s timeline
The most significant gains are expected between 2045 and 2060, the first 15 years of full operation, when the improved rail network is projected to become fully operational and serve as a vital artery for regional and national mobility.
Infrastructure at a Breaking Point
“For commuters facing daily delays and cancellations, it’s clear: this infrastructure is nearing a century old and can no longer meet the demands of modern transit,” said Kate Slevin, Executive Vice President at RPA, in a public statement. “The Gateway Program is not just an upgrade—it’s essential for both our economic future and environmental goals.”
A Nationally Significant Investment
The Gateway Program’s core includes critical projects like:
- New Hudson River Tunnel construction
- Rehabilitation of the existing North River Tunnel
- Expansion of track capacity between Newark and Penn Station
- Portal North Bridge replacement
These upgrades will improve resilience, reduce delays, and support a sustainable transit future for millions of passengers, while reinforcing a key link in the national rail network.
The RPA, a leading nonprofit focused on regional planning and infrastructure advocacy, emphasized that delaying the program would cost far more in economic disruption and missed opportunity than completing it.
Source: Regional Plan Association (RPA), “Gateway Program Economic Impact Report”, April 2025. RPA.org
with excerpts from Paul Bubny Connectcre article
Construction Site Worker: Picture for illustration purpose only
