The Gateway Program, a $16 billion project to build new rail tunnels beneath the Hudson River, encounters unexpected historical remnants hidden in the landfill of Manhattan's West Side. Subsurface scans showed a two-story staircase of unknown origin, pig bones from the Meatpacking District's past, and the foundation of a soap factory, posing challenges for construction. Crews must also navigate utility lines and remnants of an old highway, complicating excavation and the overall project timeline. The last major construction of this nature in Manhattan occurred 115 years ago, presenting unique obstacles for modern builders.
Subsurface scans of the ground between 11th and 12th avenues and 29th and 30th streets revealed unexpected bits of history buried in landfill, impacting construction.
A mysterious two-story underground staircase was found, along with heaps of pig bones and the foundation of an old soap factory, complicating the Gateway tunnel project.
Gateway officials indicated that crews must excavate and remove not only the historical artifacts but also a complex network of old utility lines and foundations.
Benjamin Engle, a senior program manager for Gateway, stated that many obstructions include former steel foundations of the West Side Highway, complicating excavation efforts.
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