MTA Plans Tunnel Under Cemetery for Interborough Express Rail

MTA officials announced a shift in their plans for the Interborough Express (IBX), a light-rail line connecting Brooklyn and Queens, by opting for a tunnel beneath All Faiths Cemetery in Queens. Initially, the MTA considered a street-level route, but this raised concerns about traffic delays and community impact. The new plan, announced on Tuesday, October 29th, will use an existing right-of-way currently serving a single freight train daily, promising a faster and more reliable transit option between Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, and Jackson Heights, Queens.

This 14-mile light-rail project is part of a broader initiative to improve transportation between Brooklyn and Queens, which often requires detours through Manhattan. According to MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber, the IBX aims to reduce travel time to around 30 minutes, enhancing accessibility for underserved communities like Maspeth and East New York. The project has garnered support from Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, who emphasized its potential to boost local economies by encouraging residents to “live, work, and play” without venturing into Manhattan.

Engineering studies for the tunnel are underway after extensive discussions with cemetery administrators, who have agreed to the MTA’s tunneling approach. Jamie Torres-Springer, head of MTA Construction and Development, expressed optimism, stating that the tunnel would “allow more efficient, faster operations,” reducing conflicts with street traffic. This tunnel solution, also favored by local representatives, addresses concerns about cemetery disruption and street congestion, with City Council Member Robert Holden highlighting it as “crucial” to securing community support.

While the IBX holds significant promise, funding uncertainties loom. The $5.5 billion project received initial allocations of $67 million from state and federal sources for design and environmental reviews. However, only half of the funding required for the MTA’s $68 billion capital plan, which includes the IBX, is currently secured. The MTA has prioritized maintaining the existing transit system, suggesting that, in the event of budget constraints, expansion projects like the IBX might face delays or downsizing.