The Cross Sound Link Tunnel^© Project

Introduction

As currently conceived, the Cross Sound Link Tunnel© would carry vehicular traffic beneath Long Island Sound, extending from the intersection of Route 135 (Seaford-Oyster Bay Expressway) and Route 25 (Jericho Turnpike) in Syosset, Nassau County, NY, to the intersection of I-287 and I-95 in Rye, Westchester County, NY. Though the actual alignment is yet to be confirmed, the overall length would be in the order of 16 miles. The project would not be visible from the shorelines or on the Sound.

The tunnel configuration would consist of three bores—two unidirectional highway tunnels each conveying three lanes of traffic and a centrally located service tunnel connecting to the vehicular tunnels by uniformly spaced cross passages. The service tunnel would provide maintenance access and emergency ventilation and egress, as well as utility services unrelated to traffic conveyance.

A consortium of companies with expertise in engineering, environmental assessment, construction and transportation management is proposing a private undertaking that would plan, design, construct and operate the Cross Sound Link Tunnel. A viable solution has been identified that would provide an effective alternative to the congested and polluted routes used today.

Tunnel Dimensions and Depths

To provide sufficient clearance for traffic lanes, shoulders and headroom, the vehicular bores would be in the order of 55 feet excavated diameter. The central service tunnel would be in the order of 38 feet excavated diameter.

The tunnels would be mined below the bed of the Sound, with sufficient ground cover to maintain tunnel stability and to protect the ecology of the Sound.