Gateway Tunnel to Begin Test Blasting on Wednesday
Work crews will initiate tunnel excavation blasting in Hoboken this week to reach a target depth of 130 feet.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Construction
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The Gateway Hudson Tunnel Project is scheduled to conduct test blasting on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. This process signals the beginning of excavation work required to reach a final depth of 130 feet.
Why it matters
Blasting is the necessary next step in the excavation process to reach the tunnel project's final depth. The Gateway Development Commission has implemented a noise abatement program to mitigate the impact of this work on residents.
Crews have successfully reached bedrock at 80 feet below street level, with the project slated to continue excavation down to a final depth of 130 feet. Each individual blast will last less than one second to maintain project safety.
The players
Gateway Development Commission
This body oversees the construction of the Hudson Tunnel Project and established the noise abatement program for the local area.
The details
Blasting will be contained within the project shaft and will occur between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays. Crews will use air horn signals to notify the public before and after each of the daily blasts.
Timeline
Test blasting occurs on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.
Routine daily blasting begins on Monday, November 2, 2026.
Routine blasting is scheduled to continue from November 2026 through January 2027.
Market Landscape
The blasting operation reflects the ongoing industrial consolidation of the region's infrastructure expansion efforts. This work follows the protocols set by the Gateway Development Commission noise abatement program to manage the transition from residential stability to large-scale construction.
Residents in the immediate vicinity can expect noise during weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. due to the daily blasting. Public safety will be managed through air horn signals that sound before and after each blast.
The takeaway
The upcoming blasting schedule is a critical phase in the tunnel's construction that requires residents to remain aware of noise signals. Monitoring the official project alerts will help local community members plan their daily routines around the construction hours.
What happens next
Routine daily blasting begins on Monday, November 2, 2026, and will continue intermittently through January 2027, excluding weekends.
Further reading
Learn more about the progress and local impact of regional infrastructure projects in the Hoboken Construction section.
More information
View project updates and safety guidelines on the Gateway Program eligibility and application portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News 12 - New Jersey.
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