NORTH BERGEN, NJ – SPC Construction, Lane Construction and FlatironDragados joined the Gateway Development Commission (GDC), Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill, other elected officials, and stakeholders last week to celebrate a major milestone for the Palisades Tunnel Project ahead of the launch of the project’s first Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM).
The project joint venture – Schiavone Lane Dragados JV (SLD JV) – is composed of SPC Construction Co. LLC, (the former Schiavone Construction Co. LLC is now part of SPC), a subsidiary of FlatironDragados; The Lane Construction Corporation, the U.S. subsidiary of Webuild Group; and FlatironDragados (the former Dragados USA is now part of FlatironDragados), part of the ACS Group.
The event marks the beginning of a significant new phase of construction on one of the nation’s most important transportation infrastructure investments. The Palisades Tunnel Project is the first tunnel boring contract awarded by GDC as part of the larger Hudson Tunnel Project, a $16 billion investment to construct a new rail tunnel between New York and New Jersey and rehabilitate the existing century-old tunnel beneath the Hudson River. The joint venture was awarded a $466 million contract to construct the Palisades Tunnel Project in 2024. The current tunnel serves more than 200,000 passenger trips each weekday on more than 450 Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT trains traveling along the Northeast Corridor.
“This milestone is a tremendous accomplishment for all involved, representing years of planning, coordination and hard work,” said Joe Sheehan, PE, Chief Operating Officer of SPC Construction. “We are proud of our strong partnership with the Gateway Development Commission, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the work we are accomplishing together as we advance this transformative project forward.”
“Today’s milestone represents the dedication, innovation, and collaboration of the entire project team,” said Daniele Nebbia, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at The Lane Construction Corporation. “The launch of the TBM is more than the start of excavation activities. It is a visible sign of progress on a transformative project that will strengthen one of the country’s most critical transportation corridors for generations to come.”
The project includes constructing the first mile of twin rail tunnels on the New Jersey side of the Hudson River. Work features two TBM-driven tunnels, each approximately 5,100 feet long and lined with precast concrete segments with an inside diameter of 25 feet, 2 inches. The two hard-rock tunnel boring machines are expected to build roughly 30 feet of tunnel per day. The project also includes six cross passages connecting the tunnels and construction of the new 120-foot-deep Hudson County Access Shaft, which will be used to remove the TBMs upon completion of excavation.
Credit GDC
When completed, the new tunnel infrastructure will help improve reliability, resiliency, and enable expanded capacity along the Northeast Corridor while eliminating a critical single point of failure in the region’s rail network. The broader Hudson Tunnel Project will provide a modern rail connection beneath the Hudson River while allowing for the rehabilitation of the existing tunnel, which first entered service in 1910.
With an unparalleled track record of delivering some of the nation’s most complex infrastructure projects, Schiavone Lane Dragados JV has assembled a world-class team with a history of specializing in tunneling, transportation infrastructure, mechanical systems, and a broad range of other capabilities. The fully integrated project organization brings together technical experts and seasoned leaders from each partner company, strategically aligning specialized experience with key project components. This collaboration underscores the joint venture’s commitment to innovation, excellence, and ensures the successful execution of the Palisades Tunnel Project.
About SPC Construction Co. LLC
SPC Construction is a leading NY/NJ metropolitan area civil contractor uniting the storied legacies of Schiavone Construction Co. LLC, John P. Picone, Inc., and E.E. Cruz & Company, Inc. A subsidiary of FlatironDragados, this powerful integration of three industry-leading organizations creates a stronger, more versatile company. FlatironDragados is part of the ACS Group, one of the world’s leading infrastructure companies. With a legacy of experience and a steadfast commitment to client success, SPC Construction is positioned to tackle the region’s most complex infrastructure projects. Our foundation of excellence spans more than 100 years.
SPC Construction brings specialized expertise to deliver innovative solutions to complex challenges. Our work spans highly competitive projects across multiple disciplines and delivery methods, serving both public- and private-sector clients throughout the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area. Our capabilities encompass a variety of skills in tunnels, mass transit, bridges and highways, foundations, marine work, resiliency/flood protection, water treatment plants, hydraulic works, and complex transportation and geotechnical projects.
For more information, visit SPCco.
About Lane Construction
The Lane Construction Corporation is one of America’s leading construction companies, specializing in large, complex civil infrastructure. For over 130 years, it has contributed to the development of the country’s transportation systems including the Interstate Highway System and a vast network of roads, bridges, airports, metros and railways. Lane specializes in mobility, tunneling, and water resources to address sustainable development and climate change adaptation challenges. It is also a pioneer in project delivery methods and the use of design-build and public-private partnerships. Lane projects include the I-275/I-4 Downtown Interchange (DTI) in Florida; the Ship Canal Water Quality project in Washington; the Triangle Expressway in North Carolina; and the Kansas City Levees project in Missouri. Based in Charlotte, NC, it is wholly owned by Webuild, a global infrastructure group. For more information, visit www.laneconstruct.com.
About FlatironDragados
FlatironDragados is the leading North American infrastructure builder operating in the United States and Canada through FlatironDragados USA, FlatironDragados Canada and its subsidiary companies — Prince, Pulice, SPC and J.F. White. A client-focused organization, its employees enable mobility, connect communities and build a more resilient future. As part of the ACS Group, one of the world’s leading infrastructure companies, FlatironDragados combines local expertise with global resources to serve public and private clients alike. The company is ranked #1 Domestic Heavy Contractor and #1 in Transportation in the 2026 Engineering News-Record Top 400. Delivering innovative, sustainable infrastructure — highways and bridges, aviation, resiliency protection, dams and reservoirs, rail and transit, tunneling, water systems and marine works — FlatironDragados is the trusted partner for today and tomorrow. For more information, visit www.fdcorp.com.
