Feds: Hudson River tunnels dangerously overdue

U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said that building a new rail crossing between New York and New Jersey is a priority for his remaining time in the Obama administration.

He said he wants to meet with New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo about a plan to build new crossings. He said the federal government can't take action on a proposal known as the Gateway Project until New York, New Jersey, and local transportation authorities agree on a plan. That is why he is urging Christie and Cuomo to meet.

The urgent call is coming after a series of crippling delays this summer.

Last Friday, Amtrak gave FOX 5 a closer look inside one of its sub stations.

When there are problems in the tubes of the 105-year-old Hudson River tunnel owned by Amtrak, New Jersey Transit customers often suffer. CEO Joe Boardman told reporters that the Gateway project needs funding.

Foxx said lack of a long-term solution is almost criminal and could result in a catastrophic infrastructure failure comparable to the levees breaking after Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.