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The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has announced an $800 million initiative to protect the Hudson Line from climate change impacts. This plan, called the Metro-North Hudson Line Climate Resilience Blueprint, focuses on a 20-mile stretch between Riverdale and Croton-Harmon, New York. The initiative aims to fortify the line against stormwater runoff, tidal floods, and other climate-related risks.
The Blueprint will involve rebuilding critical infrastructure, such as culverts, drainage systems, retaining walls, slopes, shorelines, and tracks. According to MTA Construction and Development President Jamie Torres-Springer, "Securing the next generation of great public transit along the Hudson Line means investing in infrastructure to protect Metro-North from climate change."
The MTA's plan is part of a larger $68.4 billion Capital Plan for 2025-2029, which aims to improve the region's subways, buses, railroads, bridges, and tunnels. The Blueprint will also provide design guidance and actions to protect the entire Hudson Line from climate change effects, ensuring a coordinated approach for future projects. Metro-North President Justin Vonashek stated, "By the 2050s, 80% of the Hudson Line will be at increased risk of flooding due to rising sea levels and more frequent severe weather events."