Bad news, New York City. The Hudson River tunnels are on the verge of collapse. Why? How? 

For one, the Hudson River Tunnels were built more than a century ago. For two, they're made of fraying tubes and since they're carrying New Jersey Transit and Amtrak trains, we're not very comforted putting our lives at these dilapidated tubes' disposal. 

They're the biggest choke-point in the Northeast, and a source of consistent, aggravating delays for commuters. It's been years that the tunnels have needed repairs which are, quite simply, impossible to do with the trains still running.

The situation worsened to an impossible degree when the tunnels flooded with saltwater during that disaster three years ago, Hurricane Sandy. 

Now, Amtrak officials say the tubes might not last another 20 years.

We would love to not find out that the tunnels won't last by their collapse though. We need new tunnels. 

All that being said, it's not news to anyone that Penn Station is a run-down hole we all hate too. (P.S., here's what we have to say about the situation: Penn Station needs to be replaced in tandem with the construction of new rail tunnels. But... we digress.)

"Upgraded rail service and improved public space in the form of safe, efficient and dignified transit hubs go hand in hand. They're both environmental and social justice no-brainers," wrote Michael Kimmelmann of The New York Times.

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We're a metropolis at the height of commerce, the tip top of environmental planning, and we were one of the areas with the greatest investment in green buildings in 2014.

So is it really so difficult for us to have a train station and tunnels that any of us could even be remotely proud of? Do New York City's officials really want people's first impression of NYC to be the slum of those Hudson River tunnels and Penn Station?

We didn't think so. So let's get on it. 

To sign the Regional Plan Association's petition for new Hudson River Tunnels, and for other ways to get involved, click here. And then check out their video that explains this entire debacle below. 

Check out Hudson River Tunnel Funding is Very Good News. 

[Feature Image Courtesy The Transport Politic]