The MTA is formally calling on Amtrak to reconsider its plan to keep one of the four East River Tunnels linking to Penn Station out of service for three years while it carries out Superstorm Sandy repairs — an "extremely risky" strategy that could result in rush hour shut downs of Long Island Rail Road service, according to the LIRR’s president.

Responding to criticism on a number of fronts, Amtrak President Roger Harris said the company’s plan for repairs to New York’s East River Tunnel is “the safest, most efficient, reliable, and timely to complete the full rehabilitation

Amtrak's East River Tunnel project​ is facing stern pushback from other transit officials and New York elected leaders.