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.

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

Two of Amtrak's four East River tunnels were damaged in 2012 during Hurricane Sandy. The MTA is fighting with the railroad over its plans to fix the infrastructure.