Securing New York City's Underground Infrastructure: A Two-Part Strategy for Resilience, Public Safety, and Homeland Security
New York City is often described as a city built upward, defined by its skyscrapers, bridges, and iconic skyline. Yet some of its most important assets lie beneath the surface.
Beneath the streets runs a vast network of sewer systems, utility corridors, communications infrastructure, electrical systems, and subway tunnels that support the daily lives of millions of residents and visitors. Much of this infrastructure was designed decades ago, when the primary concerns were maintenance access and operational efficiency rather than modern threats such as terrorism, sabotage, critical infrastructure attacks, and organized criminal activity.
Recent incidents in Brooklyn and Queens have exposed a troubling reality: many of New York City's underground systems remain surprisingly accessible to unauthorized individuals.
The solution requires thinking beyond individual incidents and recognizing a broader challenge. New York should pursue a comprehensive underground infrastructure security strategy built on two principles:
Part I: Secure access into underground infrastructure.
Part II: Secure access within underground infrastructure.
Together, these initiatives would strengthen public safety, improve resilience, and create a compelling case for federal homeland security and infrastructure funding.
Part I: Securing Access Into Underground Infrastructure
In late May 2026, surveillance footage captured groups of individuals entering and exiting sewer manholes in Williamsburg, Gravesend, and Astoria during overnight hours.
Individuals appear to have engaged in unauthorized sewer diving, reportedly searching for coins, jewelry, and other valuables washed into the system. No evidence of terrorism or sabotage was discovered. However it is still possible they were canvasing the system only to go back and perform whatever illicit deed they were planning. One possibility that no one has been talking about bought was recently brought up in the union weekly digest (pre 1983 pennies now have a melt value of 4 cents) is that they could be canvasing the tunnels for copper wiring to strip and sell
Nevertheless, the incidents highlighted a significant vulnerability.
Groups of seven or eight individuals were able to access underground infrastructure, remain there for hours, and leave without encountering meaningful physical barriers.
The issue is not whether these particular individuals posed a threat.
The issue is that they could gain access so easily.
Many manholes throughout New York City rely primarily on the weight of the cover itself as a security measure. While heavy, these covers can often be opened using common tools or simple lifting devices.
This design may have been sufficient decades ago. It is increasingly difficult to justify today.
Federal agencies have long recognized the risks associated with unsecured underground infrastructure. Homeland security guidance has repeatedly recommended securing manholes and underground access points against unauthorized entry. Security assessments have warned that underground systems can potentially be exploited for reconnaissance, vandalism, theft, sabotage, or attacks against critical infrastructure.
Even if such incidents remain rare, infrastructure security is built around reducing vulnerabilities before they are exploited.
Fortunately, proven solutions already exist.
Utilities across the United States routinely deploy:
- Locking manhole systems.
- Proprietary access keys.
- Tamper-resistant hardware.
- Smart sensors and monitoring systems.
- Electronic intrusion detection technologies.
New York should implement a phased program to secure critical sewer, utility, and communications access points, prioritizing locations near transportation hubs, government facilities, commercial districts, and other sensitive infrastructure.
The cost would be modest compared to the value of the assets being protected.
Part II: Securing Access Within Underground Infrastructure
The same logic applies to New York City's subway system.
If unsecured manholes provide unauthorized access into underground infrastructure, open subway platforms provide unauthorized access within underground infrastructure.
For generations, passengers have stood only inches away from direct access to subway tracks, tunnels, signal systems, communications equipment, power distribution networks, and emergency infrastructure.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has spent years evaluating platform edge barriers and platform screen door systems. Through Requests for Information and pilot programs, the agency has examined technologies ranging from partial barriers to full-height wall-to-ceiling platform edge doors similar to those used throughout Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
These discussions typically focus on operational and safety benefits, including:
- Reduced track intrusions.
- Fewer service disruptions.
- Prevention of accidental falls.
- Suicide prevention.
- Improved passenger experience.
- Enhanced system reliability.
All of those benefits are important.
However, platform edge doors should also be viewed as a critical infrastructure security measure.
A wall-to-ceiling platform barrier transforms subway tunnels from open-access environments into controlled-access environments. Unauthorized individuals can no longer simply step off a platform and enter the right-of-way. Access becomes restricted to authorized personnel and designated entry points.
The security principle is identical to locking a manhole cover.
The objective is not to eliminate access.
The objective is to ensure that access occurs only through secure, controlled, and monitored channels.
As concerns about terrorism, infrastructure sabotage, and urban resilience continue to evolve, reducing uncontrolled access to critical transportation infrastructure becomes increasingly important.
A National Infrastructure Issue, Not Merely a Local One
The case for federal funding becomes clear when these projects are viewed together.
New York City's underground systems are not merely local assets.
The subway network is the largest mass transit system in North America and serves as a critical economic engine for the United States. Its continued operation supports financial markets, commerce, tourism, government operations, and regional mobility.
Likewise, the city's sewer, water, electrical, communications, and utility systems serve one of the most economically important metropolitan areas in the world.
Protecting these assets is a matter of national interest.
Federal funding already supports airport security, seaport security, bridge protection, cybersecurity initiatives, and critical infrastructure hardening projects nationwide.
The same rationale supports federal investment in:
- Secured manhole systems.
- Underground utility access controls.
- Smart infrastructure monitoring.
- Platform edge door deployment.
- Tunnel intrusion detection systems.
- Critical infrastructure resilience programs.
Rather than treating manhole security and platform edge doors as separate projects, policymakers should recognize them as components of a unified underground infrastructure security strategy.
The Next Generation of Urban Resilience
The Williamsburg, Gravesend, and Astoria incidents may ultimately prove to have been little more than unauthorized scavenging expeditions.
But security professionals understand that vulnerabilities are most valuable when identified before they are exploited by someone with malicious intent.
These incidents revealed a larger truth: some of the most important infrastructure in America remains surprisingly accessible.
For decades, New York has invested heavily in protecting airports, bridges, tunnels, government buildings, and public gathering spaces.
The next frontier of resilience lies beneath the streets.
Part I focuses on securing access into underground infrastructure through locked and monitored manholes.
Part II focuses on securing access within underground infrastructure through platform edge doors and controlled transit environments.
Together, they represent a comprehensive vision for protecting the systems that keep New York functioning every day.
In an age of persistent terrorism concerns, infrastructure threats, and growing emphasis on urban resilience, securing the underground city should become a national priority. Federal funding can help make that vision a reality before today's vulnerabilities become tomorrow's crisis.
Securing New York City's Underground Infrastructure: A Two-Part Strategy for Resilience, Public Safety, and Homeland Security
New York City is often described as a city built upward, defined by its skyscrapers, bridges, and iconic skyline. Yet some of its most important assets lie beneath the surface.
Beneath the streets runs a vast network of sewer systems, utility corridors, communications infrastructure, electrical systems, and subway tunnels that support the daily lives of millions of residents and visitors. Much of this infrastructure was designed decades ago, when the primary concerns were maintenance access and operational efficiency rather than modern threats such as terrorism, sabotage, critical infrastructure attacks, and organized criminal activity.
Recent incidents in Brooklyn and Queens have exposed a troubling reality: many of New York City's underground systems remain surprisingly accessible to unauthorized individuals.
The solution requires thinking beyond individual incidents and recognizing a broader challenge. New York should pursue a comprehensive underground infrastructure security strategy built on two principles:
Part I: Secure access into underground infrastructure.
Part II: Secure access within underground infrastructure.
Together, these initiatives would strengthen public safety, improve resilience, and create a compelling case for federal homeland security and infrastructure funding.
Part I: Securing Access Into Underground Infrastructure
In late May 2026, surveillance footage captured groups of individuals entering and exiting sewer manholes in Williamsburg, Gravesend, and Astoria during overnight hours.
The individuals may have been engaged in unauthorized sewer diving, reportedly searching for coins, jewelry, and other valuables washed into the system. No evidence of terrorism or sabotage was discovered. That said there is another possibility that has not been discussed is that they may have been canvassing for copper wires to cut and strip. See NPR “Thieves are targeting copper wires. AT&T is fighting back” - "We have locked down manhole lids with extra bolts. We've put sensors across our lines. In some instances we've had to hire private security guards," Thieves are targeting copper wires. AT&T is fighting back : NPR
The incidents highlight a significant vulnerability.
Groups of seven or eight individuals were able to access underground infrastructure, remain there for hours, and leave without encountering meaningful physical barriers.
The issue is not whether these particular individuals posed a threat.
The issue is that they could gain access so easily.
Many manholes throughout New York City rely primarily on the weight of the cover itself as a security measure. While heavy, these covers can often be opened using common tools or simple lifting devices.
This design may have been sufficient decades ago. It is increasingly difficult to justify today.
Federal agencies have long recognized the risks associated with unsecured underground infrastructure. Homeland security guidance has repeatedly recommended securing manholes and underground access points against unauthorized entry. Security assessments have warned that underground systems can potentially be exploited for reconnaissance, vandalism, theft, sabotage, or attacks against critical infrastructure.
Even if such incidents remain rare, infrastructure security is built around reducing vulnerabilities before they are exploited.
Fortunately, proven solutions already exist.
Utilities across the United States routinely deploy:
- Locking manhole systems.
- Proprietary access keys.
- Tamper-resistant hardware.
- Smart sensors and monitoring systems.
- Electronic intrusion detection technologies.
New York should implement a phased program to secure critical sewer, utility, and communications access points, prioritizing locations near transportation hubs, government facilities, commercial districts, and other sensitive infrastructure.
The cost would be modest compared to the value of the assets being protected.
Part II: Securing Access Within Underground Infrastructure
The same logic applies to New York City's subway system.
If unsecured manholes provide unauthorized access into underground infrastructure, open subway platforms provide unauthorized access within underground infrastructure.
For generations, passengers have stood only inches away from direct access to subway tracks, tunnels, signal systems, communications equipment, power distribution networks, and emergency infrastructure.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has spent years evaluating platform edge barriers and platform screen door systems. Through Requests for Information and pilot programs, the agency has examined technologies ranging from partial barriers to full-height wall-to-ceiling platform edge doors similar to those used throughout Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
These discussions typically focus on operational and safety benefits, including:
- Reduced track intrusions.
- Fewer service disruptions.
- Prevention of accidental falls.
- Suicide prevention.
- Improved passenger experience.
- Enhanced system reliability.
All of those benefits are important.
However, platform edge doors should also be viewed as a critical infrastructure security measure.
A wall-to-ceiling platform barrier transforms subway tunnels from open-access environments into controlled-access environments. Unauthorized individuals can no longer simply step off a platform and enter the right-of-way. Access becomes restricted to authorized personnel and designated entry points.
The security principle is identical to locking a manhole cover.
The objective is not to eliminate access.
The objective is to ensure that access occurs only through secure, controlled, and monitored channels.
As concerns about terrorism, infrastructure sabotage, and urban resilience continue to evolve, reducing uncontrolled access to critical transportation infrastructure becomes increasingly important.
A National Infrastructure Issue, Not Merely a Local One
The case for federal funding becomes clear when these projects are viewed together.
New York City's underground systems are not merely local assets.
The subway network is the largest mass transit system in North America and serves as a critical economic engine for the United States. Its continued operation supports financial markets, commerce, tourism, government operations, and regional mobility.
Likewise, the city's sewer, water, electrical, communications, and utility systems serve one of the most economically important metropolitan areas in the world.
Protecting these assets is a matter of national interest.
Federal funding already supports airport security, seaport security, bridge protection, cybersecurity initiatives, and critical infrastructure hardening projects nationwide.
The same rationale supports federal investment in:
- Secured manhole systems.
- Underground utility access controls.
- Smart infrastructure monitoring.
- Platform edge door deployment.
- Tunnel intrusion detection systems.
- Critical infrastructure resilience programs.
Rather than treating manhole security and platform edge doors as separate projects, policymakers should recognize them as components of a unified underground infrastructure security strategy.
The Next Generation of Urban Resilience
The Williamsburg, Gravesend, and Astoria incidents may ultimately prove to have been little more than unauthorized scavenging expeditions.
But security professionals understand that vulnerabilities are most valuable when identified before they are exploited by someone with malicious intent.
These incidents revealed a larger truth: some of the most important infrastructure in America remains surprisingly accessible.
For decades, New York has invested heavily in protecting airports, bridges, tunnels, government buildings, and public gathering spaces.
The next frontier of resilience lies beneath the streets.
In an age of persistent terrorism concerns, infrastructure threats, and growing emphasis on urban resilience, securing the underground city should become a national priority. Federal funding can help make that vision a reality before today's vulnerabilities become tomorrow's crisis.