RHINEBECK — Amtrak riders in the Hudson Valley are facing significant disruption as the railroad begins rehabilitation of the 114-year-old East River Tunnel.

The three-year project, necessitated by damage caused by Superstorm Sandy, calls for the closure of one tunnel tube at a time, resulting in reduced service frequency.

As Amtrak works to minimize disruptions, the Empire State Passengers Association is raising concerns about the disproportionate impact of service cuts on Upstate New York and the Hudson Valley.

The planned reductions, including the combination of two international trains and longer stopovers, are expected to put significant strain on commuters.

Drivers in Poughkeepsie, Rhinebeck and Hudson may face challenges planning trips and working.

“The loss of three trains per day in the Hudson Valley will be an inconvenience or more because some travelers in New York City will be unable to make train connections for desired Amtrak trips beyond New York,” said Steve Strauss, executive director of the passenger association. “Others will not be able to use Amtrak to get home from late-night New York City activities such as theaters and hockey games on weekdays.”

An Amtrak official said communications with passengers are being kept open. “While LIRR and NJ TRANSIT services will not be as severely impacted, Amtrak and its partners are coordinating to minimize disruptions and will provide detailed service information in the coming months,” said Jason Abrahams, senior public relations manager .

But the rider association believes Amtrak and the New York State Department of Transportation need to be more transparent about the service cuts and explain why Hudson Valley riders are bearing so much of the burden.

The group also opposes the proposed long layovers of the Adirondack and Maple Leaf trains at Albany-Rensselaer and suggests alternative solutions to reduce wait times. As the rehabilitation project moves forward, it will be critical for commuters and advocates to stay informed and work together to mitigate disruption and ensure a smooth transition once the project is complete.