MTA moving forward with Phase 2 of Second Avenue Subway expansion by inking tunnel boring deal
The MTA is moving forward with the next step to expand the Second Avenue Subway line in Harlem.
The MTA board has approved an approximately $2 billion tunnel boring contract, which will extend Q train service from 96th Street to 125th Street. As part of the same contract, crews will excavate space for the future 125th Street Station. The expansion includes three new ADA-accessible stations at 106th Street, 116th Street and 125th Street, where the Q expansion will connect with the existing 4, 5 and 6 lines.
In the 1970s, a route was built to accommodate a future station at 116th Street. The new project uses that same route and extends it to 125th Street. That will save the MTA an estimated $500 million in costs.
The project is being funded, in part, by revenue from congestion pricing.
The new tunnel will be dug between 35 and 120 feet below Second Avenue. To do the work, the MTA will use a 750-ton tunnel boring machine, or TBM, equipped with diamond-studded drill heads.
"This project will hopefully restore people's faith in our capacity and desire to get these big, transformational projects done," Gov. Kathy Hochul said.
While preliminary work on the project will begin this year, heavy construction will start in 2026, with the tunnel boring taking place in 2027. MTA officials say the new work will take into account lessons learned from the first phase of Second Avenue Subway construction, including moving utility lines on the street before major work commences. The MTA estimates the project will generate some 70,000 jobs, with a target of 20% of those jobs being local hires from East Harlem.
"It's been a century since the people of East Harlem were promised the new subway they deserve — and we are finally getting it done," Hochul said. "East Harlem is one of the most transit-reliant neighborhoods in New York, but every day, tens of thousands of commuters lack subway access. The Second Avenue Subway will change everything; it will shorten commutes for over 100,000 daily riders and make East Harlem more vibrant than ever. Awarding this contract means that the time for promises to this community is over and the time for building is here — next stop 125 Street!"
"This is a meaningful step forward not only for the project but everyone in East Harlem and Central Harlem. Locals have waited almost 100 long years for their promised subway extension. Thanks to investments from Governor Hochul and our partners in Washington, today the new MTA is moving forward with the largest tunneling contract in agency history, but – more important – with a project that pencils at the lowest cost per rider of any heavy rail project in America," MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said.
"After generations of promises, the new MTA is delivering. Today's contract award brings us closer to world-class transit service in East Harlem," MTA Construction and Development President Jamie Torres-Springer said. "Using lessons learned from Phase 1, we're excited to keep our momentum going and complete this contract better, faster, and cheaper than ever."
"This construction contract for Phase II of the Second Avenue Subway will bring us another big step closer to achieving transportation equity in New York; ensuring East Harlem has greater access to jobs, health care and other essential services, while reducing congestion and improving air quality," Sen. Charles Schumer said.
"I think it's going to do wonders"
"Any kind of city project, you're going to endure that kind of cost and expense and time. That's just the way things go around here," East Side resident Louis Rosuck said.
"The contractor has incredible incentives in this contract, and a lot of penalties, to make sure they stay on schedule, not just at the ned, but all the major milestones along the way," Lieber said.
The subway maps will change after the stops are added and the project is over. Some riders say it will make their lives easier.
"It will help me get to Harlem a lot easier, for sure," Astoria resident Joseph Griffith said. "I think it's going to do wonders."
"That's definitely a plus," East Side resident Robert Clemente said.
The entire extension project is expected to cost $7.7 billion.
For more information about Phase 2 of the proposed Second Avenue Subway extension, click here.