Second Avenue Subway extension receives first construction contact
The first construction contract for the Second Avenue Subway extension in Harlem, New York, from 96 St. to 125 St. has been awarded by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to C.A.C. Industries, Inc. C.A.C is a family-owned heavy civil contractor in New York City that specializes in infrastructure projects.
The first phase of the Second Avenue Subway extension Phase 2 project, which will provide subway service to East Harlem residents, is the recipient of the initial $182 million grant.
“We’re moving full speed ahead to extend the Second Avenue Subway to East Harlem, expanding transit access for thousands of New Yorkers,” said New York Governor Kathy Hochul. “This critical milestone will put shovels in the ground for the next phase of this transformative project. East Harlem has dreamed of transit access for decades, and we’re committed to getting the job done.”
This is the first of four construction contracts for the new route, which will build three new ADA-accessible stations for the East Harlem community and expand the Q train from 96 St. to 125 St., serving over 100,000 average daily users. To make it easier for the station’s later cut-and-cover construction, the contract will move underground utilities from 105 St. to 110 St. on Second Avenue near the location of the future 106 St. Station.
According to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, one important lesson from Phase 1 of the Second Avenue Subway extension is to move utilities ahead of station and tunnel construction. This will cut down on needless expenses and delays for Phase 2 of the project. In addition, the first contract will cover streetscape modifications in advance of future contracts for the new subway station at 106 St. and new bike lanes for the affected ones due to the Second Avenue construction. These temporary streetscape modifications will be necessary during construction.
“Phase 2 of the Second Avenue Subway will change lives and expand opportunities by bringing transit equity to the East Harlem community who have waited decades for this,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “The expansion of the Second Avenue Subway will get more than 100,000 daily riders to jobs, education and recreation not only in the city, but throughout the region.”
“The MTA is implementing valuable lessons learned from past projects into Phase 2 of the Second Avenue Subway and this contract reflects our new approach by proactively relocating utilities upfront. Improving this process will help deliver this project more efficiently and provide residents of East Harlem with increased transportation options better, faster and cheaper than before,” said MTA Construction and Development President Jamie Torres-Springer.
To provide prospective riders an early look at the possible station exterior and interior designs, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority also presented fresh conceptual renderings of the proposed stops for the Second Avenue Subway extension in July.