MTA announces milestone in Second Avenue subway extension’s phase two

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has revealed its initial contractual move. The MTA has awarded CAC Industries, Inc. the responsibility of utility relocation to facilitate the extension of the Q train to 125th Street. Expected to commence in March, this utility relocation contract marks the first tangible step in a project anticipated to transform upper Manhattan.

Marc Roche, MTA Deputy Chief Development Officer and Project Executive, disclosed that the $180 million contract with CAC Industries primarily involves clearing underground utilities from 105th Street to 110th Street.

This preparatory phase is crucial before the commencement of major excavation work for the extension. The Second Avenue subway expansion is slated to include stops at 106th, 116th, and 125th streets, connecting the subway system further north from its current terminus at 96th Street.

The inception of the Second Avenue subway’s first phase in 2017 saw the Q train extension from 57th Street and Seventh Avenue to 96th Street, with added stations at 72nd Street and 86th Street. With the second phase targeted for completion between 2030 and 2039, the MTA aims to continue its transformative impact on upper Manhattan.

Phase Two of the project, projected to cost over $7 billion, received $3.5 billion in federal funding, leaving the state responsible for the remaining expenses. Congestion pricing is envisioned as a key funding source for this endeavor, contingent upon its timely rollout, expected to commence this spring. MTA officials emphasize that beyond constructing a subway line, the agency is actively contributing to the development and acceleration of growth in upper Manhattan.

Governor Kathy Hochul’s recent consideration of extending the Second Avenue subway to West Harlem via 125th Street, along with the addition of three new stops, has added another layer of future expansion.

However, potential delays loom, as lawsuits challenging congestion pricing navigate through the legal system. Despite these challenges, MTA officials express confidence in swift resolutions, underscoring the broader vision of not just building subways but fostering the development of entire communities.