News Summary
The MTA is poised to finalize a $1.9 billion contract to construct two new subway stations in Harlem, extending the Q line by 1.5 miles. The project aims to improve public transit for East Harlem residents and is part of a larger $6.9 billion initiative. Construction is expected to commence in 2024, with plans for advanced tunneling technology and a strong local hiring commitment.
New York City—The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is set to approve a $1.9 billion contract on Monday to support the tunneling and construction of two new subway stations in Harlem, as part of the ongoing extension of the Second Avenue subway. The project, which aims to extend the Q line by 1.5 miles north into Harlem, is anticipated to significantly enhance public transit options for residents of East Harlem, an area historically lacking adequate subway access.
The MTA’s decision will finalize the contract with Connect Plus Partners, a joint venture consisting of Halmar International and FCC Construction. This contract will focus on boring tunnels from 120th Street along Second Avenue to 125th Street and Malcolm X Boulevard, as well as retrofitting an existing 1970s-era tunnel between 110th and 120th Streets.
The approval to be formalized at a special MTA board meeting marks a significant milestone in a larger $6.9 billion project that includes constructing new stations at 106th, 116th, and 125th Streets. Introduced as vital for the community, the new subway service is projected to accommodate an estimated 110,000 daily riders and further link up to 300,000 passengers when combined with phase one of the subway extension.
Construction is expected to begin in 2024 with assistance from a $182 million contract awarded for utility relocation. Opened in 2017, phase one of the Second Avenue Subway extended the Q line from 63rd Street to include stops at 72nd, 86th, and 96th Streets.
The current phase of the project is geared towards connecting the Q line to a new set of stations that serve high-density neighborhoods and will ultimately link to the Metro-North Railroad. Engineering work commenced in 2022, and in 2023, a grant agreement with the Federal Transit Administration for $3.4 billion was secured to help finance the undertaking. The MTA plans to utilize congestion pricing toll revenue to cover further project costs.
As part of the construction efforts, advanced tunneling machines are expected to be ordered soon, with projected delivery by 2027. These machines will be equipped with technologies designed to enhance efficiency by allowing simultaneous digging and lining of tunnels. Environmental concerns associated with rising costs of building materials due to tariffs are being monitored by MTA officials to mitigate potential risks to the project budget.
Connect Plus Partners was selected for the contract not only for offering the lowest price but also for their strong project approach. Interestingly, the labor force will be reduced by 40% compared to phase one, facilitating an estimated $100 million in savings.
The subway expansion is particularly significant for East Harlem residents, who have waited over a century for adequate public transport options in their neighborhood. Government leaders have noted the importance of fulfilling the long-awaited promise of a subway connection, emphasizing the transformation it will bring to the community.
Construction for the new stations includes structuring frames for the 116th and 125th Street stations, while the 106th Street station is scheduled for a future contract planned for spring 2026. Additionally, the MTA has set a 20% local hiring goal for the project, with intentions to collaborate with local educational institutions such as the City College of New York.
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HERE Resources
Establishment of East 125th Street Business Improvement District
Additional Resources
- AMNY: Second Avenue Subway in East Harlem
- Wikipedia: Second Avenue Subway
- NY Daily News: MTA Board Vote on Second Avenue Subway
- Google Search: Second Avenue Subway East Harlem
- Crain’s New York: MTA Awards $1.9B Contract for Second Avenue Subway
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Subway (Transportation)
- Gothamist: East Harlem Families Facing Eviction
- Google News: Second Avenue Subway East Harlem
- 6sqft: MTA Proposes 684 Unit Development Above Subway
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
