MTA awards $2 billion contract to expand subway into East Harlem

In New York City, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is advancing Phase 2 of the Second Avenue Subway expansion, which is projected to significantly improve public transportation access in East Harlem. This project, which was long anticipated by the local community, has been formalized with the approval of a contract worth approximately $2 billion aimed at extending Q train service from 96th Street to 125th Street. The expansion includes the construction of three new ADA-accessible subway stations at 106th Street, 116th Street, and 125th Street, where the Q line will connect with existing 4, 5, and 6 lines. The essential groundwork for the project benefits from a foundation established in the 1970s, utilizing a pre-existing route that was originally intended for a future station, which ultimately saves the MTA around $500 million in overall costs. Funding for this ambitious project is being partially derived from congestion pricing revenues and aims to generate approximately 70,000 jobs, with an emphasis placed on hiring about 20% of these workers from the local East Harlem population. Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized the historic nature of this development, highlighting that East Harlem has awaited a subway extension for almost a century. By providing better access to mass transit, the project aims to transform commuting experiences for over 100,000 daily riders, making East Harlem a more vibrant community. Preliminary work for the subway expansion is set to commence soon, with heavy construction projected to start in 2026 and tunnel boring scheduled for 2027. Among the challenges faced during construction, the MTA is learning from its previous endeavors in Phase 1 by proactively relocating utility lines along the streets prior to major construction. However, with this expansion, some displaced residents and businesses will be required to vacate their properties due to eminent domain, a measure necessary for installing the new infrastructure and stations. In East Harlem, affected individuals include business owners such as Cheikh Diop, who operates Touba Africa Store. He was informed over a year ago about the MTA's intent to acquire his property, with formal notices requiring him to leave within a 90-day period. Despite the upheaval this process entails, Diop expressed a willingness to relocate since he also relies on the public transportation benefits that the new subway extension will provide. MTA officials have stated they estimate the construction will involve approximately 33 units that will be forcefully vacated as part of this significant transportation initiative. Restoration or construction efforts aim for operational service to be available in East Harlem by the year 2032.