The following projects outline a few of the latest construction undertakings in New York State:
Cider Solar Farm: Powering the Future
New York’s largest solar farm, the $1 billion Cider Solar Farm, is now fully funded with support from Amalgamated Bank and Greenbacker Renewable Energy. Construction began in November 2024, and it’s expected to begin delivering clean power by late 2026. Once operational, it will generate enough electricity to supply over 120,000 homes, and even feed into the upgraded Meyer Substation for effective energy distribution. The project will also inject approximately $100 million in tax revenues into local communities across its 3,000-acre site in Genesee County.
Meyer Substation Modernization in Dansville
Over in Dansville, NYSEG, under Avangrid, is investing $122 million to modernize the aging Meyer Substation, strengthening the grid during a time of increasing reliability challenges. The initiative has two phases: the first (2025–2026) replaces outdated transformers and installing modern breakers. Phase Two (2027–2029) expands capacity with new transformers and repurposing existing equipment. This upgrade plays a critical role in accommodating renewable integration, including the aforementioned Cider Solar output, and improving reliability for 20,000 regional customers.
The Riverie: Brooklyn’s Sustainable Waterfront Living
Lendlease is reshaping Greenpoint’s skyline with The Riverie, an 834-unit residential complex spanning a full city block along the East River. Featuring two towers of up to 37 stories, the project will open its doors this October. It stands out for its environmental innovation: the largest geothermal residential system in New York, with 320 boreholes, reducing heating and cooling emissions by 53% compared to conventional buildings. The Riverie blends luxury and connectivity with 130,000 sq ft of curated amenities, including coworking spaces, a rooftop pool, creative studios, and a public esplanade dubbed Riverie Park connected to the ferry service.
Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge: Structural Lifeline Preservation
Skanska has secured a $249 million contract from the MTA to install a main cable dehumidification system on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, one of the nation’s most important span crossings between Staten Island and Brooklyn. The project includes designing and installing dry-air systems to maintain humidity below 50%, plus acoustic monitoring, upgraded electrical/communication systems, and critical component replacements, all set for completion by Q3 2029. The approach mirrors successful implementations on the George Washington Bridge and Japan’s Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, enhancing resilience while reducing lifecycle emissions and maintenance impacts.
Second Avenue Subway Phase 2: Extending Transit Access
The MTA awarded a $1.97 billion tunnel-boring contract to Connect Plus Partners for Phase 2 of the Second Avenue Subway. This is the largest tunneling contract in MTA history and covers subterranean work between 116th and 125th Streets plus preparations for three new stations at 106th, 116th, and 125th Streets. Furthermore, utilizing massive 750-ton TBMs, tunneling will begin in 2027 with full service expected by September 2032 at a total project cost of $6.99 billion. The expansion will serve an additional 110,000 daily riders, reduce commute times by up to 20 minutes, and create over 70,000 jobs, with 20% locally hired.
