The MTA has advanced Phase 2 of the $7 billion Second Avenue Subway extension by kicking off the process for Contract Four, the final major construction contract. The agency will therefore choose a contractor by mid-2027 and work is expected to start later that year. The Second Avenue Subway extension will extend Q train service 1.5 miles north from 96th Street to 125th Street in East Harlem. Three new ADA-accessible stations at 106th, 116th and 125th streets will finally link neighborhoods that have been waiting almost 100 years for subway service.
The project is one of New York City’s most anticipated infrastructure projects. In particular, Contract Four is the biggest of four major construction contracts and will be responsible for station interiors, elevators, tracks, signals, lighting and communications systems. Thus, the final contract is the final phase to complete all three stations for passenger service.
Other bolder rail projects taking shape include the $30bn+ Denver West Express rail project that would operate on five major stations on the line: DIA, Mineral Station (Littleton), Bailey, Frisco and Avon. In particular, travelers would have direct access to Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper Mountain, Vail and Beaver Creek without having to deal with the parking lot traffic on I-70. The Denver West Express train is a lower-emission form of transit that helps solve issues of congestion in the region, so the train is viewed as a positive for the environment.
Second Avenue Subway Extension Progresses through Multiple Parallel Contracts
Three initial contracts are already underway on the $7 billion Second Avenue Subway extension project. In particular, Contract 1 is about relocating utilities, and is about 60% complete, with work expected to be completed by summer 2027. Contract 2 includes the excavation of tunnels and the launch of the tunnelling machines, and work has already begun on the station entrance at 125th Street. In addition, Contract 3 is for the construction of the structural shell and entrances at the 106th Street station, which is scheduled to be completed in late 2030. The parallel contract approach speeds up the overall project delivery and helps to control the huge scope. Also, the heavy tunnelling is anticipated to be completed by 2027-2030 when the underground station shells are being formed.
Second Avenue Subway Extension Delivers Transit Equity and Community Benefits
The $7 billion Second Avenue Subway extension aims to hire 20% of its workforce from East Harlem residents, providing long-awaited transit equity to a community where 70% of residents use public transit. In addition, the 125th Street stop will link riders to the 4/5/6 trains, Metro-North and the M60 bus to LaGuardia. In particular, commute times are projected to be reduced by up to 20 minutes after the extension opens, relieving congestion on the Lexington Avenue lines. The MTA now projects that the project will be finished in the fall of 2032.
Project Overview
- Project Name: Second Avenue Subway Extension (Phase 2)
- Project Value: $7 Billion
- Location: East Harlem, Manhattan, New York City
- Client: Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)
- Status: Contract Four award process underway, mid-2027 contractor selection targeted
Scope
- 1.5-mile Q train extension from 96th to 125th Street
- Three new ADA-accessible stations (106th, 116th, 125th Streets)
- Tunnel boring and excavation
- Station structural shells and entrances
- Station interiors, systems, and infrastructure
- Utility relocation and coordination
Project Highlights
- Serves neighborhood waiting nearly 100 years for service
- 125th Street connects to 4/5/6 trains, Metro-North, LaGuardia bus
- Up to 20-minute commute time reductions
- Also 20% local hiring goal for East Harlem residents
- Eases crowding on Lexington Avenue lines
Key Developments
- Contract Four process launched September 2026
- Contract 1 (utilities): 60% complete, ending summer 2027
- Contract 2 (tunnels): Tunneling machine launch preparation, 125th St excavation underway
- Contract 3 (106th St station): Completion targeted late 2030
- Also contractor selection for Contract Four mid-2027
Key Challenges
- Complex utility relocation across densely developed area
- Tunnel boring machine operation in urban environment
- Multiple parallel contracts coordination
- Also managing construction impacts on East Harlem neighborhoods
- Meeting fall 2032 completion target
Outlook
- MTA to award Contract Four mid-2027
- Contract Four work also beginning late 2027
- Heavy tunneling completion 2027–2030
- Also Fall 2032 target opening for full Q train extension
- 70% East Harlem transit-dependent population benefits
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