In a long-awaited step, East Harlem residents moved closer to having subway access Wednesday, when the MTA announced it was soliciting the very first contract for a continuation of the Second Ave. Subway.
The second phase of the long-delayed effort to put more subway tracks under the East Side will connect the eastern section of Harlem to the Q train at 96th St. and Second Ave. This will add service at E. 106th, E. 116th and 125th Sts.
“Phase 2 of the Second Ave. Subway is an investment in transit equity and a truly life-changing project,” MTA Chairman Janno Lieber said in a released statement. “The East Harlem community has waited decades for it, and this expansion will serve over 100,000 riders daily, connecting Harlemites to jobs, education and opportunity throughout the region.”
Since 1940, East Harlem has been without train service, as that was the year when the now-demolished Second Ave. elevated line ceased service north of 59th St.
An MTA spokesman said Wednesday there is no estimate for when the Harlem extension will be completed, though an MTA fact sheet from 2018 said construction would take around nine years. The Second Ave. Subway extension will include new stations at E. 106th St. and E. 116th St.. The track will turn west to link with the existing 4, 5, 6 stations at E. 125th St. and Lexington Ave as well.
The contract announced Wednesday seeks a firm to relocate utilities from 104th St. to 112th St., in order to facilitate construction of the station at 106th St. The contract is expected to be awarded in the fall, with work beginning before 2024, with main priorities being the relocation of traffic lights, storm drains, electric, gas and telephone lines, according to MTA documentation.
