A deep spiritual gesture marked a significant moment in the construction of a new MTA tunnel beneath Grand Central Terminal as a Catholic priest descended 55 feet underground on Monday. Reverend Brendan Fitzgerald, clad in his priestly robes and a union hoodie, offered prayers and blessings for the safe completion of the project aimed at alleviating overcrowding on the 7 train platform.
Reciting the Lord’s Prayer and pouring holy water into the depths below, Fitzgerald, also serving as the chaplain for Sandhogs Local 147, invoked divine guidance for the endeavor. This $115 million project, now halfway through, seeks to enhance the commuting experience for thousands of 7 train passengers who navigate the congested passages and escalators of Grand Central Terminal daily.
As the drilling commenced beneath the bustling streets of 42nd Street, Fitzgerald’s benediction marked the start of the tunneling phase. The sandhogs, seasoned workers renowned for their tunneling expertise, diligently embarked on the task of carving through bedrock to create a new walkway and entrance leading to the 7 train platform.
Kevin Asson, a veteran sandhog, wielded powerful drilling equipment amid the clamor of the construction site, preparing the bedrock for controlled explosions. Asson’s skill and experience, honed over 15 years in the profession, were evident as he meticulously drilled quarter-sized holes, laying the groundwork for the subsequent dynamite blasts.
Amid the cacophony of machinery and drilling, Richard Fitzsimmons, representing Sandhogs Local 147, reassured the gathering that the controlled explosions would be conducted with low-explosive dynamite, minimizing disturbance to the surrounding area.
With an eye towards completion by year-end, MTA officials anticipate the project’s positive impact on the bustling Grand Central Terminal, a hub accommodating millions of subway and commuter railroad passengers annually. Matthew Zettwoch, MTA’s vice president overseeing construction and development, outlined the improvements, including new staircases, escalators, enhanced lighting, and improved signage aimed at enhancing passenger flow and comfort.
While construction progresses, Zettwoch assured commuters that 7 train service would continue uninterrupted, with only occasional closures for platform maintenance and enhancements. The project represents a collaborative effort to improve the transit experience for millions, blending technical expertise with spiritual guidance to navigate the intricate tunnels beneath the heart of New York City.
