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The project will restore a subway line to East Harlem by extending the Q Line north (Render Courtesy of Cowi)
The design-build contract, worth $1.97 billion, was awarded to the Connect Plus Partners joint venture, comprising Halmar International and FCC Construction, with Cowi reporting to this group. The project involves constructing 1.5 miles of twin tunnels and station shells at 116th and 125th Streets. To optimize costs, an existing tunnel segment from the 1970s will be reused. The project also includes above-ground facilities for ventilation, mechanical, and electrical systems, with potential for retail and community spaces at ground level.
Thomas Dahlgren, Cowi North America executive vice president, stated: “Phase 2 of the Second Avenue Subway is one of the most significant infrastructure projects in the country. By extending service north to 125th Street, MTA is restoring rapid transit to East Harlem for the first time in more than 80 years, reducing crowding on the current subway line under Lexington Avenue, and improving daily mobility for more than 100,000 riders. This is a technically complex job in one of the world’s most challenging underground environments.”
Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2026, with tunnel boring operations starting in 2027. The project is expected to be completed by 2030. The extension will enhance connectivity in East Harlem, supporting economic activity and improving quality of life for residents through better access to public transportation. The initiative aligns with efforts to modernize New York City’s transit infrastructure while addressing urban mobility needs in a densely populated area.
