New York Gov. Kathy Hochul joined Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) leadership and project stakeholders to mark the groundbreaking of the tunnel boring machine (TBM) launch site and the start of major construction for Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 as STV advances multidisciplinary design for the expansion of New York City Transit’s (NYC Transit) Q Line to 125th Street in East Harlem.
STV, in joint venture with WSP, is delivering integrated, multidisciplinary design services across planning, architectural, civil, geotechnical, structural, mechanical, plumbing and fire protection, traction power and communications systems design, as well as systems integration services, supporting coordinated delivery across the program.
Phase 2 will add three ADA-accessible stations at 106th Street, 116th Street and 125th Street, along with connections to the 4, 5 and 6 subway lines, Metro-North and the M60 Select Bus Service. The expansion will enhance access to reliable transit options for East Harlem residents and strengthen connections across the broader transit network.
The TBM is expected to be lowered into the ground in 2027, beginning excavation of new tunnels from 120th Street and Second Avenue to 125th Street and Malcolm X Boulevard. State officials also announced the award of another major contract for the cut-and-cover excavation of the future 106th Street station, marking continued progress across multiple active components of Phase 2.
“This milestone represents an important step forward in delivering a project that will expand reliable transit access and strengthen connections across East Harlem,” said Peter Pappas, senior vice president and district manager at STV. “With progress now advancing in the field, we’re continuing to move this investment toward delivering lasting mobility improvements for the community.”
Current work includes advancing designs for stations and ancillary facilities, coordinating utility protection and relocation and developing construction phasing, maintenance and traffic management strategies, along with critical systems that will support future operations.
“Reaching this phase of construction marks the transition from years of planning into visible progress in the field,” said Tom McGuinness, engineering chief at STV. “It sets the stage for tunnel excavation and moves us closer to delivering the transit improvements East Harlem has long been waiting for.”
With major construction now underway, Phase 2 is moving closer to delivering shorter travel times, stronger regional connections and expanded, more reliable transit options for East Harlem.
