The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (NYMTA) has awarded a $1.972 billion contract to Connect Plus Partners—a joint venture of Halmar International and FCC Construction—to deliver tunnel-boring works for Phase 2 of the Second Avenue Subway.
The extension will carry the Q train from 96th Street to 125th Street, providing long-awaited transit access to East Harlem. The project is expected to support over 70,000 jobs, including union-wage construction roles, with a 20% local hiring target aimed at creating hundreds of opportunities for East Harlem residents.
Scope of Work
The contract covers the construction of a new tunnel alignment between 116th Street and 125th Street. Crews will also excavate space for the future 125th Street Station and adapt an existing 1970s-built tunnel section to accommodate the future 116th Street Station, a measure projected to save the MTA $500 million.
Early works are scheduled to begin later this year, with major civil construction set for early 2026. Tunnel boring operations are expected to start in 2027.
Delivering Long-Promised Transit
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber described the project as a long-overdue milestone:
“Locals have waited almost 100 years for their promised subway extension. Thanks to investments from Governor Hochul and our partners in Washington, the MTA is moving forward with the largest tunnelling contract in agency history—at the lowest cost per rider of any heavy rail project in America.”
This contract is the second of four packages required to deliver Phase 2. Despite New York’s reputation for high construction costs, the project’s cost-benefit analysis forecasts the lowest cost per rider of any major U.S. heavy rail scheme. The overall budget for Phase 2 is $6.99 billion, partially supported by funding from the Congestion Relief Zone tolling program.
Federal Support and Regional Impact
Federal leaders have championed the project as a cornerstone for equitable transit investment.
Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY), who secured $3.4 billion in federal funding, emphasized its role in transportation equity:
“Phase II of the Second Avenue Subway will give East Harlem better access to jobs, healthcare, and essential services, while reducing congestion and improving air quality. When complete, more than 300,000 riders will benefit daily.”
Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) added:
“The awarding of this contract marks a major milestone in extending the line north into Harlem, improving connectivity and reducing commuting times across the city.”
Project Highlights
Length: 1.5 miles, extending Q service from 96th Street to 125th Street, then west to Park Avenue
Connections: Direct link to the existing 125th Street (Lexington Avenue Line), plus transfers to the Metro-North Railroad’s Harlem–125th Street Station and access to the M60 SBS to LaGuardia Airport
Stations: Future 116th Street Station, new 125th Street Station with multiple entrances, including Park Avenue access
The Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 represents one of New York’s most significant infrastructure undertakings, promising transformative connectivity for Harlem and the wider city. For further information please visit the tnnelbuilder archive. 25/25.
