Back in 2018, the MTA announced their plan to move forward with plans regarding the Second Avenue Subway project, and, as the MTA advances onto Phase 2 of the project, renderings have been released.
The long-awaited extension will extend the Q line into East Harlem, one of the most transit-dependent neighborhoods in NYC, improving commutes for area residents by creating new stations on Second Avenue and 125th Street.
“As part of my administration’s efforts to advance transit equity across New York State, the Second Avenue Subway project will expand critical public transportation service to East Harlem, creating more opportunity for residents,” said Governor Hochul.
“We remain committed to keeping this long-envisioned project moving along swiftly for East Harlem, and I am proud to see it moving one step closer to reality,” she added.
The renderings show a new station on East 125th Street between Park Avenue and Lexington Avenue where straphangers will be able to catch the Q train as well as grab connections to the 4, 5, and 6 lines.
The station is proposed to have many windows, allowing for an abundance of natural light.
This phase will bring a long overdue subway line back to the neighborhood of East Harlem (which hasn’t had easy subway access since the Second Avenue El stopped service above 57th Street in 1940) by extending service north from 96th Street to 125th Street.
The service extension will create three new stations at 106th, 116th, and 125th streets, each with above-ground buildings that house ventilation, mechanical, and electrical equipment, as well as space for possible ground-floor retail and community uses.
In addition to improving mobility and reliability for commuters and residents of East Harlem, it will also reduce crowding along the 4, 5, and 6 lines on Lexington Avenue.
Benefits of the project include:
- Three new ADA-accessible stations at 106 St, 116 St, and 125 St
- Increased transit connectivity at the 125th Street station, with connections to the 4, 5, and 6, Metro-North trains, and M60 Select Bus Service to LaGuardia Airport
- A one-seat ride from East Harlem to the Upper East Side, West Midtown, and Coney Island
- Less crowding on the 4, 5, and 6 lines, as well as the 96 St Q and local bus service
- Shorter commute times (some passengers may save as much as 20 minutes)
MTA Construction and Development will be conducting an industry outreach event on Tuesday, July 11th to provide an overview of the project. Contractors and consultants interested in participating on the project are invited to attend.
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said, “Phase 2 of the Second Avenue Subway is an investment in transit equity and a truly life changing project. 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.”
Phase 2 is currently underway with teams advancing preliminary design and engineering. Learn more about the project here.
The news comes shortly after the MTA announced the opening of 36 more subway station bathrooms beginning this July.