MTA advances $7.7 billion East Harlem subway tunnel project with $186 million oversight contract

(UI) — Plans to expand subway service into East Harlem reached a milestone this week as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) approved a major contract to help manage the next phase of construction, according to CBS News New York.

At its March 26 board meeting, the MTA authorized a $186.6 million agreement with a joint venture of AECOM and HNTB. The firms will serve as project management consultants for the long-anticipated Phase 2 of the Second Avenue subway extension. The extension aims to push service beyond the Q line’s current northern endpoint at 96th Street and connect it to new stations up to 125th Street.

MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber explained the need for external expertise to handle the complexities involved.

“This is a highly technical effort, especially when it comes to tasks like tunnel boring and system integration—skills we don’t necessarily have in-house on a daily basis,” Lieber told CBS News New York.

To ensure accountability, the contract includes financial provisions that could reduce consultant payments by up to $4 million if project timelines aren’t met.

With an estimated price tag of $7.7 billion, Phase 2 stands as one of the most expensive subway expansions per mile in New York history. Part of its funding is expected to come from the city’s upcoming congestion pricing initiative, though no firm timeline for completion has been announced.

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