Ready to start construction is what a mile and a half subway tunnel looks like in what is the second expansion phase of the Q line and which in the future would also form part of the new T line.
Governor Kathy Hochul and Congressman Adriano Espalliat toured the tunnel supervising the engineering infrastructure, this after the arrival of nearly $ 25 billion for investments in public transportation by the federal government.
“We are very anxious and pushing the administration for the construction of 3 new subway stations,” said Governor Hochul.
The new section would connect 96th Street with 125th Street, which would benefit users of El Barrio who say that transportation in the area is complicated.
“Yes, because sometimes the bus is full here, because those who live here have to take the bus and it is very full, because sometimes I take the bus,” explained a neighbor.
Between phase one and phase two, nearly 300 thousand users would benefit.
And it is that at the beginning of 2017 the section of phase 1 that joined the street 63 to the 96 was inaugurated.
Ultimately, 8.5 miles of the T train line that would link East Harlem to Lower Manhattan, running on Second Avenue, is expected to be built.
“Better than if they put the train that they are going to put here on the Second, it would be much better for everyone,” said another neighbor.
Businesses near 116th Street, one of the 3 places where there would be new stations on the line, are looking forward to the completion of the work because they say they would increase sales.
“Because I have clients who come from abroad or even from other countries and it is difficult for them because there is no transport to leave them,” explained the owner of a store.
The new stations of the second phase would be on 106, 116 and 125 streets and would have access for people with mobility problems.
Congressman Espaillat posted a message on social media about the event with the governor.
“Phase 1 of the 2nd Avenue Subway transformed our communities, and now Phase 2 is on the way,” Espaillat wrote.
“Proud to tour the facility today with Governor @GovKathyHochul, (Congresswoman) @RepMaloney and other local officials to see how the newly passed infrastructure bill will advance this project,” the message continues.
Phase 1 of the 2nd Avenue Subway transformed our communities — and now Phase 2 is on the way.
Proud to tour the facility today with @GovKathyHochul, @RepMaloney, and other local officials to see how the just-passed infrastructure bill will jumpstart this project. pic.twitter.com/g87hnmH89K
– Adriano Espaillat (@RepEspaillat) November 23, 2021
Another who was also on the tunnel tour was state senator José Serrano, who also posted a message on social media.
“The long-awaited expansion of 2nd Ave. Subway will improve the lives of thousands of #EastHarlem residents,” Serrano wrote.
“Today I joined Governor @GovKathyHochul @RepEspaillat @RepMaloney and others for a tour of the site as we seek to begin the next phase of this project and ensure fair transportation in New York,” the message continues.
The long-awaited 2nd Ave. Subway expansion will improve the lives of thousands #EastHarlem residents. Today I joined @GovKathyHochul @RepEspaillat @RepMaloney & others for a tour of the site as we look to begin the next phase of this project & ensure transportation equity in NYC. pic.twitter.com/pbeFDIOWVZ
— Senator Jose M. Serrano (@SenatorSerrano) November 24, 2021
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