en.Wedoany.com Reported - A joint venture of Skanska, Traylor Bros. Inc., and Walsh Construction has been awarded a $1 billion design-build contract by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) for key work on the Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 extension. The contract, which moved forward after federal funding was restored earlier this year, involves construction of the East Harlem extension.
The contract primarily covers excavation, tunneling, and construction of the structural shell for the future 106th Street station, and is part of the overall $7.7 billion project. The project aims to extend Manhattan's Q line north from 96th Street to 125th Street and Lexington Avenue. The award was announced on June 1 and is the third of four major contracts covering the Phase 2 extension.
Previously, utility relocation near the future 106th Street station was carried out under Contract 1; a separately awarded $1.97 billion tunnel package last year covered twin running tunnels between 116th and 125th Streets, conversion of a 1970s tunnel segment into the future 116th Street station box, and excavation of the 125th Street station cavern. A fourth contract covering station finishes, track, signals, power, communications, and other track systems is still in design.
The phased procurement strategy reflects the MTA's broader efforts to reduce costs and construction risks. According to Engineering News-Record (ENR), after Phase 1 drew scrutiny over costs and complexity, the agency adopted a design-build delivery method, relocated utilities before major excavation, and reused tunnel segments built in the 1970s. The contract came from a competitive design-build procurement, including proposals from teams led by IPC2 Partners and SAS Constructors. MTA procurement documents list Mott MacDonald as the lead designer for the Skanska-Walsh-Traylor team.
In addition to the station shell, the team's scope includes structural connections to existing tunnels, excavation support, earthwork, traffic maintenance decking, construction of above-ground and below-ground station entrance structures, and utility support and reconstruction. Michael Viggiano, executive vice president of Skanska USA Civil, said in a statement the company is proud to be selected for Phase 2, believing it will significantly improve mobility for New Yorkers by connecting the Q line to East Harlem and Harlem, and continue the success of Phase 1. Chris Hebert, vice president of Traylor Bros. Inc., said the award continues the company's work on the Second Avenue Subway, having previously worked on the 86th Street cavern during Phase 1. He said such projects require deep underground engineering expertise and strong coordination, and emphasized continued collaboration with Skanska.
Skanska previously participated in the Second Avenue Subway Phase 1 through a joint venture with J.F. Shea Construction and Schiavone Construction. Phase 2 will extend the Q line approximately 1.8 miles into East Harlem, with new stations at 106th, 116th, and 125th Streets. The 125th Street station will provide transfers to the 4, 5, and 6 subway lines and Metro-North Railroad service.
The award follows months of uncertainty over federal involvement in the project. In April, ENR reported that the U.S. Department of Transportation restored Phase 2 funding after the MTA filed a lawsuit over suspended reimbursements under the project's Full Funding Grant Agreement. MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said at the time that after the federal government reversed its position, the agency would continue awarding contracts and mobilizing contractors.
According to procurement documents and Skanska, construction under the new award package is expected to be substantially complete by August 2030 within a 50-month contract period. This milestone applies to the contract package, while the MTA's overall Phase 2 project remains scheduled to enter passenger service in September 2032. An MTA spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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