The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has awarded the first construction contract for Phase 2 of the Second Avenue Subway extension project in the US.  

Awarded to C.A.C. Industries, the contract is worth $182m and aims to provide subway services to East Harlem residents within New York City. 

It involves the relocation of underground utilities on Second Avenue between 105 Street and 110 Street to make way for cut-and-cover construction of the future 106 Street Station.  

The contract is the first of four that will see the 'Q' train extend from 96 Street to 125 Street and then west on 125 Street to Park Avenue, covering approximately 1.5 miles in total. 

Funding for this infrastructure project is bolstered by revenue from congestion pricing, contributing $15bn to the MTA's current capital programme.  

The contract will also include temporary streetscape changes such as new bike lanes and building remediation, to better accommodate construction activities.  

The extension will add two new stations at 106 Street and 116 Street on Second Avenue and create a direct connection to the Lexington Avenue line at 125 Street.   

MTA Construction and Development president Jamie Torres-Springer said: “The MTA is implementing valuable lessons learned from past projects into Phase 2 of the Second Avenue Subway, and this contract reflects our new approach by proactively relocating utilities upfront.  

“Improving this process will help deliver this project more efficiently and provide residents of East Harlem with increased transportation options better, faster, and cheaper than before.” 

The project's Phase 1 marked the extended Q line from 63 Street to 96 Street along with additional stations at 72 Street and 86 Street. 

Since completion, the Second Avenue Subway has served more than 130 million passengers.