Blasting complete on New York subway extension

Excavation work is now complete on a $4.45 billion extension of New York’s Q Line.

‘Sandhogs’ carried out the final blast on November 18 which will serve as an escalator entrance on the north side of 86th Street and 2nd Avenue.

New York’s transport authority MTA has said the Skanska/Traylor joint venture leading the construction is continuing to line and waterproof the new caverns, which will form the ‘largest expansion of the subway system in generations’.

Completion of blasting works marks the delivery of the third of 10 contracts being carried out for Phase 1 of the Second Avenue Subway project, which is set to open in 2016.

Michael Horodniceanu, president of MTA Capital Construction, said: “This is a significant milestone, and one which I am sure will be welcomed by all of our Second Avenue community neighbors.

“We are committed to continuing the progress on this project, which will be an enormous benefit to the entire community.”

A Schiavone/Picone joint venture will soon begin the finishes contract which will include the mezzanine, platforms, entrances and E&M installation.