MTA Issues RFQ for Final Phase 2
Second Avenue Subway Contract
NEW YORK—The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is advancing the fourth and final construction contract for Phase 2 of the Second Avenue Subway with the release of Request for Qualifications (RFQ).
The MTA plans to issue a Request for Proposals to qualified contractors by the end of the year and anticipates selecting a contractor in mid-2027. Contract Four is the largest contract of the Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 project and includes the construction of station infrastructure, tracks, and signals for the subway expansion. Work on Contract Four will begin in 2027, according to the announcement on Sept. 14.
With the first three contracts progressing concurrently, the project budgeted at $6.968 billion is expected to be fully completed by the fall of 2032. This project is made possible by congestion relief revenue and $3.4 billion in federal funding. Upon completion of Phase 2, Q service will run north from 96 St. to 125 St. and Lexington Avenue, an extension of approximately 1.5 miles with three new stations at 106 St., 116 St., and 125 St.
In addition to providing the full systems fit-out for the three fully accessible stations at 106 St., 116 St., and 125 St. and connecting tunnel segments, this fourth contract includes work to connect the new 125 St. Station to the existing 125 St. 4, 5, 6 station, and an entrance at Park Ave, one block over, enabling convenient transfers to Metro-North’s Harlem-125 St. Station and M60 Select Bus Service with service to LaGuardia Airport.
The first contract, awarded in January 2024, covers utility relocation work at the future 106 St. Station. The project is currently about 60% complete and is expected to be finished by summer 2027. The second contract, awarded in September 2025, includes construction of two tunnels, rehabilitation of existing tunnels, construction of the new 116 St. Station box, seven shafts for future ancillary buildings and station entrances, and the structural shells for the 116 St. and 125 St. stations. Final design is more than 50% complete. The tunnel boring machine (TBM) is currently under construction, and crews are preparing the TBM launch site for excavation. Excavation of the 125 St. entrance shaft has also begun. The contract is forecast to reach substantial completion in September 2029.
The third contract, awarded in April 2026, includes excavation and construction of the 106 St structural shell, tunnel connections, ancillary buildings and station entrances, as well as utility work. The contract is expected to reach substantial completion in the third quarter of 2030.
Published: September 16, 2026.