Representative Adriano Espaillat Statement on Phase II of the Second Avenue Subway
NEW YORK, N.Y. – Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) issued the following statement as phase 2 of the Second Avenue Subway advances to the next step:
“Throughout New York State and especially in New York City, our neighborhoods have for far too long found themselves caught between three cataclysmic forces: disinvestment, climate change and gentrification – with no tangible remedy in sight, until now,” said Rep. Espaillat.
“We worked tirelessly to secure funding for the Capital Investment Grants Program in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which will supercharge the engineering stage of the Second Avenue Subway extension which will provide much needed transit access in Manhattan to East Side residents, workers, and visitors to our region - and improve mobility for all New Yorkers.
“As New York City continues to rebuild while working towards economic recovery and addressing the inequalities faced by communities of color that were exacerbated during the pandemic, investing in transit equity improvements is a must. Certainly, the Second Avenue Subway extension will serve as a catalyst for improving the local economy and small business development while addressing these environmental and social issues. To witness this new phase of planning and design – which is expected to be followed by obtaining approval for funding and construction being kickstarted by monumental federal investment, is exciting and overdue for our community.
“Successfully expanding services and reliable transportation to this region will support the livelihood of over 100,000 East Harlem residents who currently experience barriers to job opportunities, educational advancement, and access to hospitals and medical care due to lack of public transportation – and will ultimately reshape the fabric of our neighborhoods along the way.”
Fast Facts to Know
* This phase of the project will extend train service from 96th St north to 125th St, approximately 1.5 miles.
* There will be new stations at 106th St and 116th St on Second Ave and 125th St at Park Ave.
* Phase 2 will provide direct passenger connections to the Lexington Avenue (4/5/6) subway line at 125th St and an entrance at Park Ave to allow convenient transfers to the Metro-North Railroad 125 St Station.
* Each station will have above-ground ancillary buildings that house ventilation mechanical, and electrical equipment. These will include space for possible ground-floor retail.
* Expansion will serve an additional 100,000 daily riders.
* Will provide three new ADA accessible stations - raising the bar for customer comfort and convenience.
* Increased multimodal transit connectivity at the 125th St station - with connections to the 4/5/6, Metro-North trains and the M60 Select Bus Service to LaGuardia Airport, allowing convenient transfers to other subway and commuter rail lines, facilitating smoother, faster transportation across the city and region.