This is what building NYC’s new subway stations looks like

By Elizabeth Pierson From Mashable

Manhattan’s east side is a notorious subway desert.

But come December 2016, eastsiders will rejoice because phase one of the Second Avenue Subway is slated to finally be complete.

“The $4.45 billion project is 82% complete,” Dr. Michael Horodniceanu, president of Capital Construction at Metropolitan Transportation Authority, said, as he walked photographer Bhushan Mondkar along the newly installed train tracks.

“The remaining 18% is the toughest –- testing a multitude of new systems, such as signals, communication, electrical, fire safety to work together, and integrating them with the existing infrastructure is the biggest challenge — but we are confident the project will open on time.”

Phase one will add three new stations at 72nd, 86th and 96th streets, and the existing station at 63rd and Lexington Avenue is also getting a makeover. Once opened, the Q train will be rerouted along this line.

Arrangements have also been made to incorporate a new “T line” in the future, which is planned to run from 125th street down Second Avenue to Hannover Square in the Financial District.

Subway01
Looking down into the platform level from the mezzanine at the 72nd street station.

IMAGE: BHUSHAN MONDKAR
Subway02
Expansion of the existing station at 63rd Street and Lexington Avenue.

IMAGE: BHUSHAN MONDKAR
Subway03
Tunnel between the 72nd and 86th street stations.

IMAGE: BHUSHAN MONDKAR
Subway04
The ramp on the right will eventually carry the ‘T line’ when the Second Avenue subway extends into the third and fourth phase.

IMAGE: BHUSHAN MONDKAR
Subway05
Shadows cast down on the tunnels that will house escalators carrying passengers down to the mezzanine level.

IMAGE: BHUSHAN MONDKAR
Subway06
One of the entrances leading passengers from the street level to the mezzanine level.

IMAGE: BHUSHAN MONDKAR
Subway07
Escalators will carry passengers from the mezzanine to the platform level.

IMAGE: BHUSHAN MONDKAR
Subway08
North end of the 72nd Street station heading into the tunnels.

IMAGE: BHUSHAN MONDKAR
Subway09
Newly installed tracks along the tunnels between 63rd and 72nd street stations.

IMAGE: BHUSHAN MONDKAR
Subway10
Column-free spaces at the platform level.

IMAGE: BHUSHAN MONDKAR
Subway11
Communication room with the CBTC system.

IMAGE: BHUSHAN MONDKAR
Subway12
The inside of a tunnel amid construction.

IMAGE: BHUSHAN MONDKAR
Subway13
The massive tunnel slopes from the street level to the mezzanine level and will house three escalators.

IMAGE: BHUSHAN MONDKAR

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