By Philip Newman
Construction is scheduled to begin this month on the final project to extend the No. 7 subway to Manhattan’s far west side.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority said the $517 million final major contract was signed last month and awarded jointly to two construction companies, Skanska USA and RailWorks.
In the final major phase of construction, workers will lay tracks and install third rails and signals in newly completed tunnels.
The project also includes installing elevators and escalators along with electric power, lighting, plumbing, heating and air conditioning in a new station at 34th Street and 11th Avenue and the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. The extension is 1.5 miles and runs under 41st Street before turning south at 11th Avenue.
“This marks a major milestone as we continue to make progress on the construction of the No. 7 extension project,” said Dr. Michael Horodniceau, president of the MTA Capital Construction Co.
The $2.1 billion No. 7 extension, paid for by New York City, extends the line to the last major undeveloped part of Manhattan known as the Hudson Yards area, where a cluster of high-rise apartments have sprung up in recent years. It is scheduled to open in December 2013.
The No. 7 now connects Times Square in Manhattan with Flushing-Main Street in Queens. The line is known as the International Express because of the diverse communities it serves in Queens.
The extension of the No. 7 line is part of the Hudson Yards Redevelopment Project, which is intended to spur redevelopment and economic activity in the far west side of Midtown Manhattan as well as support the Javits Center.
The plan originally included a subway station at 10th Avenue and 41st Street, but it was canceled due to money limitations.
Reach contributing writer Philip Newman by e-mail at timesledgernews@cnglocal.com or phone at 718-260-4536.
