Subway Construction Updates

Traffic pattern shifts between East 91st and 100th streets By [Reid Spagna] Sam Schwartz Engineering recently released a construction schedule, which outlines work to be completed on the Second Avenue Subway through July 19. Through that period, the majority of the construction will take place between East 91st and 100th streets. A bus stop will be constructed on the western side of Second Avenue at East 99th Street. The blocks from East 96th to 100th streets will be excavated to add new electrical manholes and service boxes on the avenue"s west side. Workers will start building the façade on 1823 Second Ave., and will conduct exploratory borings on East 93rd Street. Finally, tunnel boring will continue south between East 91st and 92nd streets. Workers will also make underground additions in this area. A 12-inch gas tie will be placed on East 99th Street, and soil grouting will occur in front of 1873 Second Ave. On the avenue"s east side, gas and water crossings will be installed and mains will be built from East 95th through 97th streets. Due to construction between East 91st to 100th streets, there will be several street closures. Effective June 28, utility work at the intersection of 96th Street and Second Avenue will eliminate the left westbound turn lane on 96th Street. As a result, all traffic will be diverted to East 97th Street. Exit 14 of the FDR Drive on East 96th Street will be moved north of its current location to produce a better traffic flow, resulting in the closure of the entrance to the FDR on East 102nd Street. In addition, East 95th Street may be closed from First to Third avenues due to impending sewer work. Also, a maintenance and protection of traffic (MPT) zone has been established from East 84th to 86th streets, keeping traffic on one side of the avenue and enabling construction to continue in the area. Between East 86th and 87th streets, workers are installing a 30-inch gas main that will connect to a gas pipe running from East 82nd to 84th streets. Due to the additions of new water units across Second Avenue, the work zone will be shifted to the north side of East 83rd Street around July 15. There are several minor developments taking place south of East 79th Street, including the building of a manhole between East 78th and 79th streets. Farther down, workers are lining the subway tunnel"s shaft walls with concrete between East 72nd and 73rd streets. Currently, East 70th through 72nd streets are being used as staging zones for construction further south; this includes the drilling and blasting of a shaft between East 69th and 70th streets, which will be lined with concrete soon after. Construction work on the Second Avenue subway is scheduled from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays. Residents can contact Claudia Wilson at 212-792-9716 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, or the Second Avenue subway hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 646-252-2670.