New York City's Hudson Yards Subway Extension Project Completes Tunnel Boring

Strategic Insights -

The $2.1 billion city-funded infrastructure project has made significant progress, with the final tunnel boring machine breaking through the cavern wall, marking the completion of the tunnel mining for the extension of the Number 7 subway from Times Square to Hudson Yards. This project, managed by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), is the first subway expansion in decades, creating nearly 500 construction jobs. The completion of the tunnel is a crucial step in transforming the Hudson Yards vicinity into a vibrant 24-hour neighborhood, containing a mix of commercial, residential, retail, open space, and recreational uses. The project is expected to be completed at the end of 2013, and the new service is anticipated to open as scheduled in December 2013.

Key Takeaways:

  • The $2.1 billion city-funded infrastructure project is the first subway expansion in decades, creating nearly 500 construction jobs.
  • The tunnel boring machines, launched in June 2009, have mined more than 9,300 feet to reach the current point, with the last machine breaking through the cavern wall.
  • The subway extension will run under the 8th Avenue Subway, Amtrak/NJ TRANSIT tunnels, and the Lincoln Tunnel, presenting unique challenges for the construction process.
  • The project will introduce subway service to an emerging mixed-use community in Midtown West, fostering transit-oriented development in one of Manhattan's most underserved areas.
  • The City created two local development corporations, the Hudson Yards Infrastructure Corporation and the Hudson Yards Development Corporation, contributing $2.1 billion to the project and overseeing planning and development.
  • The master plan for the Hudson Yards includes 12 million square feet of commercial and residential development, featuring state-of-the-art sustainable design, 5,000 affordable and market-rate residences, and 3,000 room five-star-hotels, as well as multiple cultural facilities and open spaces.
  • Work will soon begin on station entrances and finishes, support facilities, and the transformation of the West Side Yards into a vibrant 24-hour neighborhood.
  • The project is a significant milestone in the revitalization of the West Side, with the Port Authority reporting a rejuvenation of the area over the past twenty years.
  • The extension of the 7-train will bring new residents, businesses, and visitors to the underutilized area, with plans to build a second subway station as part of the extension.

Statistics:

  • 9,300 feet: length of tunnel mining completed by the tunnel boring machines
  • $2.1 billion: city funding for the project
  • 500: number of construction jobs created
  • 12 million square feet: total development space in the Hudson Yards master plan
  • 5,000: number of affordable and market-rate residences planned
  • 3,000: number of room five-star hotels planned
  • 12 acres: total public open space planned
  • 2013: scheduled completion date for the project
  • 2013: scheduled opening date for the new subway service

Sources:

  • "New York City's Hudson Yards Subway Extension Project Completes Tunnel Boring Machine." Mayor's Office, June 23, 2009.
  • "7-Line Extension of MTA New York City Subway." Metropolitan Transportation Authority, 2013.
  • "Media Contact: Stu Loeser / Andrew Brent (Mayor) (212) 788-2958 Kevin Ortiz (MTA) (212) 878-7440." Mayor's Office, June 23, 2009.