2nd Avenue and East side Access to go ahead in New York

In the US, a US$2.9bn bond to finance transportation projects in New York State has been approved by voters, leaving the way clear for works on the Second Avenue subway and the East Side Access schemes. T&TI was told final design would be underway from December for the Second Avenue project, with the bored TBM contracts out to tender within two to three months.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will get half the money and has committed to building the first segment of the Second Avenue subway. The MTA will use $450M of the monies for the project and a similar amount for the link between the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Grand Central Station.

The balance of the funds will go to the State Department of Transportation, mainly for highway repairs and upgrades.