NYC's 7 Subway Line Extension awarded project of the year
17 May 2013The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has announced that the USD 1.1bn Running Tunnels and Underground Structures contract, the first portion of the USD 2.1bn 7 Line Extension Project will be awarded the 2013 construction project of the year by the New York State Society of Professional Engineers. It was completed five months ahead of schedule and under budget, MTA stated.
The 7 Subway Line Extension will provide transit access to the West Side of Manhattan, including the Jacob Javits Convention Center, by extending the line westward from its current terminus at Times Square to a new station being constructed at 34th Street and Eleventh Avenue. It will help to stimulate economic growth and continuing development of the area, MTA said. The Hudson Yards Development Corporation is overseeing the programme.
The 7 Line Project is to receive this award for outstanding professional engineering efforts in developing creative solutions and innovative technologies in construction of an infrastructure project. The project used the first double-shielded TBMs tunnel under New York City while placing precast concrete segments to form the tunnels' walls. For the first time in the city, a ground freezing method was used to harden soil to act as rock which allowed the TBMs to maintain proper course while boring and placing the tunnel liners.
"This is a significant award for the 7 Line Extension Project," said Dr Michael Horodniceanu, president of MTA Capital Construction. "It recognises the aptitude of our contractors and construction management team in the face of complex challenges."
The 7 Line Extension is being built by a JV of Skanska/Shea/Schiavone known as S3. The 7 Line Extension is scheduled to open in June next year.
