One of NYC’s most long-awaited advancements is getting closer to reality!
The MTA just reached another major milestone in its effort to bring Q train service farther north into East Harlem, advancing the fourth and final construction contract for Phase 2 of the project. Once complete, the extension will add three new stations at 106th, 116th, and 125th streets, finally bringing subway service to parts of East Harlem that have been waiting nearly a century for the connection.
And while New Yorkers will still have to wait a few more years for the full extension—the MTA currently expects the project to be completed in fall 2032—the latest development means the massive project is continuing to move forward.
From faster commutes to new connections with Metro-North and LaGuardia-bound service, here’s what the latest Second Avenue Subway update means for NYC riders—and when you can expect those long-awaited stations to open.
Phase 2 will extend the Q train from 96th Street to 125th Street, bringing three new ADA-accessible stations to East Harlem at 106th, 116th and 125th streets.
The 125th Street stop will also connect riders to the 4/5/6 trains, Metro-North and the M60 bus to LaGuardia. Once complete, the extension is expected to cut some commutes by up to 20 minutes and ease crowding on the Lexington Avenue lines.
The MTA has now kicked off the process for Contract Four, the final major construction contract for Phase 2, which will bring the new stations and subway infrastructure to life. The agency plans to choose a contractor by mid-2027, with work expected to begin later that year.
But there’s no waiting around in the meantime. The first three contracts are already underway, each tackling a different piece of the massive project:
Contract 1 — Moving the utilities: About 60% complete, with work expected to wrap up by summer 2027. 🔧
Contract 2 — Digging the tunnels: Crews are preparing to launch the Tunnel Boring Machine and have already started excavating the future 125th Street station entrance. This work is expected to finish in fall 2029. 🚇
Contract 3 — Building the 106th Street station: This includes digging and constructing the station’s structural shell and entrances, with completion expected in late 2030. 🏗️
Contract 4 — Bringing it all together: The final contract will handle everything from station interiors and elevators to tracks, signals, lighting, communications and other systems needed to get the stations ready for riders.
Current timeline and what New Yorkers can expect
Mid-2027: MTA awards the final contract and begins work on station interiors and systems.
2027–2030: Heavy tunneling finishes and underground station shells take shape.
Fall 2032: Target opening date. The Q train officially extends north from 96th St to 125th St.
Community Impact: Beyond faster rides, the project brings a 20% local hiring goal for East Harlem residents and delivers long-overdue transit equity to a neighborhood where 70% of residents rely on public transit.