NYC 2nd Avenue Subway

NYC 2nd Avenue Subway

Project overview

After the recent opening of Phase 1, MTA, dubbed as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, is now advancing Phase 2 of the same- Second Avenue Subway Project. MTACC, also dubbed as the MTA Capital Construction, is tasked with the project’s planning, design, and construction. NYCT, dubbed as the New York City Transit, will operate and maintain the service.

Description

NYC 2nd Avenue Subway is defined according to its active community of small businesses. Some of the establishments here have been of excellent service to the community. The locally-owned beauty salons, hardware stores, bars, and restaurants, among others, give this region a unique character vital to New York City.

Government Constraints

According to the Government Accountability Office, this project has cost a lot of money as compared to the same projects in the United States. This is also putting pressure on other projects in New York, where most of the recent projects have cost more than expected. Such scrutiny does not sit well with project managers as it involves too much suspicion.

Project Team- Approach and Delivery Method used

Tunnel boring technology has been widely used with cut-and-cover that was used in the 96th Street station. Mining was also used, especially at the 86th and 72nd streets, as well as portions that were too short of making the tunnel cost-effective.

Socio-Economic Impacts

Mass transit is a significant source of employment for the region. The investment in this project creates a multiplier effect. According to economists, each dollar spent on public infrastructure increases the country’s GDP by approximately $1.592. The economic benefits of this project will also continue long after its completion. It will shorten commuting times; hence, reducing congestion in the area.

Unique Challenges &Solutions Related to Foundations, Excavations, and Soil Conditions

The project is situated in a very densely developed region in the New York City- the “linear site” is only confined to the city’s 2nd Avenue. Besides, there are numerous high-rise residential buildings. Generally, the rock was found to be amenable to blast and drill excavation- only in a few isolated areas where shears and faults were found. Sound lab technology was used in establishing digital models and assessment of the best ways to add security measures.

Boston Big Dig

Project overview

This was a significant project in Boston that involved the construction of the Ted Williams Tunnel. It also rerouted I-93 into the Thomas P. O’Neill Jr. Tunnel. Besides, the project included the establishment of the Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge over the Charles River, as well as the Rose Kennedy Greenway.

Description

The Central Artery/Tunnel (CA/T) project, often referred to as the “Big Dig,” is among the most complex and costly public infrastructure in the US. It was conceived to improve the flow of traffic in downtown Boston and connect several transportation hubs and roadways. It was aimed at replacing the congested and deteriorated roadway- I-93, the “Central Artery;” extend I-90 (Massachusetts Turnpike) to Logan Airport via a harbour tunnel. Also, it was intended to give an interchange of I-93 and I-90 and replace the I-93 bridge over the Charles River.

The project’s major components are:

To replace the six-lane elevated highway with an underground expressway under the existing road. This one finished at its northern limit in a 14-lane, 2-bridge crossing of the Charles River.

To extend the I-90 (the Massachusetts Turnpike) from south of downtown Boston.

Government Constraints

Federal government clearances were made in 1994- this took seven years- thus delaying the completion of the project. Also, concerns by the state environmental agencies on issues of environmental pollution delayed the project.

Project Team- Approach and Delivery Method used

This project utilized the fast track design and the construction delivery method in reducing the overall time for the project. This method entailed the division of the project based on sequential work packages and beginning the construction on earlier segments before completing the latter segments.

Socio-Economic Impacts

After the completion, the project achieved in improving delay reductions- the total vehicle hours reduced by 62% between 1995 and 2003. Such improvements are now providing about $168 million every year in cost and time savings. Also, residents travel times between I-90/I-93 and Logan Airport has reduced from 42% to 74% during peak periods. Besides the improved travel, neighbourhoods that had been cut off by the old highway could reconnect, thanks to this project.

Unique Challenges &Solutions Related to Foundations, Excavations, and Soil Conditions

Putting it underground was one of the significant challenges ever faced in the US infrastructure projects. The span of the plan covered 7.8 miles of highway, 161 miles in total, and about half in tunnels. It also included four major highway interchanges. To solve these challenges, project planners worked with other organizations, leaders, and groups to improve ideas on solving some of these pressing issues.