MTA earns a B-plus for Second Avenue Subway progress, Maloney says

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority's (MTA) work to date on the first phase of the Second Avenue Subway project in New York City earns an overall grade of B+, according to the latest progress "report card" released by U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.).

In recognition of MTA reaching the phase's halfway mark, Maloney yesterday issued the fourth in a series of report cards to measure the project's progress. The project's B+ grade is up from a B issued on the last report card released in 2011.

The MTA has completed all tunnel boring, awarded all 10 of the contracts for the project, completed most of the blasting and begun dismantling muck houses, and has remained on time and on budget for four consecutive years, Maloney said in a press release.

Maloney has been a strong supporter of the project, and helped to secure $1.3 billion in federal funding for Phase I. All but $16.8 million has been appropriated.

"The project's merit, its economic benefits, the MTA's outreach efforts and the pace at which construction is being completed all get high marks," she said. "But there is still room for improvement."

The report recommends MTA improve its communication with the community, initiate better planning and institute a stronger effort to mitigate the impact of construction.

The Second Avenue Subway is a four-phased project. Phase I includes 2.3 miles of new track, new entrances at 96th, 86th and 72nd streets, new connections to the existing 63rd Street station, 11 station entrances, six ancillary buildings, a ventilation shaft and a cooling tower structure.