Last blast for Second Avenue Subway's first phase

The blasting operations for the first phase of the Second Avenue Subway project, the largest expansion of the New York City subway, were completed on November 18.

The last blast occurred on the north side of 86th Street and 2nd Avenue, where an escalator is to be placed. Further concrete works, as well as waterproofing and steel reinforcement are expected by contractor Joint Venture. The first blast dates back to 2009 at 96th Street, followed by blasting operations for the construction of the new subway stations at 72nd, 86th and 96th streets. The new subway line serving the public from East 63rd Street to East 96th Street is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2016.

Sources: RT&S, The Wall Street Journal