Skanska has announced the substantial completion of the $74.2 million circulation improvement project at the Grand Central 42nd Street Station in New York, N.Y.
The newly unveiled passageway creates a direct connection between the Flushing, Queens, 7 train and the 4, 5 and 6 subway lines. Awarded to Skanska by The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), the project included upgrades to the station's structures and systems, such as building a new passageway and staircase for the Flushing Line platform and widening existing staircases by 25 percent to improve commuter flow between transfers.
"As one of Manhattan's busiest transit hubs, ensuring uninterrupted train service for nearly 500,000 daily commuters at Grand Central Station was a top priority," said John Sullivan, senior vice president, operations of Skanska's Northeast Civil operations. "We are proud to celebrate the successful completion of the project alongside the MTA and STV and to have played a pivotal role in enhancing the commuting experience for the thousands of travelers who transfer between lines daily."
The 26-month project involved extensive rock excavation beneath East 42nd Street and Lexington Avenue under challenging conditions while utilizing Sequential Excavation Methods (SEM). Rock was removed using a combination of mechanical methods — using Brokk machines with hydraulic hammers — and low-power explosives, specifically NX Burst. This approach allowed for precise excavation in a highly sensitive area, just 6 ft. from the active #7 Line at Grand Central Station. Remarkably, due to a strategically located shaft, the access and excavation was handled from street leveling, allowing all work to be completed without any disruption to customer service.
This project marked the first time NX Burst had been used for rock excavation in New York City, demonstrating a groundbreaking advancement in controlled blasting techniques. In addition, the team implemented shotcrete for the structural walls and arch of the new passageway, further enhancing the project's efficiency and safety — another significant innovation for the industry.
Construction on the project began in January of 2023 and the team achieved substantial completion in February 2025.
