Subway Construction Plans
Charlotte Eichna
Posted by Our Town on November 4, 2009 · View Comments
Controlled blasting for the Second Avenue subway was set to begin the week of Nov. 2 on Second Avenue between East 91st and 93rd streets, according to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The technique, which is a well-established construction practice that has been used on many Manhattan projects, will make it easier to excavate the tunnel-boring machine launch box, according to a fact sheet.
Blasting is expected to occur four to fives times per day between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., although workers will make every effort to limit that work to daylight hours. Signs will be 
posted around the work site, and all pedestrian and vehicle traffic will be temporarily stopped during each blast, expected to last a minute or less. The blasting plan has been approved by the Fire Department, which will monitor the work, and the construction management team will monitor vibration and noise limits.
Construction plans through Nov. 22 were also recently released.
Work in the East 90s will focus on utility, sewer and gas line relocations, as well as Con Edison work. Asbestos abatement is scheduled for Century Lumber, at 1875 Second Ave. between East 96th and 97th streets. Launch box excavation prep work will continue between East 91st and 94th streets, along with the installation of wales, struts and anchors and the removal of debris.
Between East 82nd and 87th streets, work will consist of noise and air monitoring and Con Edison electrical utility relocation. Test pit excavations are scheduled for the stretch between East 84th and 87th streets. Between East 82nd and 84th streets, hydrants will be relocated, temporary paving will occur and workers will prepare to switch traffic to the west side of Second Avenue.
Con Edison is slated to continue abatement work and build electric manholes between East 69th and 73rd streets. Between East 71st and 73rd streets, workers are planning to excavate a trench and remove old gas and steam mains.
Subway work is permitted Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
