Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
tunnelboring.jpg

MTA Deputy Director of Media Relations, Jeremy Soffin, sends this along:

As you know, the first tunnel boring machine for the East Side Access project has been chewing its way under Manhattan for almost a month, and we just wanted to provide a short update. The machine has now tunneled approximately 1,350 feet. While the machine generally averages 50 feet per day, we had a record performance yesterday of 114 feet. The machine is now operating underneath 60th Street near Lexington Avenue. In total, the machine will bore approximately 7,200 feet total to 38th street. A second TBM has been assembled in the "launch box" at 63rd Street and 2nd Avenue and will begin tunneling a parallel tube shortly.

East Side Access will bring LIRR trains into Grand Central Terminal for the first time.

You can find more information on the construction here.

Photo: robert the bear/Flickr

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Wednesday’s Headlines Feel Pain at the Pump

High gas prices are likely to persist, and people will be driving less in response.

March 25, 2026

D.C. Advocates Sue To Save Key Bike Lane From Trump Teardown

We previously reported that the Trump administration might soon move to dismantle key cycle tracks in the nation's capital. Unfortunately, we were right.

March 24, 2026

How a ‘Universal Basic Neighborhood’ Can Help Americans Live Longer

Want to increase your chances of living to 80? A new paper argues we need to start with our neighborhoods — and we need to do it for everybody.

March 24, 2026

Tuesday’s Headlines Keep Our Eyes on the Road

How much responsibility do tech companies bear for traffic deaths caused by distracted driving?

March 24, 2026

Opinion: Adding Parking to Sports Stadiums Makes It Harder for Everyone To Get Around

A Chicago advocate makes the case against expanding car storage at Cubs games.

March 23, 2026

Why This State Is Fighting To Get Its First ‘Active Transportation Plan’

...and why other states should work to adopt or update plans of their own.

March 23, 2026
See all posts