Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City 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 New York City

AGENDA 2026: The New Mayor Must Revolutionize NYC’s Streets

We've already offered the low-hanging fruit that the new mayor could accomplish on Day 1. Now, it's time to roll up the sleeves for our big list.

November 5, 2025

AGENDA 2026: Mayor Mamdani Must Sustain The City’s Bike Boom

The newly christened mayor may have only won a narrow mandate last night, but an ongoing cycling boom gives him maneuverability to build bike lanes.

November 5, 2025

Wednesday’s Headlines: Shiny New Mayor Edition

You probably don't need us to break the news, but you (and incoming mayor Zohran Mamdani) do need Streetsblog to put it in perspective. Plus other news.

November 5, 2025

Is This the Death of the Walkable School District?

Election Day could bring the demise of a great American school day tradition.

November 5, 2025

Zohran Mamdani Wins — Let’s Talk Transit!

Streetsblog Engagement Editor Emily Lipstein is live at Zohran Mamdani's victory party. Let's talk transit!

November 4, 2025

DECISION 2025: Brooklyn Printer Celebrates a ‘Cyclist’ Democratic Nominee

"We have the ink and we have the means of production," said a printer about his hot new Zohran Mamdani poster.

November 4, 2025
See all posts