Contractors Set Sights on West 7 Line Station in Manhattan

A sign for the West 7-Line Subway Extension, next a sign letting customers know Steven Francine's auto shop is still open, with an alternative entrance. (Zack Stieber/The Epoch Times)

NEW YORK—Prospective contractors toured the future site of one of the new subway entrances on the West 7 Line extension on Wednesday. Later, they attended a pre-bid conference leading up to determining which company will begin construction of the new station.

The contract is for 43 months—beginning March 15—with an estimated range of more than $10 million, and is fully funded by the city’s Hudson Yards Development Corporation.

Located at 11th Avenue between West 34th and West 35th streets, the site contract includes excavating soil and rock and constructing an underground station entrance, creating an inclined tunnel for escalators, and constructing two steel and glass canopies above the station. The contract also includes electrical work, obtaining all regulatory permits, and protecting traffic.

The percentage for employing minority and women’s businesses is 10 percent and 5 percent, respectively; part of the MTA’s goal of giving businesses owned by the disabled, minorities, and women more opportunities.

Hudson Yards on the West Side is the general area within West 43rd Street, Eighth Avenue, West 28th Street, and Hudson River Park. The project includes demolishing multiple buildings, creating approximately four acres of parks and open space, and constructing high-rises.

A few workers braved the cold on Wednesday, while another slept in his SUV.

Local businesses nearby on 36th Street had a mixed reaction when asked how they had been affected by the ongoing construction.

“It’s definitely stopped the flow of traffic,” said Mark of the automotive repair shop Steven Francine’s at 527 W. 36th St.

The business posted signs around the construction site, and seems to be doing well despite the circumstances.

“People were calling us, [asking] ‘Where were you?’ said the secretary, after they closed for a week from Christmas to New Year’s. ”The cars were lined up.”

Three employees next door at Tamberelli Digital shared their experiences. “It’s mellowed the street out,” said Dave Householder. “But we’re not a consumer business.” They mostly conduct business online.