The Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced that extending the Q subway line to 125th Street and Lexington Avenue will cost an estimated $6.9 billion, with a separate federal projection of $7.7 billion. The project, part of the Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 plan, is slated for completion by the end of 2032 and aims to bring additional rapid‑transit service to Manhattan's East Side.
The extension will push the Q line northward from its current terminus, adding a new station at 125th Street and Lexington Avenue. By linking this corridor to the existing subway network, the MTA expects to improve accessibility for residents and commuters in the Upper East Side and Harlem neighborhoods. The $6.9 billion figure reflects the MTA's internal cost estimate, while the federal government’s assessment places the total at $7.7 billion, indicating a potential funding gap that will need to be addressed through future budget negotiations.
The initiative follows the broader rollout of the Second Avenue Subway, whose Phase 1 opened in 2017 and has since been expanded. Phase 2, which includes the Q line extension, is designed to complete the east‑side subway corridor envisioned in the original plan. The MTA highlighted that the project aligns with long‑term transit goals for the city, seeking to reduce congestion on existing lines and provide a more direct north‑south route along the east side of Manhattan.
Construction is expected to begin after finalizing funding agreements and completing environmental reviews. The timeline projects a ten‑year window, with major tunneling, station construction, and system integration scheduled to conclude by late 2032. Upon completion, the new segment will join the existing Q service, offering riders a continuous ride from Brooklyn through the heart of Manhattan to the Upper East Side.
The extension represents a significant investment in the city’s infrastructure, reflecting both local and federal commitment to expanding public transportation options for New Yorkers.