New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo recently espoused benefits of the early and under budget completion of the L tunnel project, noting the effort saved more than $100 million.
Cuomo said the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) finished the project six months earlier than originally proposed, which he said would have shut down service. The work was wrapped up three months ahead of the new plan announced in January 2019, after Cuomo assembled a panel of engineering experts determining a shutdown was unnecessary.
“While New Yorkers continue to cope with the devastating impact of COVID-19, the L train project completion is timely proof that when we are confronted with a challenge, we can build back better and stronger – especially when we work together and think outside the box,” Cuomo said. “Everyone said we had to shut down the tunnel for 15 to 18 months, which was going to be a massive disruption for thousands of New Yorkers who rely on the L train. We challenged those who said there was no alternative solution, and as a result today, the MTA is delivering a more resilient tunnel with improved service that is ahead of schedule and under budget – all while averting a shutdown.”
Cuomo said the work involved MTA Construction & Development implementing enhanced employee and contractor health and safety protections, including launching a new daily reporting app, mandatory use of personal protective equipment, around-the-clock disinfection of contact surfaces, a ban on sharing of tools and closure of common facilities.