Major Transit Construction Project Hits Milestone In East Harlem

EAST HARLEM, NY — The first phase of the Park Avenue Viaduct Replacement Project is complete — and it wrapped up far ahead of schedule and under budget, Gov. Kathy Hochul said Monday.

Crews replaced 8,240 feet of the 132-year-old Metro-North structure between East 115th and East 123rd streets — about 128 bridge sections — without disrupting train service.

"Completing work on an elevated structure that dates back to the Gilded Age ahead of schedule and under budget shows what’s possible when we modernize our infrastructure and put riders first," Hochul said.

The Park Avenue Viaduct carries four Metro-North tracks through East Harlem between 97th and 132nd streets, supporting nearly all trains entering Manhattan. Built in the 1890s, it’s a vital link for riders from the Bronx, Westchester, and beyond.

Using an innovative gantry system, the MTA replaced the aging bridge sections over 19 weekends since June 2024. Phase 1 finished 21 months early, allowing Phase 2 — from East 127th Street to East 132nd Street — to begin ahead of schedule.

The full project is expected to be completed by 2027.

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