Brian Lair on WNYC.

So it's been called the line that almost never was.

Do you know what I'm talking about?

It's the Second Avenue subway.

After decades of fits, starts, and dashed hopes,

it seems to be finally back on track, at least the northernmost part. The MTA has approved a

nearly $2 billion contract to extend the queue line into East Harlem with tunneling new stations

at 116th and 125th streets and a 700-ton tunnel-boring machine

slated to begin work in 2027. Now, this long overdue extension could serve 110,000 riders

daily, they say, and also jumpstart the neighborhood's economy to another level, but it comes

with a staggering $7.7 billion

price tag, we're told, one of the costliest per mile subway projects ever anywhere, and it raises

important concerns about displacement for some longtime East Harlem residents. Maybe that's the

most controversial piece right now.

Helping us make sense of it all is Ramsey Caliphate, Transportation reported at WNYC and Gothamist

on the New York City Accountability Desk and part of our on the way transportation team. Hey Ramsey,

welcome back to the show. Always good to have you. Hey, good morning, Brian. And listeners, we invite your calls, especially in this case if you live in East Harlem.

What's your reaction to the 2nd Avenue subway or to the prospect of it, finally coming to that station near you?

Do you see it as a long-awaited benefit?

Are you more concerned about disruption, even the cost? 212-433, WNYC, call or text.

212, 433-9692. You don't have to be from East Harlem, but obviously, if you are, it's especially

relevant. So what exactly did the MTA board approve this month, Ramsey?

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