Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Groundbreaking Deja Vu on Second Ave Subway
By
Gideon Fink Shapiro
Published Apr 9, 2007
Modified Mar 7, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Gideon Fink Shapiro
Published Apr 9, 2007
Modified Mar 7, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
When the chief suits and ties take a few symbolic jackhammer swipes on Thursday to relaunch construction on the Second Avenue Subway, they won't exactly be breaking new ground. A 3-minute video from NY Times shows the history of three previous groundbreaking ceremonies held in the 1970s.
"Groundbreakings are meant to symbolize progress and things actually getting done," narrates William Neuman. "In the case of the Second Avenue Subway, that has not always been the case." He visits the three aborted construction sites:
1. 103 St and 2nd Ave - Groundbreaking 1972
2. Canal Street and Bowery - Groundbreaking 1973
3. 2nd St and 2nd Ave - Groundbreaking 1974
Neuman calls site #3 "The most poignant of all the 2nd Avenue Subway groundbreaking ceremonies, because no section of tunnel was ever built here." Thursday's event will take place below 2nd Avenue at 99th Street, in a section of existing tunnel - here's hoping fourth time's a charm (although the residents who are being kicked out to make way for the subway aren't so thrilled).
More: NY1: Second Avenue Subway Groundbreaking Set for April 12th and Gothamist: Second Avenue Subway T's Up .
Tagged
Avenue Subway
breaking
canal street
comments
construction
gothamist
history
ny times
ny1
Second Avenue
second avenue subway
subway
video
Gideon Fink Shapiro
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Mamdani names re-entry specialist as chair of Rikers oversight board
Christopher Watler will help the department that a federal monitor says remains in crisis.
By
Ryan Kost
Published Oct 6, 2026 at 3:52 p.m. ET
NYC weighs expanding upstate reservoir following drought
The Delaware River Basin Commission is evaluating options to increase water storage, including expanding a reservoir in New York City.
By
Rosemary Misdary
News
NYC weighs expanding upstate reservoir following drought
The Delaware River Basin Commission is evaluating options to increase water storage, including expanding a reservoir in New York City.
By
Rosemary Misdary
Legionella found in Staten Island building's water system after 2 positive cases
By
Catalina Gonella
Legal 'loophole' helps NY Gov. Kathy Hochul, Bruce Blakeman raise millions
By
Jon Campbell
Police identify 2 men wanted for stabbing an off-duty NYPD officer
By
Ben Feuerherd
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .