The Transit Center foundation is ready for the cylindrical oculus to rise

Much of the work is still taking place out of view, but the construction of the new Fulton Street Transit Center is active in several areas. With all of the $1.4 billion in construction contracts awarded, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) reported at the most recent community stakeholders’ meeting that the project is on track for its scheduled 2014 completion.

The greatest milestone this summer was at the main building site, at Broadway and Fulton, where the foundation was completed on August 16th. That work consisted of sub-grade steel and concrete installation that will support the building’s oculus -- the giant cylindrical skylight that will top the three-story building, drawing in natural light to the lower concourse.

With the foundation complete, crews from joint contractor Schiavone-Plaza will soon mobilize on superstructure erection. Their work at the main site is at the hub of A/C mezzanine rebuilding, 4/5 platform renovation, Dey Concourse construction, and Corbin Building rehabilitation.

The A/C mezzanine work has closed several areas of that platform and led to train bypasses in the station. However, crews are making steady progress building new ADA-compliant entrances at William Street, including a new elevator outside 129 Fulton Street. That work also includes some utility relocations that require sidewalk and lane closures over the coming weeks. The A/C mezzanine work is slated for 2012 completion.

At the historic Corbin Building, crews completed underpinning to ensure its structural integrity. Judlau Construction is now erecting scaffolding around the building for exterior cleaning and restoration, and utility work continues outside its doors on John Street. By 2012, the new escalators that lead to the Dey Concourse should open in its base.

“You’ll have a pretty amazing building when it’s done,” said Uday Durg, the MTA’s program executive for Lower Manhattan projects, about the 1888 Corbin Building. “I know during construction it can be difficult, but when this work is completed it’s going to be one of the greatest features of this project.”

On the west side of Broadway, steel is in place for the new Dey Street Headhouse to open in 2011, when finishes to the Dey Concourse will also be done. And crews are working nearby on the sidewalks between Fulton and Cortlandt, where they are repairing the roof structure of the 4/5 platform below Broadway.

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