VSC excavation is anticipated to be completed next month

At the southwestern edge of the World Trade Center (WTC), excavation is proceeding slightly ahead of schedule in the south bathtub -- making way for Vehicular Security Center (VSC) construction. With expedited removal of rock and soil from the former 130 Liberty Street site over the past several months, the Port Authority anticipates excavation completion in February, rather than April 2012.

The agency presented the update to Community Board 1’s WTC committee on January 9th. Assistant Director of WTC Construction Quentin Brathwaite noted that VSC-site rock blasting concludes this week, letting the Port soon reduce night and weekend work hours at the site.

The VSC is separated into two sections that will form the south bathtub. The western portion is “Phase 1,” where an on-site tower crane is now lifting steel into place up to grade -- it will form the roof and substructure of the vehicle-entrance area. The eastern portion is “Phase 2,” where excavation began following 130 Liberty’s full deconstruction in late February 2011. Overall VSC construction through the WTC site is expected to conclude approximately late 2014.

Meanwhile, Port Authority crews are coordinating final year or so of work under West Street (Route 9A) on the western concourse, also called the “east-west connector.” Substantial completion of the underground section lets the State Department of Transportation shift the traffic lanes on West Street to complete its Promenade South Segment 2 rebuilding work.

The pedestrian concourse will tie into the WTC Transportation Hub, where foundation construction is now proceeding on the east side of the site, along with formation of the oculus substructure.

Steel erection at 1 WTC also is continuing, with façade installation and fit-out of its three million square feet underway on lower levels. The Port expects to reach the 92nd floor this month. It is expected to top out at 104 stories this spring, after which the spire will be installed in sections.

Across the site, 4 WTC steel has reached the 50th floor, and also will top out by spring 2012 at 72 stories.

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