Yonkers Contracting Co., Inc.

Scope Of Work

Yonkers Contracting Company constructed key components for this ambitious program that will allow Long Island Railroad commuters to travel directly to Grand Central Terminal on Manhattan’s East Side. Under two separate contracts, Yonkers constructed a large ventilation building with access to a horizontal tunnel that will exchange air throughout the new LIRR station, and a project to install the power service required for the new tracks, signals and mezzanines.

The Ventilation Building project presented significant logistic challenges due to its narrow 25 foot wide street access. Prior to mining, the existing 5-story walk-up building was demolished and replaced by the Ventilation Building structure – surrounded by historic and high-rise buildings. Yonkers had to hydraulically mine a shaft to a safe distance beneath the adjacent and historic Yale Club, followed by top-down and bottom-up blasting down to the vent tunnel at a depth of 100 feet. The lining of the shaft utilized highly advanced pneumatically placed concrete placement techniques.

A new entrance to Grand Central was constructed within the existing building lobby of 245 Park Avenue and connecting to the existing GCT 47th street passageway and Metro-North Platforms. This required construction of new access between existing rail tracks, modifications to building framing and installation of new stairs, escalators and associated facilities.

These projects benefitted from Yonkers’ knowledge from previously building Grand Central Terminal’s North End Access project and continuing the company’s work at this landmark terminal.