Church Avenue Station Now in Service

Forte Construction is proud to celebrate the commissioning of Elevators 791 and 792 at Church Avenue Station, serving the B and Q train lines.

As a key subcontractor to the Package 3 Design-Build team led by Halmar International, and Lead Designer, Dewberry Engineers, our team worked closely with the MTA and the New York City Department of Transportation throughout the project. Our team collaborated with the designers to address field conditions, refine details, and support project progress through practical, coordinated solutions.

This project involves building a completely new station, featuring a mezzanine steel structure spanning four track sets, encompassing both local and express lines.

Forte Construction’s work at Church Avenue Station included a new control area with two new ADA-accessible elevators, two staircases to the platforms, an Elevator Machine Room, a Cleaner’s Closet, and an Electric Panel Room, along with new fire suppression and fire alarm systems. Additional work included street utility upgrades, such as the installation of a new sewer connection to the DEP main street sewer.

The station’s location above a 100-year-old NYC DOT bridge required close coordination with NYC DOT Bridges to deploy cranes safely on the bridge, supported by vibration and settlement monitoring systems to maintain structural integrity.

The open-cut station design required a specialized shoring system to temporarily support the existing concrete arch tunnel above an active track, allowing the removal of platform-supporting columns and the construction of new foundations and supports for updated structural loads. The team excavated approximately 100 feet along both platforms to depths exceeding eight feet to construct mass concrete footings for the new columns. All work was completed within a six-month bypass General Order, executed in two phases, with teams operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to complete the work and reopen the platforms one time.

Crews utilized a range of specialized equipment, including articulated knuckle booms, walk-behind saws, Brokk 150 demolition robots, and overhead concrete pumps, to complete the demolition of the concrete canopies and the construction of new structural elements. The removal of 500 cubic yards of soil and debris was carried out through detailed planning and coordinated effort. The final connection between the existing concrete canopy and the new structure marked a key milestone in completing the bypass and reopening the station.

Another major accomplishment was the design and installation of two temporary work platform systems over the express tracks. These temporary platforms allowed the team to complete the exterior facades and roofing system of the new control area without additional service interruptions.

This project reflects the collaboration, technical skill, and dedication of the entire team. Forte Construction is proud to have contributed to a more accessible and modern Church Avenue Station and to celebrate this achievement alongside Halmar International, Dewberry Engineers, the MTA, and the NYC DOT. Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected New York.