The MTA just cleared the last construction contract standing between Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 and East Harlem — again, but this time it's the real one.

Governor Hochul's office announced Monday that the MTA advanced what it's calling the final construction contract for the project, covering the remaining structural and systems work needed to extend the Q train from 96th Street to 125th Street with new stations at 106th and 116th Streets.

We flagged the underlying bid fight two weeks ago: a $196,943 spread between the top two bidders on a Second Avenue Subway package. That tab has been apparent-low for a while — this announcement is the political and procedural green light layered on top of it, not a new bid.

Here's why that distinction matters if you're subbing on this job. A governor's advancement announcement isn't a notice to proceed. It typically means the MTA board has approved moving the contract toward award, which starts the clock on final negotiations, DBE compliance paperwork, and mobilization scheduling — but the steel doesn't move until NTP actually issues.

For general contractors and MEP subs waiting on this corridor, the practical move now is registering interest through MTA Construction & Development's current opportunities page if you haven't already, and watching for the notice to proceed, which is usually the real trigger for subcontractor solicitation season on a job this size.

Second Avenue Subway has a long history of contracts announced with fanfare well before dirt actually moves. Treat this as the calendar starting to firm up, not as work you can price yet.