The 2nd Ave Subway (SAS) was an original element of the IND Second System plan that survived every incarnation, though the plan was continuously cut back. The plan actually goes even further back than the IND, with proposals in the early 1920s.

Like the rest of the Second System, it was abandoned, but unlike most of the rest, the plans were revived and partially executed in the ‘70s and the 2000s-2010s. This spot, the 96th St tail tracks, was a part of the original ‘70s construction effort, which was cut short and suspended indefinitely when the fiscal crisis hit the city in the mid ‘70s. This tunnel, on 2nd Ave between 97th St and 105th St, was sealed when construction was suspended. Due to its location, though, this tunnel was actually rehabilitated and used in SAS Phase I construction, which opened in 2017. It is currently used as two tail tracks extending beyond the 96th St terminal, and Q trains regularly lay up here (layups are when trains are parked between rush hours).

The tail tracks extend to near 104th St, where bumper blocks were placed and a wall was constructed. Beyond the wall is about another city block’s length of tunnel (going to just past 105th St). There is pump and electrical equipment contained in the space, as well as two trackways ready for Phase II. If/when Phase II is built, the bumpers will be removed and the tracks will be extended through a new tunnel and station from 106th-110th St, then through the existing tunnel from 110th-120th St with a station at 116th, and then through a new bored tunnel onto 125th St, where a station will be located between Park and Lex.

This photo shows a weekend layup on the would-be southbound tail track. The train is an R68A Q train. I titled it “Hope in the North,” as this tunnel is the northernmost of SAS Phase I, built in a manner that leaves hope for Phase II being built. The neighborhood of East Harlem (Spanish Harlem) would greatly benefit from this service.