Removing the traffic decks and restoring the street
Traffic decks are an important part of Broadway Subway Project underground station construction. These are special bridges that keep people moving safely on street level while tunnelling and other construction work happens below.
After each station roof is complete, the traffic deck above will be removed and the street restored.
We’ve broken down how Broadway is going to be rebuilt into four steps; follow below to see how it works:
STEP 1: Remove the traffic deck
The supporting beams and deck panels are lifted out and loaded onto trucks.
STEP 2: Cover the stations with gravel
Trucks deliver gravel and soil to the station area. Excavators and compactors spread and compress the material in thin layers to ensure stability.
This process, called backfilling, gradually fills the space above the completed station roof up towards street level.
The compacted fill material helps protect the underground structure and forms a stable base for future utilities and paving.
STEP 3: Install permanent utilities and add more gravel
The backfill material reaches sufficient height.
Crews work to install permanent utilities such as electricity and water back underneath the roadway and reconnect to nearby buildings.
Further backfill material is added on top of the utilities, before street restoration begins.
STEP 4: Repave Broadway
Crews rebuild the road surface, curbs, and sidewalks over the backfilled area.
Broadway is restored to four traffic lanes through the station blocks, along with new, wider sidewalks.
Temporary fencing is removed, except around active work zones near the future station entrances.
While this is happening, check our Maps page for up-to-date parking, detour, and access maps of all Broadway Subway Project stations.
For construction updates, you can view our Current Work page or sign up to receive notifications.
