MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) -- Work to build the newest stretch of the Second Avenue Subway in Manhattan is on track to begin in March.

The Second Avenue Subway's second phase will bring the train uptown with accessible stations at 106th and 116th streets. It is set to terminate in a new accessible station complex at 125th Street and connect to the Lexington Line.

Riders said they will be happy for an easier commute. The project timeline has a tentative completion in the early 2030s.

The MTA is watching the cost and the delays and said lessons have been learned from the first phase, which opened in 2017 at 96th Street.

“The expansion of the Second Avenue Subway will get more than 100,000 daily riders to jobs, education and recreation not only in the city but throughout the region,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber.

The agency will also study a farther expansion into Harlem at Broadway. Metro-North Railroad service is also located nearby.

The initial work will take a few years. It’s the first of four construction contracts for the new line. Crews will relocate underground utilities from 105th to 110th streets on Second Avenue for the future 106th Street station. A tunnel already runs to the area just beneath the roadway. That allows for a “cut-and-cover” construction.

Neighbors also said they will be watching to make sure conditions for businesses and homes are taken into consideration. MTA officials said outreach and notices about work will be widespread.

“This critical milestone will put shovels in the ground for the next phase of this transformative project. East Harlem has dreamed of transit access for decades -- and we're committed to getting the job done,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said.

New York City has complex underground utilities, and it can add delays and costs to projects, according to the MTA. That’s one of the lessons learned from phase one.

The size of the stations has also been reduced, while continuing to meet design and safety standards.

“This contract reflects our new approach by proactively relocating utilities upfront. Improving this process will help deliver this project more efficiently and provide residents of East Harlem with increased transportation options better, faster, and cheaper than before,” said MTA Construction and Development President Jamie Torres-Springer.

The federal government has committed to funding about $3.5 billion of the $6.9 billion cost. Congestion pricing revenue is needed for the MTA’s capital improvements, including this project.

“Uptown Grand Central is pleased to learn that the MTA has awarded the first of the many SAS Phase 2 contracts that will create opportunities for local hiring and small businesses in the community. We look forward to the potential that the Second Avenue Subway brings to build the vibrant transit hub that the people of Harlem deserve,” said Uptown Grand Central Board of Directors Chair Diane Collier.

MTA officials said other initiatives include the reuse of a tunnel segment that was built in the 1970s from 110th Street to 120th Street along Second Avenue, early real estate acquisition, adoption of best value contract structures, reduction in back-of-house and ancillary space, and close coordination of contracts.