The project will extend the Q line from its current northern terminus at 96th Street to 125th Street, providing new transit access for residents on Manhattan's East Side.
Hochul has called the expansion a "gamechanger" for commuters, saying it will significantly reduce travel times for many riders.
"This will help people save upwards of 20 minutes one way. That's a gift to people," Hochul said. "When I see that wall come down and I know I'm the governor that got it done, I'm not stopping until we're done."
The announcement comes after the Trump administration agreed in April to release $58 million in federal funding for the project. The money had been withheld before the Metropolitan Transportation Authority filed a lawsuit seeking its release.
The Second Avenue Subway expansion is expected to cost approximately $7 billion, with about half of the funding expected to come from the federal government.
Officials say the project is expected to be completed by 2032.
Also Read: Trump administration agrees to restore funding for Second Avenue subway project
----------
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* More Manhattan news
* Send us a news tip
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
* Follow us on YouTube