Ep 2. Mega-Tunnel

In the second episode of Build It Bigger season 1, titled "Mega-Tunnel," viewers are taken on a journey to witness the construction of one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in the world - the East Side Access project.

Based in New York City, this massive project involves digging a series of tunnels beneath the densely populated urban landscape to create a new underground corridor connecting Long Island and Grand Central Terminal. The aim of this project is to ease the congested commuter traffic by providing an alternate, faster route.

Host Danny Forster provides an in-depth look at the obstacles faced by the engineers and construction crews working on this project. The East Side Access project involves digging through solid rock and constructing tunnel systems that stretch a staggering 3.5 miles long. To put it into perspective, that's equivalent to 20 Empire State Buildings stacked on top of each other.

Danny takes viewers behind the scenes to see the construction process from start to finish. The episode explores the state-of-the-art machinery and technologies used in this complex and challenging infrastructure project. From giant excavation machines, drills, and cranes to specialized ventilation systems, the show provides an up-close look at the tools and techniques used to get the job done.

In addition to the technical challenges, the project also poses logistical challenges. With the tunnels situated beneath some of the busiest streets in the world, the builders have to navigate around existing infrastructure such as subway lines, utility pipes, and foundations of skyscrapers.

Despite the complexity of the project, the construction teams remain resolute. Danny interviews the architects, engineers, and construction managers who work tirelessly to ensure that this ambitious project is completed on time and within budget.

As the episode draws to a close, viewers are treated to a rare glimpse of the completed project as the first train pulls into the newly built underground station. The East Side Access project was completed after 10 years of construction and the efforts of thousands of people. This groundbreaking project not only solves the traffic congestion problem for New York City commuters but also serves as a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance.

In summary, "Mega-Tunnel" is a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in history. The episode provides a glimpse into the technical challenges, logistical complexities, and human efforts that went into building the East Side Access project. For anyone curious about the incredible achievements of humans within civil engineering, "Mega-Tunnel" is a must-watch.