Sitting, waiting... craning. (And you thought that was going to be a Jack Johnson reference. Tsk.)

Sadly, the pair of cranes visible in the distance from the 1 stop at 125th street is not an elaborate teaser for a new surprise Star Wars installment (we’re crushed, too).

In fact, they’re towering over the site of Columbia’s new Manhattanville campus. The cranes signify the start of work on the slurry wall, an impressive two year engineering feat that will keep ground water from seeping into the foundation—meaning it will still be some time before the campus starts taking shape above ground. Meanwhile local residents can get excited about their new sewage and drainage system, a much-needed (and greener!) upgrade from the previous one that dates back to the 19th century. The following comes from the September issue of the Columbia newsletter:

The project improves the water quality of the Hudson River by reducing flows to the local New York City wastewater treatment plant, reducing the amount of combined sewages overflows (discharge of excess wastewater) into the river and helps New York City’s goal of being able to use its rich network of waterways as recreational resources.

The project also improves service to the community by upgrading outdated infrastructure, reducing street flooding and sewer backups, and facilitating the upgrade of other utility services.

Excavation and demolition are scheduled to continue for the months ahead with the first completed buildings slated to open in 2016.

Heavy machinery via Wikimedia Commons.