The Port Authority's $4 billion World Trade Center transportation hub will become more useful for commuters next week when an underground connection to New York City subways officially opens.



The Dey Street Connection to the subway system's Fulton Street complex will open on the afternoon of May 26, allowing commuters to walk underground to nine subway lines, the 2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, J, Z and R.

Links to the E and No. 1 subway lines will open in the coming months, Port Authority officials said.

Known as the Oculus, for the massive public space inside the spiky structure, the hub was opened without fanfare in early March, while work continued on various parts of the project. Officials are holding a ceremony next Thursday to honor workers and open the subway connection.



In late spring, access from the Oculus to the corner of Vesey and Church streets is scheduled to open. A pedestrian plaza around the Hub will follow, which provides access to the facility from surrounding streets. All PATH platforms will be completed by the end of the year, officials said.

Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @commutinglarry. Find NJ.com on Facebook.