Beginning in October Two Escalators Will Be Replaced
New Escalators Will Be More Reliable, 11 Percent Faster
Customers Should Plan to Utilize the Lexington Av End of Platform
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is advising customers of upcoming escalator upgrades taking place at Lexington Av-53 St station on the and lines. The escalators have reached the end of their useful lives after 25 years of use. Once work is completed, the modernized escalators will be more reliable and 11 percent faster. Customers are encouraged to utilize the Lexington Av side of the station where service impacts will be minimal.
From Oct. 7 through June 2023, 3 Av escalators to the and platform will be taken out of service to be replaced. During this time, customers can utilize the four escalators that will be in service located at the Lexington Av end of the platform, or via two stairwells.
Two platform to mezzanine stairwells will also be available for customers. The stairwell located on the Lexington Av side of the platform will be operational in both directions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The stairwell located on the 3 Av side will be open only on weekdays and will operate in peak direction only. The 3 Av stairwell will be closed after 10:00 p.m. and all day on the weekends. Customers are encouraged to utilize the Lexington Av end of the platform.
3 Av Single Direction Stairwell Operational Hours:
Weekday (6:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.): Exit only
Weekday (2:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.): Entry only
Weekends: Closed
Two of the Lexington Av side escalators are expected to be replaced in 2023 upon reopening of the 3 Av side escalators.
In anticipation of potential crowding, New York City Transit personnel and NYPD will be on hand to assist and direct customers during the outage. Signs will also be posted during construction to help customers navigate where to best access the station.
Customers can use the MTA’s groundbreaking Live Subway Map which shows the real-time position of trains, planned service changes at any given time, highlights accessible stations, and much more. Customer service notifications are also available on the MTA website, the MYmta app and the Authority’s many social media channels.