MTA Capital Plan Includes $600 Million for Elevator Upgrades to Improve Reliability and Safety
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced the opening of three newly replaced elevators at the Flushing Av station in Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn.
The three brand new elevators replaced the original elevators, which were in service for more than 20-years. NYC Transit crews also made station enhancements during the replacement work to maximize the number of repairs made during the outage, including power washing the station platforms, street stairs and mezzanine areas; new lighting; newly painted staircases, ceilings, and railings and replacement of tiling. Crews also made upgrades to the fire alarm and communication systems within the station.
“The modern elevators at Flushing Avenue demonstrate our commitment to prioritizing safety and reliability for our customers,” said MTA Construction and Development President Jamie Torres-Springer. “By bundling this elevator replacement into a larger package of ADA upgrades, MTA C&D was able to deliver this project better, faster, and cheaper.”
“The installation of three modern elevators means that Flushing Avenue customers will benefit from faster, cleaner, and safer journeys,” said NYC Transit President Richard Davey. “While these upgraded new elevators were being installed, transit crews were hard at work deep cleaning and refurbishing the station environment, in a double win for subway customers.”
“Elevator replacements are the perfect example of how accessibility and state of good repair work go hand in hand,” said MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo. “By replacing older elevators we ensure reliable access to our stations for riders with disabilities, caregivers with strollers, visitors with luggage, and many others,"
The MTA is investing nearly $6 billion in subway station accessibility as a part of the 2020-2024 Capital Program, including $600 million for elevator upgrades at dozens of stations to improve reliability and safety. To deliver these projects better, faster, and cheaper, the MTA is bundling elevator replacements in design-build packages, including packaging many replacements with new ADA station projects.
The elevator replacements at Flushing Ave are part of a package of stations that has already delivered new accessibility at Court Sq G and 8 Av N, with three other new station projects in construction. The same team will now work to upgrade the elevators at the nearby Marcy Av station. Customers who need accessible service are advised to take the B46 to Flushing Av during the Marcy Av replacements.
Additional elevator replacements are scheduled to begin later this year in Manhattan and the Bronx, and customers can check mta.info/elevators for current elevator status.
“The new modern elevators at Flushing Avenue station will help provide a more reliable, safe, and accessible experience for customers in Brooklyn,” said Representative Nydia M. Velázquez. “This station is particularly important for the thousands of New Yorkers that visit Woodhull Hospital daily. These new ADA-compliant elevators will help ensure equal access and convenience for everyone using the Flushing Avenue station.”
“The installation of modern elevators as well as additional upgrades by the MTA at the Flushing Av station is a welcomed improvement that will aid our neighbors in accessing the City,” said State Senator Julia Salazar. “I look forward to seeing the results of the MTA’s accessibility investments throughout our community.”
"I’m thrilled to see the elevator upgrades at Flushing Avenue - its proximity to Woodhull Hospital makes it a critical access point for healthcare, enabling New Yorkers with mobility needs to travel more easily,” said Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez. “It’s great to see MTA investment in our community’s subway stations, and I look forward to seeing these upgrades throughout the district."