Accessibility improvements, including three new elevators, critical repairs and passenger transport improvements
Modernizing part of the larger 14 St Complex ADA megaproject, which includes $247 million in federal funding and will add nine new elevators to the complex
Watch B-roll footage of the new elevators
Watch the video of today’s press conference
View photos from today’s press conference
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced the completion of three new elevators that will provide street access to 6 Av Platform and the Uptown Platform that marks the first of five major milestones in the 14 St Complex megaproject. Of the three new elevators, one will take customers from the street level to the mezzanine, one will connect the mezzanine to the Uptown platform, and the other connects the mezzanine with the Platform, an island platform that is served in both directions. The 14 St and 6 Av Station are the first two of three stations within the complex to receive ADA upgrades. Three additional elevators are under construction for the downtown Platform, which upon completion will be the 14th Station fully accessible, and subsequent milestones include newly accessible 14 St and 7 Av Station.
In addition to accessibility work, the project includes traffic flow improvements and a variety of repairs, including eliminating leaks and repairs to the Canarsie Line tunnel from 8th to 1st Avenues. Workers installed four new staircases and widened 21 existing staircases, redesigned the mezzanine to accommodate two new ticket booths, and added new lighting and tiling for a better customer experience.
“This is a mega project that will change accessibility for 30,000 passengers every day,” said MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber“One reason we can do this is because we have great partners in Washington. The administration has contributed $247 million to this project, more than 80% of the total cost. Thank you, Chuck Schumer, thank you, Hakeem Jeffries and the rest of the New York delegation.”
“With each new elevator, we come one step closer to our goal of accessibility throughout the system,” said Quemuel Arroyo, MTA’s Chief Accessibility Officer“This is the first step in making this important transfer complex accessible and opening up many new travel options for our customers.”
“This project will provide much-needed accessibility and make important repairs to the station tunnel,” said Jamie Torres-Springer, President of MTA Construction & Development. “By combining ADA upgrades with state-of-the-art repair work, the MTA can deliver megaprojects better, faster and more cost-effectively.”
The $300 million ADA retrofit megaproject at the 14 St complex includes $247 million in federal funding. Approximately 23.5% of the project budget was awarded to DBE firms, exceeding the project’s original DBE goal of 22.5%.
When completed, the 14 St Complex will feature nine new elevators, making it fully handicap accessible. The complex will also have 25 new stairwells and 39 renovated stairwells, as well as five platform improvements, including new tactile warning strips and ADA boarding areas.
Approximately 29,000 customers use the 14 St Complex each weekday. The complex serves six lines in four boroughs as well as two PATH rail lines.
“I am proud to support federal funding to finance important modernization and accessibility improvements at stations across the city, including this one at 14th Street.” And Station and the 6 Av Manhattan train station”, said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. “With federal investments like this whopping $247 million, the MTA can tackle more projects to keep all New Yorkers moving and our economy humming. These completed and much-needed accessibility improvements, including three elevators, widened staircases, and a redesigned mezzanine, are key to modernizing the system and making public transit more accessible to riders, especially New Yorkers with disabilities who have long suffered from poor access to our region’s public transit.”
“Transforming MTA stations into fully accessible stations is critical for New York City residents and visitors,” said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand“I am thrilled that these stations are now accessible and look forward to the completion of the 14th St Complex megaproject, which will further improve accessibility for MTA riders. I applaud the MTA’s commitment to improving accessibility and improving public transit for all New Yorkers.”
“I am proud that the MTA’s $300 million megaproject to make ADA upgrades and other improvements to the 14th St complex included $247 million in federal funding,” said Congressman Jerrold Nadler. “I worked hard to ensure that President Biden and Vice President Harris’ bipartisan infrastructure bill included significant funding for future modernization and accessibility improvements that keep New Yorkers, including those with disabilities, moving. I applaud the MTA for completing this project and look forward to continuing to work to secure funding from the bipartisan infrastructure bill for future accessibility and station improvement projects.”
“The subway is the lifeblood of New York City and must be made safe and accessible for all New Yorkers,” said Congressman Dan Goldman“These improvements to the 14th Street and 6th Avenue station are critical steps toward our overall goal of bringing our entire system up to the 21st century standards that New Yorkers deserve. I congratulate the MTA on its diligent work and look forward to continued progress.”
“Today is a significant step towards comprehensive accessibility in our subway system,” said State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal. “While the vast majority of New York City’s 472 subway stations remain inaccessible, the three new elevators in the 14th Street subway complex, along with the new wider staircases, lighting, and improved platforms, will make a difference for the 30,000 New Yorkers who pass through this station every day. I am grateful to disability advocates for advocating for accessibility on 14th Street and to the MTA for heeding their call. I look forward to supporting future MTA investment plans that will further improve accessibility in subway stations throughout our city.”
“I am very pleased that the MTA is taking important steps toward transit accessibility by reaching the first milestone in the 14 St Complex megaproject,” said Rep. Deborah Glick. “In 1994, I authored legislation to ensure the creation of an accessible rapid transit system for people with disabilities throughout New York City – 100 Key Stations. Full accessibility of train stations has long been an important issue that I continue to support and champion. I look forward to celebrating a fully accessible system for all New Yorkers.”
“We have a commitment to making our public transportation system accessible to all, and the MTA continues to upgrade stations with ADA elevators to ensure seniors, parents, and all New Yorkers can use the subway safely,” said Council Member Carlina Rivera“The 14th Street complex will have nine new elevators upon completion of this project, ensuring better service to the more than 29,000 daily riders of this station and the surrounding community.”
“We are very pleased to announce the completion of the first milestone in the 14th Street Complex ADA elevator project and would like to thank the MTA for its commitment to making travel more accessible for all New Yorkers,” said Council member Erik Bottcher“The installation of a new elevator at the 6th Avenue Station for the Uptown and the The train is a significant step forward in accommodating passengers with disabilities, the elderly, and parents and carers with pushchairs and young children. Alongside these accessibility improvements, there are also improved stairs, lighting and upgraded platforms, creating a safer and more convenient station for all.”
“Whether passengers have limited mobility or are pushing strollers, installing elevators on all station levels is essential to making our subway system more accessible to all. This station, which connects three districts and serves more than 29,000 passengers daily, is critical to connecting our city, which makes these accessibility and transit improvements even more important,” said Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine“Thank you to the teams for their tireless work in modernising the station and to all the partners who made these changes possible.”
