Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) officials today announced the completion of elevator installation work at the Gun Hill Road Station in the Bronx. With the completion of the project adding two new elevators in the last week of December, the station became the final of eleven stations to become fully ADA accessible in the last calendar year alone. At least eight additional stations are set to undergo ADA-related improvements this year. In addition to installing the elevators, crews made a range of other improvements to the Gun Hill Rd station, including the construction of ADA-compliant platforms and a new ADA-compliant station booth.
“Under Gov. Cuomo, MTA has made it a top priority to increase the accessibility of the subway system to all New Yorkers,” said Janno Lieber, President of MTA Construction & Development. “And despite the pandemic, we worked relentlessly to deliver 11 new accessible stations in 2020 and we’re determined to deliver even more in the year ahead.”
“Expanding accessibility across the system is a defining pillar of our work at New York City Transit,” said New York City Transit Interim President Sarah Feinberg. “Today represents another moment of progress in our ongoing work to make the system more accessible to all. We have done a tremendous amount to achieve that objective over the last year and I am eager to accomplish more in the year ahead. The pandemic is not over, but I’m excited for customers to experience these improvements when they return to the system in large numbers in the months to come.”
“It may be a new year, but the MTA’s commitment to increasing accessibility continues,” said MTA Board Member and Commissioner of the New York City Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities Victor Calise. “The new elevators and accessibility improvements at Gun Hill Road will ensure that all riders, including individuals with disabilities, can use the station. I look forward to continuing to work with the MTA and the disability community to achieve our shared goal of a fully accessible transit system for all New Yorkers and visitors to the city.”
In addition to the installation of the new ADA-compliant elevators, station booth and platforms, crews expanded the control house above the tracks by 26 feet and modified platform canopies to accommodate the new elevator shafts. The project team also upgraded the station’s communications systems and made a range of mechanical and electrical improvements as well. A small amount of remaining work aimed primarily at the station entrance canopy and doors is expected to be completed by the end of the month.
“Thank you to all involved in making these much-needed updates to our train stations here in the Bronx,” said Speaker of the New York State Assembly Carl Heastie. “Our public transportation system is the heart and soul of NYC – it allows residents to go about their daily activities – traveling to work, school, doctors’ appointments and so many other destinations. Making these stations ADA-compliant, with reliable elevators and extended platforms, ensures all persons in our community have the access they need.”
“One of the ways to nurture a robust economy, especially as we try to recover from the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, is focusing on our borough’s infrastructure system,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “The upgrades made at the Gun Hill Road Station on Dyre Avenue are key, particularly in helping our most vulnerable communities get the same access to public transportation as the rest of us. A thriving city like ours requires upgrades on all forms of transportation, and the ADA improvements made in the Gun Hill Road Station is a step in the right direction.”
”I would like to thank New York City Transit for their state of the art upgrades on the Gun Hill station on the train line,” said State Senator Jamaal Bailey. “This station is a vital and busy transit hub that serves the densely populated communities of Co-Op City and Baychester, full of essential workers, families and seniors who deserve accessibility and adequate transportation. The ADA accessibility and improved safety measures are necessary and crucial at this station. The upgrades made at the Gun Hill Station will benefit riders for years to come, and I am excited for the community to reap the benefits.”
“For too long our system has suffered from lack of ADA compliance,” said Assembly Member Nathalia Fernández. “These renovations are a crucial step forward in ensuring our subway system remains fully accessible borough-wide.”
“The long awaited upgrades to the Gun Hill Station train line is essential to the residents of district 12,” said Council Member Kevin Riley. “Our district is a transportation dessert and a part of the revitalization of our community starts with upgrades that make transportation more accessible to all residents. I would like to thank New York City Transit for their hard work on this project, and I look forward to working with them on more projects in the 12th City Council District. “
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