SOUTHERN BROOKLYN — The MTA announced that 18th Avenue N and Fort Hamilton Parkway D stations have been selected to receive accessibility upgrades, including elevators.
The stations were selected to improve geographic coverage of accessible stations throughout the system. Officials stated that the project is being made possible with funds from congestion pricing.
“Wondering what congestion relief revenues are paying for? Well, here’s another five accessible subway stations to add to the list,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “Drivers are appreciating speedier crossings and reduced congestion since the toll program started, but everyone is glad the air is cleaner, streets are safer, and our mass transit system is getting major upgrades.”
“The benefits of congestion pricing add up more every day: air quality is improving and traffic is down — all while generating billions of dollars to improve the transit system New Yorkers rely on,” said MTA Construction & Development President Jamie Torres Springer. “These accessibility upgrades will be transformative for Brooklyn riders, and they’re exactly the kind of work congestion pricing allows us to deliver better, faster and cheaper.”
Work for the stations will include an installation of two elevators, one per platform, that will be direct from street to platform level. The tracks between the ends of the platforms will also be reconstructed.
“Thousands of Brooklyn riders will have new opportunities to use our system with these accessibility and station improvements,” said New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow. “Ensuring every New Yorker has access to safe and reliable transit remains a top priority for NYC Transit.”
Three other Brooklyn stations were selected to receive upgrades, including Jefferson Street, Nostrand Avenue and Neptune Avenue.
“I strongly support and applaud the MTA’s continued commitment to ADA compliance throughout the NYC transit system,” said Assemblymember Alec Brook-Krasny. “Every New Yorker deserves barrier-free access to our subway system, and I am pleased to report that the Neptune Avenue F line station in my district, which is over 100 years old, is on the list for extensive upgrades and elevator installation that will allow everyone to use that station. Thank you, MTA, for moving forward and committing yourself to an inclusive subway system open to everyone regardless of their mobility issues.”
“This improvement, which is crucial in terms of increasing accessibility at this heavily-used station, will be welcomed by the many people who live nearby — those with disabilities, seniors, parents with children in strollers and others whose ability to take the subway has been impacted by the flights of stairs they currently need to climb,” said Assemblymember William Colton. “The new elevators will truly make life easier for my constituents as well as the many people who come to the area to work, shop, visit family and friends and go to medical appointments.”
Last summer, the MTA opened its elevators at the Bay Ridge-95th Street subway station.