The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced the opening of three modernized elevators at Fordham Road Subway Station serving the 4 train on Oct. 31, as part of larger accessibility and safety upgrades. Others were also opened at 74 Broadway/Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue in Queens.

 

MTA officials said regular replacements are crucial to keep elevators running effectively and efficiently resulting in less repair and fewer disruptions needed later.

 

They said the elevators at Fordham Road provide access from the street level to the mezzanine, the mezzanine to the Woodlawn-bound platform, and the mezzanine to the Manhattan-bound platform. They said the station serves around 6,500 riders every weekday.

“Thousands of customers a day are in for a smoother, more reliable ride,” said MTA Construction and Development President Jamie Torres-Springer. “We’re excited for riders in Queens and The Bronx to have these elevators back in service, and we’re committed to modernizing infrastructure like this throughout the system.”

 

According to the MTA, the elevator manufacturer and installer is Mid-American Elevator Company and work involved in the elevator replacement included a full replacement of the elevator cab and associated equipment within the cab, shaft, and pit, along with two renovated elevator enclosure structures.

 

It also included modifications to the shaft and pit needed to accommodate new equipment, adding that equipment updates ensure the elevator ride is smoother and the elevator is more reliable in the future.

The work also included replacement and modernization of all elevator machine room, electrical and mechanical equipment for better and more reliable service, and upgrades to the remote monitoring equipment, intercom system, and cameras to enhance security and allow crews to respond more quickly and precisely if an elevator goes out of service.

 

Officials said the MTA currently has other elevator replacement projects in progress including in The Bronx at Yankee Stadium. They said elevator replacements at this station are currently either in progress or planned for the near future. They said for details about travel impacts and alternatives for elevators currently out of service for replacement, check elevator & escalator status.

As reported, the newly installed elevators at Mosholu Parkway subway station in Norwood, which opened in September, had been out of service as of the evening of Oct. 28. Norwood News is checking the current status and will keep you informed.

 

In terms of weekend changes to the subway schedule, MTA officials said that on Sunday, for the TCS New York City Marathon, some stairways at 59 Street-Columbus Circle    , 66 St-Lincoln Center  , 72 St , and 81 St-Museum of Natural History  may be closed, and there will be detours on many bus routes along the marathon route. If you’re taking the bus on Sunday, they recommend checking Planned Service Changes to see if there is a detour on your route.

 

They added that it’s your last chance to make your voice heard by taking the fall edition of the MTA’s customers count survey, which closes on Sunday. They said your feedback helps the MTA improve service, and there is a chance to win a $100 OMNY gift card. Take the survey here.

 

Here’s what else is happening this weekend ( also viewable as a map, attached):

•  trains aren’t running to/from Flushing-Main St.
•  trains aren’t running between Inwood-207 St and 168 St.
•  trains aren’t running between 168 St and 145 St.
•  trains aren’t running between Church Av and Coney Island-Stillwell Av.
•  trains aren’t running between Broadway Junction and Canarsie-Rockaway Pkwy.
•   trains are running on the   between Canal St and Altantic Av-Barclays Ctr.
• Forest Hills-bound  trains are running on the  from 57 St-7 Av to 36 St on Saturday morning.
•  Rockaway Park Shuttle isn’t running at all.

 

Additionally, the MTA has announced that the Hunts Point Avenue entrance of the Hunts Point MTA station serving the 6 train will be closed, though the station will remain open, from Nov. 4 until Dec. 15. MTA officials said customers should use the alternative entrance on 163rd Street or use the elevator while the Hunts Point Avenue entrance will be closed.