Design-Build Project Improves Accessibility, Safety and Commuter Experience
Developer Responsible for Maintaining Elevators for 25 Years
See Photos and Video of Station Upgrades
See Video of Today's Event
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced the completion of station and accessibility upgrades at Sheepshead Bay subway station in Brooklyn. The installation of two new elevators connecting the street level to the platforms delivers full accessibility to the station and a new entrance with three turnstiles, two exit gates, and two new stairs expands the station’s footprint and improves customer flow. The station serves approximately 10,000 daily riders.
As part of the MTA’s climate resiliency program, the new elevators and machine room include flood-resistant construction to protect critical infrastructure in this flood-prone area. Crews also made accessibility upgrades to the platforms and installed new ADA-compliant raised boarding areas and yellow tactile edge strips along the platform length.
“Today’s MTA is on a mission to make old, neglected infrastructure new again,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “The Sheepshead Bay station is a perfect example – first opened in 1907, but now accessible to every New Yorker.”
“Sheepshead Bay is joining the fast-growing list of fully accessible MTA stations, putting us on track for another record-breaking year with 40 others already in construction across the system,” said MTA Construction & Development President Jamie Torres-Springer. “We're transforming how we build to deliver upgrades better, faster, and cheaper – making every dollar go further to build a system that works for everyone.”
“Making Sheepshead Bay Station fully accessible means more residents can easily reach work, school, and even better – Coney Island,” said New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow. “Accessibility upgrades deliver better trips for everyone whether you’re a parent with a stroller, someone using a mobility device, or even carrying gear for a day at the beach. We’re proud to celebrate another project that improves transit for the communities that rely on it.”
“Accessibility is about more than just infrastructure; it’s about independence,” said MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo. “By bringing Sheepshead Bay into the fold of accessible stations we are unlocking Southeast Brooklyn for thousands of riders, whether they’re pushing a stroller, carrying luggage, or using a mobility device. This isn't just about an elevator; it's about opening the door to thousands of new possibilities every single day.”
In addition to accessibility, the project includes significant station upgrades designed to enhance safety and customer experience. Sidewalks on both sides of the station entrance have been widened for improved pedestrian flow and existing doors were modified with ADA push-button access to enhance station entrances. Safety and security enhancements feature new lighting, emergency lights, three Help Points, updated fire prevention systems, and a new speaker system. Additionally, technology upgrades include the installation of a new IP CCTV system along with expanded fire detection and alarm system to cover the new control area.
Sheepshead Bay is the third newly accessible station to open in ADA Package 3, which includes eight full station accessibility projects:
- Mosholu Pkwy
- Church Av
- Sheepshead Bay
- Rockaway Blvd
- Kings Hwy
- Woodhaven Blvd
- Steinway St
- Junius St
And elevator replacements at five stations:
- 34 St-Penn Station (completed)
- 161 St-Yankee Stadium
- 161 St-Yankee Stadium
- Euclid Avenue (completed)
- 3 Av-149 St (completed)
This bundle of accessibility upgrades is the first in MTA history to be awarded using a public-private partnership (P3) model, which requires that the contractor finance the project with equity and bonds to be reimbursed in installments only if the project is built and maintained to MTA standards.
The design-build team for the Sheepshead Bay station upgrades includes Halmar and Forte, and the elevator manufacturer and installer is Otis.
“I am grateful to the MTA and my partners in state government for bringing this transformational upgrade to life for the people I am privileged to represent in Sheepshead Bay and across the Eighth Congressional District,” said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. “The and trains play a critical role in linking neighborhoods throughout New York City. Thanks to this ADA elevator installation, more residents, visitors and tourists will have the ability to experience all that our great city has to offer.”
“My constituents living in and traveling to Sheepshead Bay deserve safe, reliable, and fully accessible transportation when commuting throughout our city,” said State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton. “The completion of upgrades at the Sheepshead Bay subway station is a long overdue investment that will make a real difference for the thousands of riders who rely on it each day to get to work, school, and home to their families. With these upgrades, this station is now accessible and better equipped to serve more members of our community. I'm also grateful to see, with Sheepshead Bay’s proximity to the water, that these updates also include flood resistant infrastructure to better protect the station and surrounding neighborhood. I look forward to seeing these enhancements bring greater peace of mind to Sheepshead Bay and to everyone who travels through this station.”
“For years, I have advocated for an ADA-accessible elevator at the Sheepshead Bay station because our community deserves a transit system that works for everyone,” said Assembly Member Michael Novakhov. “I’m proud to see that advocacy, and our ongoing partnership with the MTA, result in this elevator now opening to the public. Thank you to the MTA for working with us to get this done, and most importantly, thank you to the many dedicated constituents who spoke up and pushed for this improvement. This is your victory as much as it is ours.”
“The community has been waiting for this badly needed upgrade to the Sheepshead Bay subway station for a long time now, we have advocated for it, and I’m so happy to see it come to fruition,” said NYC Council Member Inna Vernikov. “Looking forward to celebrating its opening with the community!”
“I am so happy that daily riders will now have more access to Sheepshead Bay Station,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “Brooklynites of all abilities deserve to move through our borough with ease and comfort. This investment will continue to break down long-standing barriers in our transit system and ensure that the Sheepshead Bay Station is accessible for Sheepshead Bay residents and visitors to this beloved neighborhood. Thank you to the MTA for completing this project. I look forward to working together to continue to ensure that all of Brooklyn's subway stations are ADA accessible.”