MTA Unveils Renovated Long Island Rail Road Locust Manor Station

Renovated Station Features Accessibility Upgrades and Better Wayfinding

Upgraded Communication and Security Systems

Another MTA Project Completed On Time and On Budget

View Photos and Video of the News Conference and Renovated Station

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced the rededication of the Locust Manor Long Island Rail Road station in southeast Queens following major renovation that improves accessibility, modernizes the station and brings it into a state of good repair. The project was completed on time and on budget.

"The accessible transformation at Locust Manor makes it the perfect place to kick off MTA's celebration of Disability Pride Month," said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. "There's a lot more to come as we continue to knock these projects out five times as fast as ever before."

"We're proud to mark the start of Disability Pride Month with a celebration of accessibility at the Locust Manor station--delivered on time and on budget," said Jamie Torres-Springer, President of MTA Construction & Development. "This is the ninth and final station completed under Long Island Rail Road's first bundled ADA upgrade package--an innovative model that's helping us deliver accessibility projects across the system better, faster, and cheaper."

"With the introduction of these new elevators, the frequency and reliability of trains, and the affordability of the CityTicket, we are expanding the accessibility of transportation and ensuring that Locust Manor is not a transit desert," said Long Island Rail Road President Rob Free. "Whether you are a person with a mobility impairment or someone who could use some help with traveling, these new elevators and site improvements enhance the customer experience for all."

Station improvements include:

• Installation of two new elevators and elevator vestibules as required for weather protection
• New elevator machine rooms, electrical room and service upgrades, communication room and safety/security systems.
• Replacement of existing Platform Rubbing Edge Boards and tactile strips along new area of work
• New sidewalks connecting paths of travel to elevators and underpass and retaining wall alongside.
• New and rehabilitated stairs and ramps, including landing clearances and handrails/ guardrails.
• Signage including wayfinding, directional, corporate, and ADA.
• Roost free surfaces.
• Weatherproof Help Point emergency/information kiosks with equipment enclosures.
• New CCTV cameras, and High Security fencing
• Rehabilitation of 84 platform support columns under Platform A

This design-build project is part of the MTA's overall goal to make 98% of Long Island Rail Road stations accessible in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act by the end of the 2025-2029 Capital Program. This project has added seven stations to the list of accessible LIRR stations and has replaced elevators/escalators at two stations that were already accessible.

"You heard these projects were done on time and on budget, and now they're online, so you can see through the Capital Dashboard how the MTA is spending their money," said Senator Leroy Comrie. "They're no longer a frivolous agency, wasting dollars. They're spending their dollars wisely. They're doing their projects on time."

"Yes, we're a NORC, a naturally occurring retirement community, but sometimes we have children that we have to take up these steps," said Senator James Sanders Jr. "Sometimes we have groceries that we're taking up or down, and sometimes we're just tired and don't want to struggle with these steps. And now you have a chance not to."

"This is an exciting moment for Southeast Queens, because this project is about so much more than the new infrastructure. It's about ensuring every member of our community can access the opportunities that public transportation provides," said Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers. "For years, residents have advocated for improvements across the subway system because they understand the importance of accessibility. It allows seniors to travel independently, parents, as it was said before, with strollers to reach the platform easily, and people with disabilities to move through the station safely and with dignity. Ultimately, it gives everyone in Southeast Queens better access to all our city offers."

The project was entirely federally funded - more than $22 million in federal funding. The design-build firm is Citnalta/Scalamandre, J.V., with Parsons Transportation Group as the Designer of Record. Major subcontractors are Bana Electric, Mid-American, Premier, Superior, and Welkin.

On weekdays, 42 westbound and 37 eastbound trains stop at Locust Manor. On weekends the station sees 42 westbound trains and 44 heading east. In 2025, monthly ridership averaged more than 72,000.

Locust Manor customers can make connections to MTA Buses Q3 featuring service to the Lefferts Boulevard AirTrain Station and the Jamaica Bus Terminal, Q85 and Q89 with service to the Green Acres Mall.