PHOTOS: MTA Announces Two Modernized Elevators in Manhattan Open on Budget and Ahead of Schedule

 Elevators Open at Lexington Av/53 St Station and Canal St Station

Accessibility Upgrades Provide Safer and More Reliable Elevator Service

See Photos of the Elevators

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced the opening of one modernized elevator serving the Lexington/53 St station and another elevator serving the Canal St station as part of larger accessibility and safety upgrades. Regular replacements are crucial to keep the system running effectively and efficiently resulting in less repair and fewer disruptions needed later. The MTA has completed three elevator replacements this year following a record 39 elevator replacements in 2025 - more than double the previous record of 16 set in 2021.

The new elevator at Lexington/53 St provides access from the mezzanine to the platform. The complex, which connects to the 51 St station, serves more than 47,500 weekday riders and has connections to nine bus routes. The elevator at Canal St station provides access from the street level to the downtown platform. The station serves approximately 37,200 riders every weekday.

"We're modernizing critical infrastructure across our system at record pace, cutting more than two months off the average time it takes to replace an elevator," said MTA Construction and Development President Jamie Torres-Springer. "This means riders get the reliable service they deserve faster than ever."

"New elevators mean fewer unexpected outages and a more reliable commute," said MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo. "We are committed to continue our efforts to improve accessibility for everyone who uses our system."

The elevator manufacturer and installer for both elevators is Mid-American Elevator Co. Work involved in the elevator replacement included:  

• Full replacement of elevator cab and associated equipment within the cab, shaft, and pit, along with new replaced elevator head house glass and canopy at street level. 

• Modifications to the shaft and pit needed to accommodate new equipment. Equipment updates ensure the elevator ride is smoother and the elevator is more reliable in the future. 

• Replacement and modernization of all elevator machine room, electrical and mechanical equipment for better and more reliable service. 

• Upgrades to the remote monitoring equipment, fire alarm system, intercom system and cameras to enhance security and allow crews to respond more quickly and precisely if an elevator goes out of service. 

 The MTA currently has elevator replacement projects in progress in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan. Details can be found here.