MTA Announces Groundbreaking for Middletown Rd Station Accessibility Project in the Bronx

Project Includes $57.8 Million in Federal Dollars, ADA Bundle Six Also Using Funds from Congestion Relief

Project to Add Two Elevators, Two Staircases, Make Track Improvements and Street-Level Utility Upgrades

Project Part of Major Investment in the Bronx Included in MTA's 2025-2029 Capital Plan

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The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today held a groundbreaking for the accessibility project at the Middletown Rd station in Pelham Bay. Funds from the federal government and congestion relief cover accessibility improvements, track improvements and street-level utility upgrades. Middletown Rd is the first of five stations in ADA Bundle 6 to begin construction.

"Middletown Rd is just one of many accessibility projects coming to the Bronx as part of the new Capital Plan's unprecedented $10 billion investment in the borough," said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. "We're pushing hard to get this work done so all New Yorkers have access to the subway system - this City's greatest tool for equity and affordability."

"Today's groundbreaking is a significant milestone for the MTA as ADA Package 6 is the first bundle of accessibility improvements to unlock funds from congestion pricing," said MTA Construction & Development President Jamie Torres-Springer. "Once complete, this station's two new street-to-platform elevators will strengthen our network of accessible stations not only in Pelham Bay but throughout our transit system."

"The accessibility and station renovation work starting at Middletown Rd are part of our commitment of making improvements to the transit system to ensure riders are getting where they need to go safely and efficiently," said NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow. "I look forward to continuing this great momentum of upgrading more stations to make them accessible for all riders."

"Everyone should be able to use our subway stations - whether you have a disability, a child in a stroller, or just can't use the stairs," said MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo. "I'm excited to kick off the construction at Middletown Rd which will deliver a new accessible travel option for Pelham Bay."

The anticipated completion date for Middletown Rd is Summer 2027. The project's contractor is MLJTC2 JV and the elevator manufacturer and installer is Mid-American Elevator Co. Inc. The project encompasses a multitude of accessibility upgrades and related station improvements, including:

• Installation of two new street to platform elevators

• Installation of two new street to control area stairs

• Track improvements

• Street-level utility upgrades, including the installation of a new water pipeline, improved drainage with catch basins

• Curb extensions on Westchester Avenue between Middletown Road and Mulford Avenue and Hutchinson River Parkway East

Package 6 provides improvements to five subway stations throughout Brooklyn and the Bronx: Norwood Av , Burnside Av , Myrtle Av , Avenue I , and Middletown Rd . The Package is funded in part by $254 million in support from the Federal Transit Administration's All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP), along with other federal sources. Local funding for the project is made possible by the Congestion Relief program.

Since the inception of MTA Construction & Development in 2020, 38 accessibility projects have been completed, 35 more in construction now, another 19 in design or procurement right behind those, and 60 total coming as part of the 2025-2029 MTA Capital Plan.

"This groundbreaking at Middletown Rd is a step towards making our transit system work for everyone," said State Senator Nathalia Fernandez. "Whether you're a senior, a parent with a stroller, or someone living with a disability, you deserve the same access to safe, reliable transportation. This project means progress for Pelham Bay and a sign of the continued investment the Bronx needs and deserves."

"The installation of elevators at the Middletown Rd train station is another significant step forward in making our train stations in the Bronx more accessible," said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. "I want to thank the MTA for their continued work in upgrading our city`s transit infrastructure and their commitment to modernizing our subway stations."

Investing in the Bronx

The MTA is making major investments to rebuild, improve, and expand service all across the Bronx. The 2020-2024 Capital Plan included $7 billion in investment in the Bronx. In the 2025-2029 Capital Plan, the number will grow even further to more than $10 billion, by far the largest in MTA history.

Accessibility

In 2020, 13 of the Bronx's 71 subway stations were accessible. Since then:

• Six have been made accessible

• Another nine are in construction

• Another four are in design or procurement thanks to congestion pricing

• Another 10-plus are funded in the 2025-2029 Capital Plan

As a result of this investment, 42 of the Bronx's stations will be accessible, 59%, even higher than the citywide average of 55%. In addition, the 2025-2029 Plan will keep the Bronx's elevators in a state of good repair, replacing eight elevators at three stations that would otherwise age past their useful life.

The Bronx's Metro-North stations have also seen significant investment. Three stations are currently in construction for ADA accessibility and renewal, and another has been identified for the 2025-2029 plan.

Infrastructure

Major investments will rebuild aging subway infrastructure in the Bronx, improving service reliability and the experience of customers and neighbors alike.

Completed and active projects include:

• Concourse tunnel rehabilitation

• Elevated structural repair on Broadway line

• Resilience improvements at Westchester Yard serving the line

In the 2025-2029 Plan, funded projects include:

• Station component repairs in at least 14 stations

• Elevated structure repairs and painting on the Pelham line, Jerome line, White Plains Road line, and Dyre Av line

• Underground structural repairs on the Jerome line and White Plains Road line

• Rehabilitation at nine electrical power substations and construction of a new one serving the train