NYC Grand Central Station Completes Major Upgrade

MTA completes six-year, $178 million upgrade adding three elevators at Grand Central

Grand Central Station Upgrade Finishes

The MTA completed a six-year upgrade project at Grand Central-42 St Station on Tuesday, bringing new elevators and modernized features to one of New York's busiest transit hubs. The station serves approximately 200,000 daily customers across five subway lines. Janno Lieber, MTA Chair and CEO, said the comprehensive upgrade ensures the station meets the needs of hundreds of thousands of customers who rely on it every day.

Six-Year Project Overcame Pandemic Delays

Construction began in September 2019 but paused in March 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic hit New York, according to the transit agency. Work resumed in 2021 and continued through completion this week. The project focused on one of the system's most critical stations, where the 4, 5, 6, 7, and S shuttle lines converge. Officials said the upgrades were part of the MTA's broader effort to modernize aging infrastructure and improve accessibility across the transit network.

Three New Elevators Boost Accessibility

The upgrade includes three new ADA-accessible elevators, improved LED lighting throughout the station, enhanced wayfinding signage, and modernized wall and ceiling finishes. Demetrius Crichlow, Senior Vice President of Subways at New York City Transit, said the new elevators and updated finishes will make a real difference for customers, particularly those with mobility challenges. The MTA awarded a $178 million construction contract to Judlau Contracting Inc. for the work. Total project costs including design and engineering expenses weren't disclosed.

Complex Work in Busy Transit Environment

Jamie Torres-Springer, President of MTA Construction & Development, said the project showcases the agency's ability to deliver complex infrastructure improvements in one of the busiest transit environments in the world. Despite challenges posed by the pandemic, crews worked to complete the upgrade while keeping the station operational for daily riders. The MTA didn't provide specific metrics on how the improvements will affect station operations or customer satisfaction.

Riders Can Access Updated Station Now

All improvements are now available to the approximately 200,000 daily customers who use Grand Central-42 St Station. The accessibility enhancements particularly benefit riders with mobility challenges who previously had limited elevator access at the station. Riders can check Moovit for real-time service information and navigation assistance through the upgraded station complex.