Sky-high development: Elevators set for NYC's tallest subway station, boosting accessibility to new heights
The MTA's recently approved $68.4 billion capital plan for 2025-2029 includes upgrades to make the Smith-9th Street subway station in Gowanus, Brooklyn accessible for all commuters[1][2][4]. The tallest subway station in NYC, rising nearly 90 feet above ground, currently lacks elevator access, posing significant challenges for people with disabilities, seniors, and others[3].
Local officials, including State Sen. Andrew Gounardes and Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon, have praised the MTA for this decision, viewing it as a significant step for transit equity[5]. The planned elevators are part of the MTA's commitment to ensure that 95% of NYC’s subway stations are ADA-accessible by 2055, as mandated by a court-approved settlement[2].
The upgrades at the Smith-9th Street station are significant in demonstrating the need for accessibility in the subway system. The station's steep stairs have been compared to climbing Mount Everest due to their difficulty, and the station has a history of escalator breakdowns[3].
Quemuel Arroyo, MTA's chief accessibility officer, is excited about starting work on the Smith-9th Street station and other locations in Brooklyn[6]. The Bay Ridge-95th Street station in Brooklyn, recently opened as a fully ADA-accessible station, serves as a precedent for the Smith-9th Street station's accessibility upgrades[1].
The Smith-9th Street subway stop is home to the F and G trains. The installation of elevators is expected to make the subway system more than 50% accessible, a significant improvement for the city's commuters[1].
However, as of August 2025, no specific construction start or completion date for the elevators at the Smith-9th Street station has been announced[1][2][4]. The MTA did not specify when the elevators would open at the 92-year-old station, but local officials and advocacy leaders have expressed commitment to begin work soon[1][2][4][5].
The accessibility challenges at the Smith-9th Street station have been a concern for people with disabilities, seniors, commuters carrying packages, and others who struggle climbing the stairs[3]. The planned elevators are expected to alleviate these challenges, making the subway system more accessible and user-friendly for all New Yorkers.
[1] [News Source 1] [2] [News Source 2] [3] [News Source 3] [4] [News Source 4] [5] [News Source 5]
The MTA's capital plan, focusing on industry, finance, and transportation, promises to start work on elevators at the Smith-9th Street subway station, addressing concerns for accessibility. The planned elevators, part of the MTA's commitment to transit equity, aim to make over 50% of NYC's subway system accessible, a significant improvement for the city's commuters.
