MTA takes major step forward in accelerating station accessibility projects in 2020-2024 Capital Plan

A Request for Qualifications has been issued by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) for a design-build team to bring accessibility to 23 stations across all five boroughs to make full vertical accessibility at the stations by installing elevators and making other improvements in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

These expedited design-build contracts will be awarded to the companies whose proposals offer the best value to the MTA based on an evaluation of qualitative factors as well as cost and schedule.

“Accessibility is a top priority for the MTA, and we are committed to completing these accessibility projects as quickly as possible,” said MTA Chairman and CEO Patrick J. Foye. “The Capital Plan’s historic $5.2 billion investment in accessibility brings us one step closer to creating the equitable transit system New Yorkers deserve.”

Work at each station will generally include the design and construction of the following:

• Two to three new elevators per station;
• Structural and excavation work to accommodate new elevator installations;
• Electrical power upgrades, when necessary;
• Station communications systems upgrades, when necessary;
• Relocation of existing public and transit utilities;
• Replacement, relocation and/or addition of staircases from street to mezzanines and mezzanines to platforms; and
• Reconstruction of entire platform edges and/or reconstruction of ADA boarding areas.

Additional work may be necessary based on existing conditions at the stations, including:

Platform reconstruction;

• Windscreen and canopy replacement;
• Architectural finishes replacement;
• Structural steel and concrete repairs;
• Waterproofing; and
• Lighting and communication systems replacement/upgrade.

“We are going to deliver these accessibility improvements better, faster and more efficiently, not only by requiring design-build but also by bundling these projects across MTA agencies to take advantage of proximity,” said MTA Chief Development Officer Janno Lieber. “Innovation is the driving force of this approach.”

A full list of the 23 stations included in this procurement can be found here.