NYCT transforms “one of the least appealing subway stations”
Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
Often recognized as one of the "least appealing subway stations in the system," according to New York City Transit (NYCT), the 149 St – Grand Concourse 2, 4 and 5 station in the Bronx has gone through an aesthetic transformation befitting one of the most heavily used mass transit hubs in the city and the borough's fourth busiest station.
Much of work focused on cleaning and brightening the station complex and addressing water conditions, as well.
Making good on a commitment to Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr,, Metropolitan Transportation Authority NYCT recently completed component improvement work on a $19-million upgrade of the stop. The complex is actually made up of two separate stations, the older of which is on the lower level and serves the 2 and 5 lines while the upper level station serves the 4 line. About 14,000 customers enter the station on an average weekday, with 15,000 riders transferring between the 2 and 5 on the lower level and another 30,000 riders switching between the 4 on the upper level and the on the lower level.
While not new, the station is noticeably brighter and cleaner. One of the major complaints about the station was the number of water leaks, which often resulted in puddles. Remediation work included grouting several areas along the platforms, mezzanines and passageways and the removal and replacement of old drip pans throughout the mezzanines. Reconstruction of platform edges and the installation of running boards and American with Disabilities Act warning strips were also performed.
Other work included repairs to platforms and stair surfaces; replacement of damaged wall tiles and mosaics in all areas of the station complex; painting of the entire station complex; improvements to lighting passageways and mezzanine lighting; new lighting, ventilation , public address system and signage throughout the station and cleaning and draining of the track beds on both levels.
The project began in June 2012 and was performed by NYCT in-house forces.
