MTA Announces Elevators Open at Accessible Northern Blvd M/R Station

Federally Funded Project Includes Two New Elevators for ADA Accessibility, Staircase Improvements, and State of Good Repair Work

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See Video of Station Accessibility Upgrades

See Photos of the Event and Station Upgrades

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced the completion of accessibility upgrades at the Northern Boulevard station in Queens. Upgrades include two new street to platform elevators, the rehabilitation of two street to platform stairs with a new fare array at the southbound entrance, accessible boarding areas, and sidewalk and curb improvements outside the station.

"The new MTA is all about completing projects faster, better and cheaper - which is how we've opened 37 accessible stations in the past five years," said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. "And thanks to our fully funded Capital Plan, we will continue using every available tool to make the subway system accessible to all New Yorkers."

"We're proud to deliver on our commitment to make Queens accessible to all riders," said MTA Construction & Development President Jamie Torres-Springer. "These critical accessibility upgrades and station improvements will give 5,000 riders a day a better ride in and out of Woodside."

"We're rebuilding our transit network so that it is equally accessible to all New Yorkers and visitors alike," said MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo. "We are pleased to add this Northern Blvd station to the suite of accessible transit options for the community of Woodside."

"Thousands of Northern Blvd Station riders are benefitting from accessibility upgrades as part of our commitment to improving safety and service throughout the transit system," said New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow. "Queens customers are already taking advantage of our 100% accessible bus fleet with a newly redesigned bus network and I'm thrilled to open another accessible option for riders at Northern Boulevard."

In addition to the ADA upgrades, crews installed new lighting throughout the station and updated fire alarm and communications systems. The Northern Blvd M/R station serves more than 5,300 riders daily.

The project was made possible by support from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Approximately 22.5% of the project budget was awarded to Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms. The project's contractor is a Joint Venture of J-Track and TC Electric, and the elevator manufacturer and installer is Modern Elevator.

Three mosaic murals by artist Oscar Oiwa, collectively titled Woodside Window, can be seen on walls of the mezzanine near station entrances. Commissioned by MTA Arts & Design, the artwork celebrates the community and presents views of the neighborhood in the artist's dreamy, otherworldliness style. Woodside Window incorporates floating spheres of light, the subway entrance playfully set atop a rooftop, and the oversized steel structure of the elevated train line. Oiwa is a painter of Japanese descent, born and raised in Brazil, and based in New York with a studio in Long Island City. The 360-square-foot artwork was fabricated by Mosaicos Venecianos de México.

Package 4 provides improvements to four subway stations throughout Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx: 137 St-City College 1, Northern Blvd M/R, Bay Ridge-95 St R and Parkchester 6. Since the inception of MTA Construction & Development in 2020, 38 accessibility projects have been completed, 33 more in construction now, another 21 in design or procurement right behind those, and 60 total coming as part of the 2025-2029 MTA Capital Plan.

"I have long pushed for accessibility improvements throughout our mass transit system, and this includes calling for the MTA to install more elevators and other enhancements at subway stations in my congressional district," said Representative Grace Meng. "I thank the agency for agreeing to do so here in Woodside as well as recently announcing elevators for subway stations in Rego Park and Elmhurst. These upgrades will make it easier for many constituents to access the trains they rely on for getting them where they need to go, and I look forward to continuing to work with the MTA on additional improvements in communities I represent."

"These new elevators at Northern Boulevard are an encouraging sign of the MTA's commitment to creating a fully modern and accessible transit system that serves all New Yorkers," said Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris. "This newly accessible station will benefit not just those with a physical disability, but anyone who may find taking the stairs difficult such as seniors or parents with strollers. I look forward to even more such announcements as the MTA continues to put its capital plan into action."

"No one with a disability, a stroller, or heavy items should be struggling to get in or out of the subway," said Assembly Member Steven Raga. "These new elevators and accessibility improvements are a major win for the Woodside community, and they came just in time with the opening of our four new high schools across the street. Thanks to our federal, state, and local partners who have been working together to deliver these much-needed upgrades, thousands of Queens residents will have a safer and easier commute."

"If our mass transit system is not accessible to all New Yorkers, regardless of ability, then neither is our city as a whole. That's why accessibility upgrades like the new elevators, new fair gate and more at the Northern Boulevard subway station in Woodside are so critical," said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. "Thank you to the MTA for prioritizing this work on behalf of Woodside community members. I look forward to continuing our partnership as we ensure our mass transit system is accessible for all regardless of ability, and that's what this station represents."