Station Upgraded with ADA-Compliant Elevators, Sidewalks and Overpass Renovation
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced the completion of elevator installations at Metro-North Railroad’s Hartsdale station, making the station fully accessible. The elevators were a major component in a project to upgrade the station geared toward enhancing the customer experience.
The full scope of the project included the following upgrades:
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Two enclosed elevator towers located on each platform, serving street level to platform level and overpass level.
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Two elevators compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
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ADA-compliant sidewalks at street level leading to the new elevators.
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An elevated walkway connecting the elevator tower to the existing overpass level.
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Overpass enhancements including benches, leaning bars, new LED lighting and heaters were installed.
“The MTA is starting 2024 right where it left off in 2023 – adding accessible stations faster than ever – four times the pace of MTAs of the past,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “With today’s announcement 80 percent of the Harlem Line is now accessible in Westchester County, with just three more full-service stations to go. We are not done making Metro-North stations accessible – three more stations in the Bronx are slated to be brought online during this current capital plan.”
“Any day we make another Metro-North station fully accessible is a great day,” said Metro-North Railroad President Catherine Rinaldi. “This project is what Metro-North's core mission is all about – delivering excellent customer service and improving regional mobility. With new elevators and a renovated overpass, all of our Hartsdale customers can access Metro-North’s safe and reliable transportation to Manhattan and other destinations in Westchester County, Putnam County, and the Bronx.”
“Newly accessible stations like Hartsdale are the fruits of our efforts to execute projects more efficiently through innovative delivery methods like project bundling,” said MTA Construction & Development President Jamie Torres-Springer. “We are completing ADA upgrades in record time, which will greatly improve accessibility not just along the Harlem Line but throughout the entire Metro-North transit system.”
“A fully accessible Hartsdale station means easier rail trips for so many of our customers from Greenburgh or Scarsdale,” said MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo. “I’m so happy to start 2024 with yet another project demonstrating our commitment to accessibility across the MTA. Beyond adding elevators and ramps to dozens of subway and rail stations, we will continue to improve wayfinding with projects like the NaviLens pilot underway at White Plains station to further enhance accessibility.”
The Hartsdale station building was originally built in 1914 by the Warren and Wetmore architectural firm for the New York Central Railroad, as a replacement for a smaller wooden depot built by the New York and Harlem Railroad originally known as "Hart's Corner Station." In 2011, the station was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
“I am thrilled that the installation of new elevators and ADA upgrades at the Hartsdale Station are officially complete! These enhancements will make Hartsdale station more accessible and inclusive for disabled riders and all commuters who use it,” said Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. “All these new improvements supported by capital funds will provide increased safety and satisfaction for Metro-North Railroad commuters. As Senate Majority Leader, I will continue to support investments in public transportation to improve accessibility and reliability so riders along the MTA system can enjoy a modern and safe travel experience.”
“Downtown Hartsdale is a bustling mixed-use district, and its Metro-North station is well utilized by the community – including many residents who have limited mobility,” said Assembly Member MaryJane Shimsky. “These new station elevators will provide much needed pedestrian and accessibility improvements for all who live and visit Hartsdale. I thank the MTA for making this meaningful investment in our community.”
“Thank you to the MTA for much-needed improvements to Hartsdale Station, ensuring that every county resident can embark on a seamless transit journey,” said Westchester County Executive George Latimer. “In Westchester County we pride ourselves on being accessible, and with the upgrades to Hartsdale Station, we take a significant stride towards accessibility for all. Together, we celebrate progress that moves us towards a more inclusive and connected Westchester County.”
“I would like to thank Metro-North for this major quality of life improvement. Residents, especially the disabled, elderly and parents with small children, have been asking for an elevator for decades,” said Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner. “The new elevator and bridge upgrades are already bringing many smiles to lots of people and will make the commuting experience much less stressful for many. The quality of the work done was exceptional. A very big thank you to Metro-North for being responsive to the needs of commuters.”