MTA completes elevator installments at Murray Hill LIRR station
BY BILL PARRY
The MTA announced it
has completed an $8.6 million
upgrade and renewal at the
Murray Hill LIRR station,
bringing a major accessibility
improvement.
The station now has two
elevators, one each for the
eastbound and westbound
platforms, making the station
accessible to all customers for
the first time.
“Our goal at the LIRR is to
make sure every last station
that needs to be upgraded to allow
for full ADA-compliant accessibility
happens as quickly
as possible,” LIRR President
Phil Eng said. “The opening
of elevators at Murray Hill
Station marks the 107th accessible
station, out of 124, for our
customers. I’m proud of the
workforce that managed to get
this important project past the
finish line despite the ongoing
pandemic, as we run Essential
Service for frontline workers.
We look forward to the day we
welcome all our customers
back, and to the day we can say
the LIRR is truly accessible for
all who wish to use it.”
Each elevator has a 3,500-
pound capacity and is large
enough to accommodate a
stretcher, should any passenger
require EMT assistance on
either platform. Low E glass
has been installed on both elevators
to reduce the accumulation
of heat inside the elevator
to improve passenger comfort.
“I have long advocated for
these elevators at the Murray
Hill station and I’m pleased to
have worked with the LIRR in
making the completion of this
project a reality,” Congresswoman
Grace Meng said. “The
elevators will be a great benefit
to those who use this station.
They will make the station
compliant with the Americans
with Disabilities Act and provide
improved access to and
from the platforms. I also commend
the other enhancements
included in this project such
as security cameras and new
lighting near the elevators.”
The plaza areas at the station
were also restored with
new brick pavers and concrete
walkways. In addition, plaza
benches, tables, seats and
lampposts were reinstalled,
and new trees were planted.
“The Main Street Flushing
LIRR station took 15 years for
TIMESLEDGER | 38 QNS.COM | MAY 8-MAY 14, 2020
the modernization to be completed.
In contrast, two years
ago, the LIRR began renovations
at the Murray Hill station,
providing added accessibility
and most importantly
finished installing elevators,”
state Senator Toby Ann
Stavisky said. “I am delighted
to see that Long Island Rail
Road has continued making
proactive improvements to its
station infrastructure, making
sure all city residents have
the ability to take advantage of
their much-needed transportation
options.”
Assemblyman Ron Kim
cited the importance of
compliance with the ADA
requirements.
“This will greatly improve
the daily commute and quality
of life for many residents in our
community, and in spite of any
setbacks or delays,” Kim said.
“I am grateful that they were
able to see this project through.
This infrastructure upgrade,
combined with the improved
security measures, should ensure
a more positive commuting
experience for us all.”
The station first opened in
April 1889, at street level. This
section of the Port Washington
Branch was depressed below
street level in 1912.
“These long-awaited elevators
will go far to ensure
everyone in the Murray Hill
community has access to their
backyard station,” Councilman
Peter Koo said. “This
is the second LIRR station
upgrade we’ve had Flushing
in the last two years, and I’m
grateful the MTA has worked
with our community to address
these outstanding accessibility
and safety concerns.”
Reach reporter Bill Parry by
e-mail at bparry@schnepsmedia.
com or by phone at (718)
260–4538.
MTA President Phil Eng checks out the new elevators at the Murray
Hill LIRR station. Courtesy of MTA
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