Rockaway
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JUNE 18 - 24, 2026
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Marc A. Hermann/MTA
Local officials unveiled the completion of elevators at the Rockaway Boulevard station on the A line on June 11.
Rockaway Blvd. station has ADA access The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has completed a series of accessibility upgrades at the Rockaway Boulevard A train station in Ozone Park, adding elevators, new stairways and other improvements designed to make the station easier to use for all riders. The project includes a new three-stop elevator connecting the street, me zzanine and northbound platform, as well as a two-stop elevator linking the mezzanine and southbound platform. A new fare-control area with three turnstiles and an AutoGate was also installed near the elevator entrance on the northbound platform. Additional improvements include the replacement of two stairwells and the construction of a third American Disabilities Act-compliant stairway, n ew p l at fo r m - e d g e t a c t i l e strips, designated ADA boarding areas, modifications to the station agent booth and Braille signage throughout the station. The work also included a new
fire alarm system and security Queens Borough President cameras. Donovan Richards Jr. said the The upgrades are expected project would help connect to improve accessibility and more residents to opportunities customer flow for the station's throughout the city. approximately 5,600 daily rid“Every New Yorker, regarders. less of ability, deserves full and “Every day, every week we're complete access to the city they expanding the accescall home,” Richards sible subway map,” said in the release. MTA Chair and Chief “With the installaE x e c u t ive O f f i c e r tion of a new elevaJanno Lieber said in tor and other accessia news release. “All bility upgrades at the N e w Yo r k e r s — Rockaway Boulevard whether they have A train station, mobility issues or Ozone Park families they have a kid in a can finally access stroller or are travelour subway system ing with a suitcase — and the rest of the deserve to be able to Janno LiEbEr city in a way that take advantage of our had not been possible MTA Chair & CEO amazing transit sysbefore.” tem.” Assemblywoman Rockaway Boulevard is the Stacey Pheffer Amato called fourth station to become fully the project a significant investaccessible this year and the ment in the community. fourth completed as part of the “This is what happens when MTA's ADA Package 3 pro- state investments come to fruigram, which will ultimately tion — our community gets make eight stations accessible. exactly what it deserves," Phef-
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very day, every week we're expanding the accessible subway map..
fer Amato said in the release. “I am so happy to see the new elevator and all the ADA upgrades that will make this a more enjoyable subway experience for everyone.” The project was completed through the MTA's first publicprivate partnership for accessibility improvements. Under the arrangement, the design-build contractor finances construction and is reimbursed only after the new infrastructure is built and maintained according to MTA standards. The design-build team included Urbahn Architects, Dewberry, Forte Construction and EAE Halmar International. Otis Elevator manufactured and installed the elevators. “Today’s upgrades at Rocka-
way Boulevard, in my hometown of Ozone Park, represent a big step forward in creating a more inclusive New York for the thousands of people who use mass transit daily,” State Sen. P. Addabbo, Jr. said in the release. “By increasing elevator access, improving safety features, adding Braille signage and tactile strips, we are removing barriers for commuters with disabilities, seniors, families with strollers, and other travelers. This investment plus financing through a public-private par tnership shows that accessibility and fiscal responsibility can work in conjunction to create benefits for our community.” — Jeffrey Bessen