MTA

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) New York City Transit (NYCT) reopened two stations—the Saratoga Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue 3 line stations—Sept. 19 as the projects draw closer to completion.

Both of the newly reopened stations had been shuttered for renewal work since early April in compliance with plans set forth in an $88 million capital project to renovate seven elevated 3 line stations on the New Lots Avenue Branch.

Both stations saw structural enhancements including the installation of new columns, platform-rubbing boards and updated mezzanine floors. Remaining work entails the installation of new windows and a new exterior façade to the mezzanine, which will continue while passenger service moves forward, officials say.

“Governor [Andrew] Cuomo’s leadership has helped provide funding for the MTA’s capital program, which helps fuel our station renewal program in Brooklyn and throughout our system,” said NYCT President Veronique “Ronnie” Hakim. “The completion of work at Saratoga Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue and planned work at other stations will provide a welcoming atmosphere for our customers, bringing seven stations that originally opened in the 1920’s to a state of good repair.”

The stations also saw improvements such as the installation of new windscreens, platform lighting, benches, trash receptacles, guardrails and Americans with Disabilities Act-approved tactile warning strips on platforms. Both of the stations have been given a fresh coat of paint and the fare control areas were reorganized to allow for better accessibility and decreased congestion in the space.

EE Cruz Company Inc.’s construction contracts outline future station renewal work at Sutter Av-Rutland Rd, Saratoga Avenue, Rockaway Avenue, Junius Street, Pennsylvania Avenue and Van Siclen Avenue. Component repairs are set for completion at New Lots Avenue, and renewal work was completed in March at Rockaway Avenue and Van Siclen Avenue.

Two upcoming station closures are set for renewal work along the New Lots Branch are Sutter Avenue-Rutland Road and Junius Street. Work is currently planned to begin at the stations on Oct. 3 with a five-month timeframe, finishing work in spring 2017. During this period, 3 trains and late night 4 trains will bypass Sutter Avenue-Rutland Road and Junius Street in both directions.