The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has announced a significant investment in station modernizations, set to greatly benefit commuters using the 85th Street Forest Parkway station, alongside Cypress Hills and 75 St–Elderts Lane stations on the and lines. These renovations are part of a broader initiative to enhance customer experience, improve accessibility, and ensure the longevity of these vital transit hubs within the Brooklyn and Queens boroughs.
Jamie Torres-Springer, President of MTA Construction and Development, emphasized the positive impact of these projects, stating, “ train customers in Brooklyn and Queens will have a lot to look forward to when this project is completed. These renovations will bring vital improvements to three stations, enhancing safety and accessibility while ensuring these stations are in a state of good repair for decades to come.†The upgrades at 85th Street Forest Parkway are designed to address critical infrastructure needs while also incorporating modern amenities and accessibility features that today’s riders expect.
Richard Davey, NYC Transit President, further highlighted the transformative nature of these improvements for local commuters, particularly in the Cypress Hills and Woodhaven areas. “The improvements coming to these three stations will be a game changer for line customers in Cypress Hills and Woodhaven. When completed, our customers will benefit from faster, cleaner, and safer service at these enhanced stations. As service is impacted by this critical work, we will make sure that customers are given advance notice as they plan their journeys.â€
For 85th Street Forest Parkway station specifically, the renovation work is scheduled to commence on the Queens-bound platform in late winter 2024, followed by the Manhattan-bound platform in the summer of 2024. To facilitate these essential upgrades, Queens-bound trains will bypass the 75 St – Elderts Lane station starting February 27th. This service adjustment is being strategically coordinated with ongoing ADA elevator installations at Woodhaven Blvd station, where trains will also bypass Woodhaven Blvd in the same direction beginning on the same date.
The comprehensive station renovation project will bring a multitude of improvements to the 85th Street Forest Parkway station and its counterparts. Passengers can anticipate completely renewed platforms, ensuring a safer and more stable walking surface. Structural repairs to the mezzanine levels will reinforce the station’s infrastructure, guaranteeing long-term reliability. Extended canopies over the stairways are another key enhancement, providing improved shelter from rain and snow for those entering and exiting the station.
Furthermore, the project includes upgrading the windscreens with modern, laminated glass artwork commissioned by MTA Arts & Design. These artistic additions will not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the station but also contribute to a more welcoming and pleasant commuting environment.
Accessibility and safety are paramount in these renovations. Rehabilitation of platform components includes the installation of detectible warning strips at the platform edges, crucial for visually impaired passengers. Efforts will also be made to minimize the gaps between the train and platform, reducing trip hazards and facilitating safer boarding and alighting for all riders at 85th Street Forest Parkway.
The MTA is committed to keeping the community informed about the progress of the renovations and any associated service changes. Multilingual signage will be prominently displayed in and around the stations, providing ample advance notice to customers.
During the construction period, and trains will operate with modified stopping patterns. Specifically, these lines will make all scheduled stops between Jamaica Center Parsons/Archer and Crescent St, with the exception of the stations currently undergoing renovation. For passengers whose intended station is being bypassed, the MTA advises exiting at the next available stop and utilizing a back-ride to reach their destination.
To prioritize public safety throughout the renovation process at the 85th Street Forest Parkway and other elevated stations, protective shielding will be erected while construction activities are underway. The MTA has also implemented environmental mitigation plans to address any potential public and environmental safety concerns that may arise during the project.
Normal working hours for the renovation project are set from Monday to Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The MTA and its contractors are committed to working collaboratively with local businesses and street vendors to ensure pedestrian safety and minimize any disruptions to commerce in the vicinity of the 85th Street Forest Parkway station during this period of revitalization. The entire station renovation project across all three stations is expected to reach completion by the third quarter of 2025, promising a significantly improved transit experience for the community.
