MTA blasts through bedrock to create new access at Grand Central
MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) — It's more than the opening of a new staircase at Grand Central in Manhattan.
Riders are always looking for better ways to get around stations. The most recent project around Grand Central is a new blueprint for completing and funding projects.
More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State
Direct the flow and your attention to a new staircase along the No. 7 train platform at Grand Central-42nd Street. More than 450,000 people use the complex on an average weekday.
Marita is a daily No. 7 train rider to and from Grand Central.
'It feels very bright and open. I thought I got off at 34th Street. It's opened up congestion and keeps us from falling all over each other,' she said.
Riders can position themselves near the center to back of the train to step on to the new staircase.
'This station is super congested. To get from here to the street level is always a problem,' said Anthony Triolo.
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The new staircase and passageway connect the No. 7 train platform to the escalators leading to the station mezzanine.
'Go straight up to Grand Central and not using the passageway that leads to the Lexington line. That always becomes overcrowded,' said Jackson Wong.
MTA officials brought video of the blast work through New York City bedrock. MTA Construction and Development President Jamie Torres-Springer said new technology allowed work to happen without impacting train service.
The projects total about $700 million around the Grand Central complex. They are funded in large part by developers. Midtown Rezoning created a new model.
'It allows developers to get a little more height and a little more space in what they build in exchange for major improvements to transit,' said MTA Chairman Janno Lieber.
The MTA is negotiating with other building owners for new improvements in Midtown.
The concept also is in place for other locations around the system. New elevators are being built with a similar program.
The MTA said the entire Grand Central-42 Street Circulations Improvement Project will be completed later this year. It includes replacement of eight escalators, a new fare control area, new wayfinding, lighting, signage, architectural improvements on the mezzanine, and additional state-of-good repair work.
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