EL 220 Commissioned at 14th Street–Union Square

We’re excited to share that Elevator 220 is officially in service at the 14th Street–Union Square Station celebrating another accomplishment in the 19 Elevators Project. This achievement represents the 12th elevator commissioned under the contract and the second to go into service at this station as part of Phase 2.

Forte Construction, the MTA, and Lead Designer Goldman Copeland are proud to deliver Elevator 220 on schedule, continuing our shared commitment to improving accessibility and enhancing the transit experience for all New Yorkers.

Earlier this year, Elevator 219 was placed into service during Phase 1, while Phase 3 will complete the Union Square work with two additional elevators, EL 217 and EL 218, in the final construction phase. Elevator 220 serves the N, Q, R, and W lines, expanding accessibility across one of the city’s busiest transit hubs.

This installation is a standard hydraulic elevator replacement, similar to Elevator 219. A standard hydraulic system uses a piston powered by hydraulic fluid to raise and lower the cab, providing smooth and reliable operation ideal for shorter vertical travel between platforms or concourses — an excellent choice for high-traffic subway environments.

Despite the very limited space in the elevator machine room, the team successfully integrated a new air conditioning unit and upgraded the room to meet the latest code requirements — an impressive accomplishment that showcases teamwork and precision planning.

Delivering this elevator on schedule is a major success for the project overall, as Union Square is running on a critical path for the overall contract timeline.

The ongoing progress of the 19 Elevators Project is a testament to the collaboration between Forte Construction, the PCEO, PMC, MTA, and Goldman Copeland. Together, we continue to advance accessibility, support modernization, and keep New York City moving forward.