EL 421 and EL 422 in Service at Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue/74th Street Station

The 37 Elevators Project has reached a significant milestone with the successful commissioning of EL 421 and EL 422 at Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue/74th St. Station—the first elevators placed into service as part of Phase 3 and the 23rd and 24^th elevators commissioned under the project. Delivered by the Forte–Gramercy Joint Venture in collaboration with the MTA, Lead Designer Stantec, and the Naik–STV JV PMC team, the new elevators serve riders on the E, F, M, R, and 7 lines.

Known as the busiest subway station in Queens, Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue/74^th St. Station serves as a major transfer point between five subway lines and an extensive bus network, accommodating thousands of riders each day. Commissioning the first Phase 3 elevators at one of the system's busiest stations marks an important achievement for the project and another step toward improving accessibility for riders.

Beyond replacing the elevator systems, the project included upgrades throughout the Elevator Machine Rooms, modifications to accommodate new HVAC equipment and conduit systems, new wall and floor tile finishes, reconstructed structural elements, and other mechanical, electrical, and utility improvements. A unique aspect of construction involved lowering the hydraulic pistons through the station stairwell using a truck hoist and temporary ramp structure, as neither elevator could be accessed directly from street level.