Forte Construction Completes NYC Transit Escalator Project Ahead of Schedule
- Marketing
- Apr 4
- 3 min read
Forte Construction Corp. is proud to announce the substantial completion of its contract with New York City Transit for Design-Build Services for Systemwide Escalators. This comprehensive project involved the demolition and replacement of four escalators at two vital subway stations: two at Dekalb Avenue Station and two at Yankee Stadium Station.
Dekalb Avenue Success Story
The Dekalb Avenue portion of the project showcased Forte’s exceptional project management capabilities. Working in collaboration with designer Systra and escalator installer Kone, the team faced and overcame numerous challenges including water infiltration in the Escalator Machine Room, which required innovative chemical injection solutions to seal the walls.
Through strategic planning and execution, the project achieved remarkable efficiency milestones:
Escalator 308 was placed into service SIX days ahead of schedule
Escalator 309 was completed an impressive SIXTY-TWO (62!) days ahead of schedule
This productivity was achieved through optimized resource management, reducing the need for General Orders by 25% and work trains by 50% compared to initial projections.
Yankee Stadium Station Transformation
At the historic Yankee Stadium – 161st Street Station in the Bronx, Forte successfully replaced two escalators that serve as the only free and accessible connection between the underground B/D trains and the elevated 4 train. This 112-year-old station sees over 5.3 million riders every year, making it the busiest subway station in the Bronx and the 54th busiest in the MTA’s 472-station system.
Over the course of the nine-month modernization project, Forte replaced escalators that date back more than 20 years with new models featuring larger, noise-free motors. The equipment machine rooms were improved with new sprinkler systems, air conditioning units to ensure a controlled temperature, new fire alarms, and a remote escalator monitoring system providing real-time observations.
The construction team overcame significant challenges and worked proactively with the MTA to mitigate impacts on passengers, while remaining cognizant of increased ridership during the baseball season. The neighborhood’s busy traffic volume affected the timing of water service installation from underground mains, requiring strategic planning for excavation at street level during non-peak days and times to ensure minimal traffic disruption.
Impressively, the Yankee Stadium Station escalator replacements were completed SEVEN days ahead of schedule!
Innovative Approaches to Design Challenges
The design phase involved unique challenges, especially integrating new equipment while ensuring compliance with updated code requirements within the constraints of the existing infrastructure. At Dekalb Avenue, the team successfully navigated complex regulatory processes to upgrade the water supply system for fire sprinkler piping and enhance the ventilation system. Through constructive engagement with authorities, the team secured necessary approvals and developed more feasible solutions to technical challenges.
Safety and Collaboration
Building on Forte’s foundational commitment to safety, this project was completed with zero safety incidents or violations. This achievement reflects the seamless collaboration among Forte’s teams, subcontractors, laborers, and MTA stakeholders.
The completion of the escalator replacements at Yankee Stadium – 161st Street Station marked the substantial completion milestone of this extensive project, just in time for the 2025 baseball season opening. This early completion – 7 days ahead of schedule - ensures that the station is fully operational and ready to accommodate the influx of baseball fans and daily commuters alike.
A Testament to Teamwork and Excellence
The successful completion of this NYC Transit Escalator Project ahead of schedule reflects Forte’s commitment to excellence in infrastructure improvement. Thank you to the dedicated project team and all of the partners involved whose collaboration made this achievement possible! Through innovative problem-solving and strategic planning, the team delivered enhanced transit experiences for millions of New Yorkers. Forte is proud to contribute to the city’s vital transportation network and looks forward to bringing this same level of dedication to future endeavors.
