Sixteen in Service: EL 245 at Lexington Avenue–53rd Street

At Lexington Avenue–53rd Street, Elevator EL 245 is now in service—marking the 16th elevator delivered under our 19 Elevators Project.

Delivered in collaboration with the MTA and Lead Designer Goldman Copeland, this latest replacement reflects the continued advancement of a project improving accessibility at scale across New York City’s transit system.

Serving the E, F and 6 lines, EL 245 establishes a direct connection between the mezzanine and platform, improving circulation through a heavily utilized Midtown station.

The project involved replacing the existing hydraulic elevator, which operates within an extended shaft connecting the mezzanine to the platform. As part of the upgrade, the team constructed a new enclosure designed to maximize glazing and improve visibility for riders. To support long-term system performance, a split cooling system for the Elevator Machine Room was also installed.

Close coordination between field teams, subcontractors, and the MTA supported steady progress throughout construction, contributing to the delivery of EL 245 ahead of schedule in the first quarter of 2026.