MTA gears up for $395 million subway renovation project in Brooklyn

Next week, MTA New York City Transit (NYCT) will begin a $395.7 million project to renovate nine stations along the Sea Branch N Line in Brooklyn.

Renovations to the century-old stations will include improved platforms and overpasses, new stairways and handrails, repairs to canopies and columns, painting and rehabilitation of historic head house entrances and fare control areas, enhanced safety features, and upgraded communication systems, NYCT officials said in a press release.

Photo: Metropolitan Transportation Authority

Crews also will add modern amenities such as new lighting and station artwork, as well as Help Point Intercoms to get in touch with the MTA's rail control center for information or in the case of emergencies.

Two stations will receive accessibility improvements as part of the renewal: two Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant ramps will be added to the 8th Avenue station, while four elevators will be installed at the New Utrecht Avenue station.

Funded under MTA's 2010-2014 capital program, the contract for the nine stations pre-dates New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's recently announced plan for rapid design and renewal of 30 additional subway stations. However, the agency will work with contractors involved to push for greater efficiency in the renovation process, NYCT officials said.

The work will be completed in two phases. The Manhattan-bound platforms at all nine stations will be the first to close for rehabilitation starting Jan. 18 and continuing for 14 months. After that work is completed, work on the Coney Island-bound side of tracks will begin.

John P. Picone Inc. and Skanska USA are the project contractors.

Preliminary preparation work began in April 2015 on various elements of the project, including renovation work on subway, construction of temporary platforms at two stations, pruning trees from along the tracks and renovation of unstaffed control areas, NYCT officials said.