EAST HARLEM — El Barrio’s only ADA-compliant subway station will not have working elevators for nine months.
The closure at the 125th Street and Lexington Ave station, slated for January 2016, is part of a project to replace seven hydraulic elevators along the 4, 5, and 6 lines in Manhattan, according to the MTA.
“Nine months is a long time,” said Monique Lavia, who uses the elevator the get her stroller in and out of the subway system. “It will be a big inconvenience, especially for all of the mothers with strollers."
When completed, the elevators will be more efficient and reliable, according to MTA spokesman Kevin Ortiz.
“Due to the configuration of the station's elevators, when one of the elevators is out of service the station is no longer ADA compliant,” Ortiz said.
“By taking both elevators out of service and doing all of the necessary work simultaneously, we are effectively reducing the overall length of the time the station is ADA non-compliant.”
Some straphangers said without working elevators they will probably start using the bus to get up and down Lexington Avenue. Others said they will have to take the stairs, even if they are carrying bags or baby strollers.
“I use it everyday because of the stroller,” said Stacy Brookes. “I guess I’m going to lose weight.”
The local community board, concerned by the effect of the closures, is working with the MTA to see if there is any way to expedite the repairs.
“Those of you that use the station can attest that those elevators are used a lot,” said District Manager Angel Mescain.
