New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) continues to move forward and reach milestones on the Interborough Express (IBX) project between Brooklyn and Queens.
To ensure accessibility along the entire project, MTA is prioritizing accessibility projects at four non-accessible subway stations connecting the IBX. Once finished, these upgrades will result in each of the IBX’s 18 stations being fully accessible, with connections to 17 subway lines and the Long Island Rail Road. MTA said the IBX is currently in the design and engineering phase. The completed project will offer transit connections to historically underserved communities in Brooklyn and Queens, and will shorten travel times for an estimated 160,000 riders a day.
“For too many commuters, traveling between New York’s two largest boroughs can be lengthy, inconvenient and inaccessible — that’s why the IBX promises to change everything for Brooklyn and Queens, and we aren’t wasting any time advancing this transformational project,” Hochul said. “By pushing forward on design and accelerating accessibility upgrades at future subway connections, my administration is bringing all 900,000 New Yorkers who live near planned IBX line one stop closer to reduced travel times and an even more reliable public transit experience.”
MTA said it is in process of delivering full ADA accessibility to three subway stations that will connect to the IBX route prior to the IBX opening – Broadway Junction A/C/J/Z/L; Junius St – 3; and Avenue I – F. Accessibility at the fourth station – Wilson Avenue L – has been expedited within the 2025-29 Capital Plan, and a contract for the accessibility work is expected to be awarded by mid-2027.
Additionally, MTA said, all 18 new IBX stations will be designed with full accessibility using universal design principles to maximize access and functionality. IBX stations will provide clear sightlines, tactile floor tiles leading to fare gates, pass-through elevators with wider cabs, level boarding throughout the platform, enhanced station lighting, digital signage with audio announcements, and wayfinding signage positioned for optimal viewing.
“For decades, people have been dreaming of transit connections between Brooklyn and Queens,” MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said. “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, we are finally making that a reality with the IBX. And with universal accessibility, everyone is going to benefit.”
Hochul also said the MTA will release the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the IBX ahead of schedule later this year.