Entrance Reopening Will Ease Crowding, Connect Riders to B44 SBS and Improve Access to Destinations West of Arlington Pl
View Photos of Reopened Entrances and Mezzanine Areas
View Video of News Conference
MTA New York City Transit today reopened the Bedford Av entrances to the Nostrand Av subway station in Brooklyn, three decades after the entrances were closed. The entrances provide a quicker path to trains for pedestrians coming from west of the station, facilitate the station’s connection to northbound B44 Select Bus Service and local bus service, reduce crowding as trains depart from the station, and provide a free in-station transfer between the northbound and southbound platforms. The entrances, at the northeast corner and southeast corner of Bedford Av and Fulton St, are more than 1,000 feet, or nearly a quarter mile, to the west of the entrances at the corner of Fulton St and Nostrand Av.
Inside the station, workers scraped and repainted surfaces, repaired and replaced tile, rehabilitated stairways and installed new LED lighting, OMNY-enabled turnstiles and security features such as Help Point intercoms and cameras. On the sidewalk level, workers installed sidewalk entrances in accordance with current New York City Transit design standards. The tunnels also provide shelter from storms, snow and rain.
“These new entrances will make trips much more convenient for everyone using parts of the community west of the station, or using our great SBS service on Bedford Avenue,” said Sarah Feinberg, Interim President, MTA New York City Transit. “I want to thank our customers for their patience, and my colleagues at Transit and our partners at NYPD for their hard work and dedication to making these reopened entrances a reality.”
"These new entrances will take a quarter of a mile off the commute for many of the people who use this station, and reduce crowding to allow customers to better social distance, too," said Sarah Meyer, MTA Chief Customer Officer. "I want to thank the crews from New York City Transit who worked so hard to ensure that after 30 years these entrances can reopen better than ever, especially District Customer Service Manager Sheila Hutson, who spearheaded the effort to get this project done.”
“I am so proud to have partnered with the MTA and Senator Montgomery to re-open this much needed subway entrance at Bedford Avenue,” said former Assembly Member Tremaine Wright. “Thank you to the MTA staff for working diligently through a very challenging year and providing a way for commuters to utilize the trains while distancing and remaining safe. These safety and accessibility improvements will definitely enhance the experience of our daily commuters using the Nostrand Av station.”
“I am so pleased and greatly appreciate the work by MTA NYC Transit forces to get this work done in such a short time and in such difficult circumstances,” said former Senator Velmanette Montgomery. “This is a huge win for the Bedford-Stuyvesant community.”
"These improvements are an important example of the massive impact our city's infrastructure has on the quality and safety of our daily lives,” said Senator Jabari Brisport. “They are a reminder that our public transportation system is the result of a long legacy of communities fighting for its creation, protection, and improvement. We must continue that legacy by fully funding the MTA."
“I am excited about the reopening of the Bedford Avenue entrances to the Nostrand Av and Subway Lines,” said Assembly Member Stefani L. Zinerman. “This additional access point to the trains in my District will help to alleviate congestion, support social distancing and offer a more timely and comfortable commute. I want to thank my predecessor, Tremaine Wright, for her hard work and forethought in ensuring the needs of the community were addressed by supporting the opening of this station. Transportation is the lifeblood of our city and we need a safe and efficient MTA to ensure the needs of all commuters.”
“Freddie Hubbard recorded 'Nostrand and Fulton' in 1962. Now the subway station there not only has its own jazz tune, it also has a new entrance,” said Council Member Robert E. Cornegy, Jr. “Since it is Black History Month, I must also acknowledge the work of my fellow elected officials who worked to make this a reality, especially former Assembly Member Tremaine Wright and former Senator Velmanette Montgomery.”
The Bedford Av entrances to the Nostrand Av station were closed more than 30 years ago in consultation with police amid concerns about how to effectively ensure public safety in the sprawling station at the time.
The project cost approximately $2 million. Of that total, approximately $1 million came from MTA New York City Transit, $750,000 was provided by former Assembly Member Wright and $250,000 was provided by former Senator Montgomery.
All work was performed by New York City Transit staff.