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The MTA has completed the Harlem 148 St Subway Upgrade, adding a new ADA-compliant ramp, wider staircase, and modern station systems. The project improves accessibility, safety, and passenger flow at the Harlem 3 train station. Officials say it forms part of a wider plan to expand accessibility across New York City’s subway network.
The Harlem 148 St Subway station on the 3 train line has received a major accessibility upgrade following the completion of a Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) project in Upper Manhattan. The Harlem subway upgrade includes a new street-to-platform ramp, a wider staircase, and updated station systems designed to improve access, safety, and passenger flow.
According to a press release published on NYC Newswire, the MTA completed the subway upgrade as part of its ongoing accessibility and station improvement program. In addition, the project enhances lighting, safety infrastructure, and customer information systems throughout the station.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has officially completed the Harlem 148 St Subway upgrade, delivering a fully accessible entry point for the 3 train station.
A new six-foot-wide ADA-compliant ramp with guardrails and handrails now connects the street directly to the platform. Next to it, crews installed an eight-foot-wide staircase to provide an additional entry and exit option for riders.
Together, these upgrades improve station flow and reduce congestion during peak hours.
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said the agency has expanded accessibility work across the system in recent years.
“Since 2020, we’ve upgraded 57 stations to fully accessible status, and right now another 40 stations are under construction, with 60 stations more coming as part of the current MTA Capital Plan.”
The Harlem 148 St Subway upgrade also reflects the MTA’s approach to delivering accessibility improvements in a cost-efficient way.
MTA Construction & Development President Jamie Torres-Springer said the ramp design helped reduce costs compared to elevator installation.
“At Harlem-148 St, we found a way to deliver full accessibility that’s not only great for riders, but also great for our budget. It’s a perfect example of how the MTA is expanding accessibility better, faster, and cheaper — by installing a ramp where it makes sense over what elevators would have cost, we saved $30 million on this project, and that’s dollars that go into making other stations ADA-accessible.”
Officials added that ramps are used where structurally possible because they require less maintenance than elevators, though they are not feasible at every station.
The savings are part of broader efficiency gains of more than $4 billion since the creation of MTA Construction & Development in 2020.
The Harlem 148 St Subway upgrade also includes major improvements designed to enhance the overall station experience.
These include brighter LED lighting, a new public announcement system, updated customer information screens, a new Automated Fare Control gate, expanded CCTV coverage, and an upgraded fire alarm system.
New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow said the improvements enhance everyday travel.
“Harlem just got more accessible– that means more New Yorkers can get where they need to go smoothly, safely, and efficiently, whether they’re using a mobility device, pushing a stroller, or even just carrying their groceries.”
He added that the station also received improved wayfinding and customer communication tools.
The Harlem subway upgrade also features a new permanent installation through MTA Arts & Design.
The artwork, titled Harlem Reflections, was created by artist Michael A. Cummings. It consists of 36 stainless-steel panels installed along the new ramp railing.
The piece reflects the history, communities, and natural landscape of Harlem and Manhattan. Cummings, a Harlem resident and quiltmaker, designed the installation to reflect the neighborhood’s cultural identity through visual storytelling.
The Harlem 148 St Subway upgrade is the first completed project under ADA Package 5, a group of 13 stations across the subway system and Staten Island Railway.
The package includes accessibility upgrades such as new elevators or ramps, along with system improvements to bring stations into a state of good repair.
The broader goal is to support the MTA’s plan to make 95% of subway stations accessible by 2055.
The full list of stations includes locations across all five boroughs, including Van Cortlandt Park–242 St (1), Court Sq–23 St (7/E/G/M), Classon Av (G), and New Lots Av (3).
Elected officials at the station unveiling highlighted the importance of the Harlem subway upgrade for accessibility and community access.
U.S. Representative Adriano Espaillat said the project improves transportation equity for residents in the district.
Assembly Member Al Taylor said the upgrades improve safety and dignity for seniors, families, and riders with disabilities.
NYC Council Member Yusef Salaam said the improvements make the station more inclusive and efficient for everyday use.
State Senator Cordell Cleare said the upgraded station provides a modern and accessible transit hub for Harlem residents.
Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal said the improvements enhance rider experience and support broader modernization efforts across Manhattan stations. For more related updates, check NYC Politics.
The Harlem subway upgrade marks the first completed project under ADA Package 5. Meanwhile, the MTA continues construction at additional stations across New York City.
Future projects will focus on expanding accessibility, improving safety systems, and upgrading older transit infrastructure.
Further details were first outlined in a press release published on NYC Newswire.
What is the Harlem 148 St Subway upgrade?
It is an MTA project that improves accessibility at the Harlem–148 St 3 train station with a ramp, staircase, and system upgrades.
Where is it located?
The station is located in Harlem, Manhattan, along the 3 train line.
What changed at the station?
A new ADA-compliant ramp, wider staircase, lighting upgrades, safety systems, and communication improvements were added.
Why is it important?
It improves accessibility, reduces costs, and modernizes a key transit station in Harlem.
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