Long-Awaited Elevator Coming To Brooklyn's Tallest Subway Station

BROOKLYN, NY — A heavily used but long-inaccessible Brooklyn subway station is finally getting an elevator, the MTA announced this week—promising relief from its steep, 90-foot climb.

Perched nearly 90 feet above ground in Gowanus, the Smith–9th Street station is the highest in New York City and among the tallest globally. Despite its size and heavy foot traffic, it has no elevators or reliable escalators, creating major accessibility challenges for riders with disabilities, older adults, and anyone carrying bags or strollers.

Soon, however, that climb may be a thing of the past.

Officials say the station, which serves the F and G lines, is among more than 60 subway stops slated for accessibility upgrades in the MTA’s 2025–2029 Capital Plan, approved by the New York State Legislature earlier this year.

“Every day, New Yorkers hike the stairs up this station like they’re climbing Mount Everest, struggling to catch the train on time. And if you use a wheelchair, push your child in a stroller, travel with luggage or simply struggle climbing the stairs, forget about it,” said State Senator Andrew Gounardes.

The MTA hasn’t announced when construction will begin or when the elevators will open at Smith–9th Street, but the news comes on the heels of the July 8 debut of the fully ADA-accessible Bay Ridge–95th Street station in Brooklyn.

Along with Smith–9th Street, new elevators are also planned for several other Brooklyn stations, including Court Street, Hoyt–Schermerhorn, 36th Street, Fourth Avenue–Ninth Street, and more.

“No station better demonstrates the need for accessibility than Smith-9th St, the highest point in the entire subway system, and we’re excited to start work there and throughout the borough soon,” said MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo. “Brooklyn has a lot to look forward to.”