Modernizing 34th Street–Penn Station

TAP Electric is proud to celebrate, alongside the Package 3 Design-Build Team led by Halmar International and Lead Designer Dewberry Engineers, the MTA, and the New York City Department of Transportation, the successful completion and commissioning of elevators EL 225 and EL 226 at 34th Street–Penn Station. Earlier in 2025, elevators EL 227 and EL 228 were also replaced and placed into service, completing the elevator upgrades at this station under this project, and supporting improved access at one of New York City’s busiest transit hubs.

Work at 34th Street–Penn Station involved the full replacement of four hydraulic elevators, including the elevator machine rooms, shaft equipment, and elevator landings. Phase 1 was completed earlier this year with the commissioning of EL 227 and EL 228. Phase 2 concludes the elevator upgrades at this station with the commissioning of EL 225 and EL 226. To maintain continuous ADA access throughout construction, the replacements were carefully phased—ensuring the station remained fully functional for the thousands of commuters and visitors who pass through every day.

The scope of work included installing all new power distribution equipment, from feeder cables and distribution panels to automatic transfer switches (ATS) and main disconnect switches. Both normal and reserve power systems were replaced to support all four elevators, with an augmented UPS and upgraded CCTV system installed to support critical communication equipment. The team also installed Apogee long-life LED lighting with extended battery backup and integrated two new fire alarm panels and equipment for the elevator systems—all while carefully protecting existing media systems and technology in the station. This work was supported by an extensive survey and mapping of the existing fire alarm system across the entire 8th Avenue station complex to ensure proper integration with existing infrastructure.

Working in a high-traffic, historically significant station required careful planning and coordination. Conduit installation, cable pulling, and testing were preplanned to minimize disruption, with work in public areas scheduled during off-peak hours. Power transfers were completed efficiently thanks to detailed sequencing, pre-testing, and close collaboration with NYCTA departments.

The team is especially proud of several key milestones at 34th Street–Penn Station, including procuring and installing long-lead equipment on schedule, successfully placing both Phase 1 and Phase 2 elevators into service on time, and maintaining continuous accessibility throughout construction. Strategic planning and careful sequencing allowed TAP Electric to fully replace all primary electrical distribution equipment in Phase 1 elevators while keeping Phase 2 fully operational.