The 155th Street Subway Station faced significant challenges because of its proximity to the Harlem River. Additionally, Hurricane Sandy in 2012 caused over $70 billion in damage, leaving the station severely affected.
Situated just a block from the Harlem River, the station experienced severe flooding as water rushed down the stairway. To ensure safe passage for commuters, the station needed to improve pedestrian safety and implement flood mitigation measures.
As part of recovery efforts, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) initiated a wide-ranging flood mitigation plan. The MTA selected this station as one of seven for the project. The renovation included additional upgrades and new design elements to enhance resilience and safety.
Among these upgrades, Wagner replaced the existing handrails with new schedule 40 stainless steel pipe rails. Additionally, Wagner installed Lumenlinear™ asymmetric light strips under the handrails and below the edge of the stainless steel flood wall cap. This provided enhanced pedestrian safety and improved visibility.
Wagner carefully planned and executed the installation process to ensure both aesthetic and functional integration:
Sectional Shipping:
To streamline installation, the rails were shipped in sections. Wagner shipped five separate railings totaling 98 feet in 13 sections. The wall rails shipped in two pieces, and the post-mounted rails on the stairs shipped in three sections.
These sections were ready for mounting, followed by the installation of the lights. This method significantly expedited the process compared to traditional fabrication.
Battery Backup Integration:
Wagner included an integrated battery backup in the railing system, ensuring continuous egress lighting during power outages. This improved life safety by providing reliable illumination.
Field Dimensions Verification:
Wagner provided dimensions to check for any discepancies between the construction plans and the actual stairs. This service eliminated the need for on-site rail modifications or costly change orders if discrepancies arose.
The Lumenlinear lighting system provided bright, safe and pleasant lighting without the glare of traditional overhead lights. With its slim profile and variable lengths, it provided uniform light distribution.
This lighting option comes in nine standard lengths, from 6" to 54", ensuring smooth light coverage. With output options of 2W, 4W or 6W per foot, Lumenlinear enhances ambiance while meeting safety standards. This highly flexible specification enhances ambiance while meeting essential life safety standards.
Careful planning and the innovative Lumenlinear™ lighting system brought great benefits to the 155th Street Subway Station:
Enhanced Safety: Improved visibility reduced the risk of accidents, ensuring a safer transit experience for commuters.
Increased Resilience: The flood mitigation system and durable Lumenlinear handrails protected the station against storm surges, ensuring uninterrupted service. The handrails are ETL wet location listed and UL 1598 certified, confirming their suitability for challenging conditions.
Aesthetic Improvement: The Lumenlinear system enhanced the station's visual appeal, creating a more pleasant environment for commuters.
Efficient Installation: Sectional shipping and streamlined installation processes ensured quick and efficient setup, minimizing disruption and labor costs.
Reliable Emergency Lighting: Integrated battery backup provided continuous lighting during power outages, enhancing safety and the path of egress.
Cost-Effective Solutions: Energy-efficient lighting fixtures and strategic planning helped reduce overall costs.
Wagner’s Lumenlinear™ LED handrail lights have transformed the 155th Street Subway Station, significantly enhancing both safety and resilience. The innovative approach to sectional shipping, battery backup integration and field dimensions verification demonstrates Wagner’s commitment to excellence and efficiency. Lumenlinear light source showcases how advanced lighting solutions can address complex challenges while maintaining aesthetic appeal. This project sets a new standard, demonstrating how smart design and technology can create safer and more dependable infrastructure.
