Midtown Underground Pedestrian Connections Study

New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is conducting a study to improve the underground pedestrian facilities associated with the major subway stations and transportation terminals in midtown Manhattan. These facilities form an extensive, though disjointed, underground pedestrian network in the heart of New York City's business, commercial and entertainment district. This paper highlights the findings of the recently completed first phase of the Midtown Underground Pedestrian Connections Study which examined the need for and the feasibility of constructing the “missing links” in the network as well as improving the existing passageways. In addition to discussing the project's organization, goals and process, this paper describes the midtown transportation facilities, the existing pedestrian flow patterns, and the proposed improvements to the network. The results of a special study are presented which recommends a scheme to enhance the role of the 42nd Street Shuttle Subway in Midtown circulation by modifying the operation and configuration of the terminals. The shuttle carries 90,000 passengers per day between Grand Central and Times Square, providing a vital link between major transportation facilities and activity centers.