Roosevelt Island Tram Station Entrance Steps Being Widened To 6 Feet - Tram Station Rest Room Renovation To Start At End Of September, All Tram Station Renovation Completed By September 2012 Says RIOC Spokesperson

 Image of New, Wider Stairs Being Installed at Roosevelt Island Tram Station

A post earlier this week reported on the installation of new stairs at the Red Bus Stop entrance to the Roosevelt Island Tram Station. A reader of the post commented:

This is great news.  I hate the bottleneck that happens when you get off the RED BUS to get onto the Tram.  While we're on the subject, whatever happen to the rest of the TRAM redo.  When is that set to be finished?

Also, during rush hour, or when he F train is not going to Manhattan, why not use both cars to exit the island instead of packing a car only to have others left behind.  I thought that was one of the many reason for spending millions of dollars on this project.

 I sent the following inquiry to Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Vice President of Operations Fernando Martinez

Can you provide any details regarding the new Tram Station Entrance Steps being installed this week and do you have any renderings of what it will look like that I can post on blog?

Will there be a ramp as well. Also any information regarding when the Tram Stations will start to be renovated and what will be done.

RIOC Community Relations Specialist Erica Wilder replied on Wednesday:

We commenced construction yesterday on the Tram Entrance Steps which is scheduled to take approximately 8 days to complete. All work will begin daily after the morning rush hour. During this time, the ramp beyond the existing stairs will serve as the temporary entrance and exit locations. The scope of work includes removal of the concrete stairs and south wall of the stair case. A new concrete wall and code complaint stairway with railings will be installed. As part of the renovation, the entrance steps will be widened from its existing conditions- from 3 feet to approximately 6 feet. The contractor will be using an air compressed jack hammer to remove the stairs. To ensure the safety of pedestrians passing near the construction site, a protective screen will enclose the site while contractors demolish the stairs. Unfortunately, we do not have any renderings of the completed project.

As for the Tram Plaza renovations, the contractor is scheduled to begin Phase 1 (renovations of restrooms) at the end of September. Completion of all work is anticipated for Fall of 2012.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any additional questions.

I followed up:

Thank you for the response but can you respond to the portion of my inquiry regarding if a ramp is included in project and if not, why?

On an earlier occasion, Fernando Martinez had told RIOC Directors that a ramp would be included in that area.

Thank you.