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MTA 207th Street Yard: Open House New York Tour
Tour participants will get a first look at the recently completed flood mitigation infrastructure protecting the MTA’s 207th Street Yard.
Tickets are required. Booking this experience is a two-step process. Review the “Access Notes” section below for full details. Visitors must be 18 or older to join the tour.
The 207th Street Yard is a critical facility for the New York City Subway system, located in Northern Manhattan alongside the Harlem River. It functions as the main storage yard for rolling stock on the A and C Lines and houses one of only two heavy overhaul shops in the system—the other being at Coney Island Yard in Brooklyn. The 207th Street Shop handles the overhaul and rebuilding of most B Division cars, as well as select A Division rolling stock, making it essential to the maintenance and reliability of subway operations.
Following significant damage sustained during Hurricane Sandy, a major flood protection project was launched to protect the yard and its infrastructure from future storm events. A central feature of this effort is a 1,535-linear-foot marine floodwall strategically positioned along the Harlem River. Engineered to withstand a 500-year flood event, the floodwall consists of 279 interconnected 54-inch diameter steel pipe piles, forming a robust barrier against rising waters. The project also includes the installation of grout curtains, stop logs, sliding gates, additional drains, and discharge pipes to manage water more effectively.
Beyond the marine floodwall, additional protective measures were implemented to further fortify the facility. These include a new upland perimeter wall, stainless steel and flexible flood gates at entry points, and the use of complex underwater lightweight concrete pours to seal off the existing relieving platform. The project also involved the demolition of adjacent structures and the construction of multiple cut-off walls to reinforce the yard’s foundation and prevent water intrusion. Together, these upgrades form a permanent and resilient flood defense system for one of the subway system’s most vital maintenance and storage hubs.
Booking this experience is a two-step process. An OHNY ticket alone does not guarantee admission. Ticket holders must submit a photo of their valid passport or state-issued ID info@ohny.org for a background check by Monday, October 6 at 12 pm. Access to this tour is contingent upon timely submitting your ID and passing the background check.
https://ohny.org/place/mta-207-st-yard/
The 207 St Yard has very limited accessibility. The shop is an industrial area and a safety briefing must be conducted before the tour. There is no elevator in the facility and it is recommended that people who cannot climb stairs not attend.
No parking is available on site. No flip flops or shorts. Everyone must be able to comply with and understand in English a short pre-tour safety brief. No photography allowed onsite. No children are allowed.