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{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2019}}
{{short description|New York City Subway line}}
{{short description|New York City Subway line}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2019}}
{{Infobox rail line
{{Infobox rail line
| name = IRT White Plains Road Line
| name = IRT White Plains Road Line
| image = {{rint|nycs|2|size=50px}} {{rint|nycs|5|size=50px}}
| image = {{rint|nycs|2|size=50}} {{rint|nycs|5|size=50}}
| image_width = 150px
| image_width = 150px
| caption = The '''[[2 (New York City Subway service)|2]]''' train serves the entire IRT White Plains Road Line at all times. The '''[[5 (New York City Subway service)|5]]''' train serves the entire IRT White Plains Road Line during rush hours in the peak direction, and part of the line from 149th Street-Grand Concourse to East 180th Street on other times during weekdays.
| caption = The '''[[2 (New York City Subway service)|2]]''' train serves the entire IRT White Plains Road Line at all times. The '''[[5 (New York City Subway service)|5]]''' train serves the entire IRT White Plains Road Line (except for Wakefield–241st Street) during rush hours in the peak direction, and part of the line from 149th Street-Grand Concourse to East 180th Street at all other times except late nights.
| type = [[Rapid transit]]
| type = [[Rapid transit]]
| system = [[New York City Subway]]
| system = [[New York City Subway]]
Line 11: Line 11:
| end = [[149th Street–Grand Concourse (IRT White Plains Road Line)|149th Street–Grand Concourse]]
| end = [[149th Street–Grand Concourse (IRT White Plains Road Line)|149th Street–Grand Concourse]]
| stations = 20
| stations = 20
|daily_ridership= 307,666<ref name="ridership">{{cite web|url=http://web.mta.info/nyct/facts/ridership/ridership_sub_annual.htm|title=Facts and Figures: Annual Subway Ridership|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|accessdate=April 22, 2015}}</ref>
|daily_ridership= 139,609 (2022)<ref name="ridership">{{NYCS const|riderref|weekday}}</ref>
| open = 1904-1920
| open = 1904-1920
| owner = [[New York City|City of New York]]
| owner = [[New York City|City of New York]]
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[[File:WPR Local R142 at East Tremont- Boston Rd.JPG|thumb|[[West Farms Square–East Tremont Avenue (IRT White Plains Road Line)|West Farms Square]] station is a southern station of the White Plains Road Line.]]
[[File:WPR Local R142 at East Tremont- Boston Rd.JPG|thumb|[[West Farms Square–East Tremont Avenue (IRT White Plains Road Line)|West Farms Square]] station is a southern station of the White Plains Road Line.]]


The '''White Plains Road Line''' is a [[rapid transit]] line of the [[Interborough Rapid Transit Company|IRT]] division of the [[New York City Subway]] serving the central [[Bronx]]. It is mostly [[elevated railway|elevated]] and served both subway and elevated trains until 1952.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://community-2.webtv.net/ajkristopans/OLDSUBWAYS/page3.html |title=Old Subways |publisher=Community-2.webtv.net |date= |access-date=May 2, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081203172805/http://community-2.webtv.net/ajkristopans/OLDSUBWAYS/page3.html |archive-date=December 3, 2008 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The original part of the line, the part opened as part of the first subway was called the [[West Farms, Bronx|West Farms]] Division, and the extension north to 241st Street as part of the Dual Contracts was called the White Plains Road Line. Eventually, however, the two parts came to be known as the White Plains Road Line.
The '''White Plains Road Line''' is a [[rapid transit]] line of the [[A Division (New York City Subway)|A Division]] of the [[New York City Subway]] serving the central [[Bronx]]. It is mostly [[elevated railway|elevated]] and served both subway and elevated trains until 1952.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://community-2.webtv.net/ajkristopans/OLDSUBWAYS/page3.html |title=Old Subways |publisher=Community-2.webtv.net |access-date=May 2, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081203172805/http://community-2.webtv.net/ajkristopans/OLDSUBWAYS/page3.html |archive-date=December 3, 2008 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The original part of the line, the part opened as part of the first subway was called the [[West Farms, Bronx|West Farms]] Division, and the extension north to 241st Street as part of the Dual Contracts was called the White Plains Road Line. Eventually, however, the two parts came to be known as the White Plains Road Line.


It is currently being used by the [[2 (New York City Subway service)|2]] as the local at all times and the [[5 (New York City Subway service)|5]] as the local at all times except rush hours in peak direction (when it runs express between [[East 180th Street (IRT White Plains Road Line)|East 180th Street]] and [[Third Avenue–149th Street (IRT White Plains Road Line)|Third Avenue–149th Street]]) and late nights (when it runs as a shuttle between [[Eastchester–Dyre Avenue (IRT Dyre Avenue Line)|Eastchester–Dyre Avenue]] and East 180th Street).
It is currently being used by the [[2 (New York City Subway service)|2]] at all times and the [[5 (New York City Subway service)|5]] at all times except late nights. During rush hours in the peak direction, the 5 runs express between [[East 180th Street (IRT White Plains Road Line)|East 180th Street]] and [[Third Avenue–149th Street (IRT White Plains Road Line)|Third Avenue–149th Street]]. During late nights, the 5 runs as a shuttle between [[Eastchester–Dyre Avenue (IRT Dyre Avenue Line)|Eastchester–Dyre Avenue]] and East 180th Street.


==Extent and service==
==Extent and service==
Line 80: Line 80:


=== Contract 1 ===
=== Contract 1 ===
The first contract for the construction of a subway in New York, [[History of the IRT subway before 1918|Contract 1]], was executed on February 21, 1900, between the Board of Rapid Transit Railroad Commissioners and the Rapid Transit Construction Company, organized by [[John B. McDonald]] and funded by [[August Belmont]], for the construction of the subway and a 50-year operating lease from the opening of the line. Contract 1 called for the construction of a line from [[City Hall, Manhattan|City Hall]] north to [[Kingsbridge, Bronx|Kingsbridge]] and a branch under [[Lenox Avenue]] and to [[Bronx Park]].<ref>{{cite book|last1=Walker|first1=James Blaine|title=Fifty Years of Rapid Transit — 1864 to 1917|date=1918|publisher=Law Printing|location=New York, N.Y.|pages=139–161|url=https://books.google.com/books?vid=OCLC03638541&id=lpEgAAAAMAA|accessdate=November 6, 2016}}</ref>
The first contract for the construction of a subway in New York, [[History of the IRT subway before 1918|Contract 1]], was executed on February 21, 1900, between the Board of Rapid Transit Railroad Commissioners and the Rapid Transit Construction Company, organized by [[John B. McDonald]] and funded by [[August Belmont]], for the construction of the subway and a 50-year operating lease from the opening of the line. Contract 1 called for the construction of a line from [[City Hall, Manhattan|City Hall]] north to [[Kingsbridge, Bronx|Kingsbridge]] and a branch under [[Lenox Avenue]] and to [[Bronx Park]].<ref>{{cite book|last1=Walker|first1=James Blaine|title=Fifty Years of Rapid Transit — 1864 to 1917|date=1918|publisher=Law Printing|location=New York, N.Y.|pages=[https://archive.org/details/fiftyyearsrapid00walkgoog/page/n174 139]–161|url=https://archive.org/details/fiftyyearsrapid00walkgoog|access-date=November 6, 2016}}</ref>


The initial segment of the IRT White Plains Road Line opened on November 26, 1904 between East 180th Street and Jackson Avenue. Initially, trains on the line were served by elevated trains from the [[IRT Second Avenue Line]] and the [[IRT Third Avenue Line]], with a connection running from the Third Avenue local tracks at Third Avenue and 149th Street to Westchester Avenue and Eagle Avenue. Once the connection to the [[IRT Lenox Avenue Line]] opened on July 10, 1905, trains from the newly opened IRT subway ran via the line.<ref name=":2">{{cite news|title=Discuss Subway Signs in 18th St. Station — Engineer Parsons and Mr. Hedley Inspect Advertising Scheme — Bronx Viaduct Works Well — Delays There Only Those of Newness — Lenox Avenue Service Makes Fuss Below Ninety-Sixth Street|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1904/11/27/101350060.pdf|accessdate=November 6, 2016|newspaper=New York Times|date=November 27, 1904|page=3}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{cite book|last1=Kahn|first1=Alan Paul|last2=May|first2=Jack|title=Tracks of New York Number 3 Manhattan and Bronx Elevated Railroads 1920|date=1973|publisher=Electric Railroaders' Association|location=New York City|url=https://archive.org/details/tracksofnewyork03kahn|accessdate=November 6, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Subway Trains Running From Bronx to Battery — West Farms and South Ferry Stations Open at Midnight — Start Without a Hitch — Bowling Green Station Also Opened — Lenox Avenue Locals Take City Hall Loop Hereafter|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9F01E1DC103AE733A25753C1A9619C946497D6CF&legacy=true|accessdate=November 6, 2016|newspaper=New York Times|date=July 10, 1905|page=1}}</ref> Elevated service via this connection was resumed on October 1, 1907 when Second Avenue locals were extended to Freeman Street during rush hours.<ref name=":0" />
The initial segment of the IRT White Plains Road Line opened on November 26, 1904 between East 180th Street and Jackson Avenue. Initially, trains on the line were served by elevated trains from the [[IRT Second Avenue Line]] and the [[IRT Third Avenue Line]], with a connection running from the Third Avenue local tracks at Third Avenue and 149th Street to Westchester Avenue and Eagle Avenue. Once the connection to the [[IRT Lenox Avenue Line]] opened on July 10, 1905, trains from the newly opened IRT subway ran via the line.<ref name=":2">{{cite news|title=Discuss Subway Signs in 18th St. Station — Engineer Parsons and Mr. Hedley Inspect Advertising Scheme — Bronx Viaduct Works Well — Delays There Only Those of Newness — Lenox Avenue Service Makes Fuss Below Ninety-Sixth Street|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1904/11/27/101350060.pdf|access-date=November 6, 2016|work=The New York Times|date=November 27, 1904|page=3}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{cite book|last1=Kahn|first1=Alan Paul|last2=May|first2=Jack|title=Tracks of New York Number 3 Manhattan and Bronx Elevated Railroads 1920|date=1973|publisher=Electric Railroaders' Association|location=New York City|url=https://archive.org/details/tracksofnewyork03kahn|access-date=November 6, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Subway Trains Running From Bronx to Battery — West Farms and South Ferry Stations Open at Midnight — Start Without a Hitch — Bowling Green Station Also Opened — Lenox Avenue Locals Take City Hall Loop Hereafter|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9F01E1DC103AE733A25753C1A9619C946497D6CF&legacy=true|access-date=November 6, 2016|work=The New York Times|date=July 10, 1905|page=1}}</ref> Elevated service via this connection was resumed on October 1, 1907 when Second Avenue locals were extended to Freeman Street during rush hours.<ref name=":0" />


On October 28, 1910, the new 180th Street station, known as Zoological Park station, opened as the new terminal of the West Farms Division of the subway, replacing the temporary station at 180th Street, which was later abandoned.<ref name="WestFarms">{{cite news|title=Subway Station at West Farms Open|date=October 28, 1910|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1910/10/28/104952966.pdf|accessdate=September 6, 2016}}</ref>
On October 28, 1910, the new 180th Street station, known as Zoological Park station, opened as the new terminal of the West Farms Division of the subway, replacing the temporary station at 180th Street, which was later abandoned.<ref name="WestFarms">{{cite news|title=Subway Station at West Farms Open|date=October 28, 1910|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1910/10/28/104952966.pdf|access-date=September 6, 2016}}</ref>


=== Dual Contracts ===
=== Dual Contracts ===
The [[Dual Contracts]], which were signed on March 19, 1913, were contracts for the construction, rehabilitation, and operation of rapid transit lines in the [[New York City|City of New York]]. The contracts were "dual" in that they were signed between the City and two separate private companies (the [[Interborough Rapid Transit Company]] and the [[Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company]]), all working together to make the construction of the Dual Contracts possible. The Dual Contracts promised the construction of several lines in the Bronx. As part of Contract 3, the IRT agreed to extend the existing West Farms Division from 179th Street to 241st Street as an elevated line along White Plains Road.<ref name="chapter 5">{{cite web|url=http://www.nycsubway.org/wiki/Chapter_5:_Terms_and_Conditions_of_Dual_System_Contracts|title=Terms and Conditions of Dual System Contracts|work=nycsubway.org|accessdate=February 16, 2015}}</ref><ref name="nycsubway dual">{{cite web|url=http://www.nycsubway.org/wiki/The_Dual_System_of_Rapid_Transit_(1912)|title=The Dual System of Rapid Transit (1912)|website=nycsubway.org}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/55017329/?terms=nostrand%2Bavenue%2Bsubway|title=Most Recent Map of the Dual Subway System WhIch Shows How Brooklyn Borough Is Favored In New Transit Lines|last=|first=|date=September 9, 1917|work=|newspaper=Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=August 23, 2016|via=Brooklyn Newspapers}}</ref>
The [[Dual Contracts]], which were signed on March 19, 1913, were contracts for the construction, rehabilitation, and operation of rapid transit lines in the [[New York City|City of New York]]. The contracts were "dual" in that they were signed between the City and two separate private companies (the [[Interborough Rapid Transit Company]] and the [[Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company]]), all working together to make the construction of the Dual Contracts possible. The Dual Contracts promised the construction of several lines in the Bronx. As part of Contract 3, the IRT agreed to extend the existing West Farms Division from 179th Street to 241st Street as an elevated line along White Plains Road.<ref name="chapter 5">{{cite web|url=http://www.nycsubway.org/wiki/Chapter_5:_Terms_and_Conditions_of_Dual_System_Contracts|title=Terms and Conditions of Dual System Contracts|work=nycsubway.org|access-date=February 16, 2015}}</ref><ref name="nycsubway dual">{{cite web|url=http://www.nycsubway.org/wiki/The_Dual_System_of_Rapid_Transit_(1912)|title=The Dual System of Rapid Transit (1912)|website=nycsubway.org}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/55017329/?terms=nostrand%2Bavenue%2Bsubway|title=Most Recent Map of the Dual Subway System WhIch Shows How Brooklyn Borough Is Favored In New Transit Lines|date=September 9, 1917|work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=August 23, 2016|via=Brooklyn Newspapers}}</ref>


[[Intervale Avenue (IRT White Plains Road Line)|Intervale Avenue]] station opened on April 30, 1910 as an in-fill station. It was the first station in the Bronx with escalators. The station was built at the cost of $100,000, and it was paid with private capital.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1910/04/28/101228907.pdf|title=New Escalator Subway Station Ready|newspaper=New York Times|date=April 28, 1910|page=8|accessdate=September 22, 2016}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5yg_AQAAMAAJ&pg=PA424 |title=Report of the Public Service Commission for the First District of the State of New York|last=District|first=New York (State) Public Service Commission 1st|date=January 1, 1912|publisher=J.B. Lyon Company, printers|language=en}}</ref>
[[Intervale Avenue (IRT White Plains Road Line)|Intervale Avenue]] station opened on April 30, 1910 as an in-fill station. It was the first station in the Bronx with escalators. The station was built at the cost of $100,000, and it was paid with private capital.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1910/04/28/101228907.pdf|title=New Escalator Subway Station Ready|work=The New York Times|date=April 28, 1910|page=8|access-date=September 22, 2016}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5yg_AQAAMAAJ&pg=PA424 |title=Report of the Public Service Commission for the First District of the State of New York|last=District|first=New York (State) Public Service Commission 1st|date=January 1, 1912|publisher=J.B. Lyon Company, printers|language=en}}</ref>


Portions of the White Plains Road Line were opened at different times, and they opened once construction finished on a segment, as opposed to waiting for the completion of the entire line. The first segment, from East 177th Street–East Tremont Avenue to East 219th Street–White Plains Road, opened on March 3, 1917, providing access to rapid transit service to the communities of Williamsbridge and Wakefield in the Bronx.<ref name="HathiTrust 2013">{{cite web|title=Annual report — 1916-1917|website=HathiTrust|date=December 12, 2013|url=http://hdl.handle.net/2027/mdp.39015016416920?urlappend=%3Bseq=23|publisher=Interborough Rapid Transit Company|accessdate=September 5, 2016}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1917/03/04/102320289.pdf|newspaper=New York Times|title=White Plains Road Extension of Subway Opened to the Public — New Branch, Which Runs from 177th to 219th Street, Gives the Williamsbridge and Wakefield Sections of the East Bronx Rapid Transit for the First Time|date=March 4, 1917|page=RE4|accessdate=November 5, 2016}}</ref> Service on the new portion of the line was operated as a four-car shuttle from 177th Street due to the power conditions at the time. Service was extended to East 238th Street on March 31, 1917.<ref name="HathiTrust 2013" /><ref name=":6">{{cite news|title=New Subway Line Opened — White Plains Extension is Now Running to 238th Street|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1917/04/01/102326919.pdf|date=April 1, 1917|page=16|accessdate=August 17, 2015|newspaper=New York Times}}</ref> The part of the line from the S-curve north of [[West Farms Square–East Tremont Avenue (IRT White Plains Road Line)|West Farms Square—East Tremont Avenue station]] to the terminal at [[Wakefield–241st Street (IRT White Plains Road Line)|241st Street]] was built as a part of the [[Dual Contracts]].<ref name="nycsubway dual" />
Portions of the White Plains Road Line were opened at different times, and they opened once construction finished on a segment, as opposed to waiting for the completion of the entire line. The first segment opened on March 3, 1917, from [[West Farms Square–East Tremont Avenue station|East 177th Street–East Tremont Avenue]] to [[219th Street station|East 219th Street–White Plains Road]], providing the Bronx communities of [[Williamsbridge, Bronx|Williamsbridge]] and [[Wakefield, Bronx|Wakefield]] with access to rapid transit service.<ref name="HathiTrust 2013">{{cite journal|title=Annual report — 1916-1917|website=HathiTrust|date=December 12, 2013|url=http://hdl.handle.net/2027/mdp.39015016416920?urlappend=%3Bseq=23|publisher=Interborough Rapid Transit Company|hdl=2027/mdp.39015016416920?urlappend=%3Bseq=23|access-date=September 5, 2016}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1917/03/04/102320289.pdf|work=The New York Times|title=White Plains Road Extension of Subway Opened to the Public — New Branch, Which Runs from 177th to 219th Street, Gives the Williamsbridge and Wakefield Sections of the East Bronx Rapid Transit for the First Time|date=March 4, 1917|page=RE4|access-date=November 5, 2016}}</ref> Service on the new portion of the line was operated as a four-car shuttle from 177th Street due to the power conditions at the time. Service was extended to East 238th Street on March 31, 1917.<ref name="HathiTrust 2013" /><ref name=":6">{{cite news|title=New Subway Line Opened — White Plains Extension is Now Running to 238th Street|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1917/04/01/102326919.pdf|date=April 1, 1917|page=16|access-date=August 17, 2015|work=The New York Times}}</ref> The part of the line from the S-curve north of [[West Farms Square–East Tremont Avenue (IRT White Plains Road Line)|West Farms Square—East Tremont Avenue station]] to the terminal at [[Wakefield–241st Street (IRT White Plains Road Line)|241st Street]] was built as a part of the [[Dual Contracts]].<ref name="nycsubway dual" />


On July 1, 1917, a new connection between the White Plains Road Line and the Third Avenue el express tracks opened as part of the Dual Contracts expansion of the Third Avenue Line, and since it ran via Bergen Avenue and bypassed the 149th Street station, it was called the Bergen Avenue cutoff or bypass.<ref name="HathiTrust 2013"/> The Bergen Avenue cutoff was abandoned on November 5, 1946, as part of the gradual curtailment of elevated service on the IRT Third Avenue Line.<ref name=":0" /> The cutoff was removed in 1950.
On July 1, 1917, a new connection between the White Plains Road Line and the Third Avenue el express tracks opened as part of the Dual Contracts expansion of the Third Avenue Line, and since it ran via Bergen Avenue and bypassed the 149th Street station, it was called the Bergen Avenue cutoff or bypass.<ref name="HathiTrust 2013"/> The Bergen Avenue cutoff was abandoned on November 5, 1946, as part of the gradual curtailment of elevated service on the IRT Third Avenue Line.<ref name=":0" /> The cutoff was removed in 1950.


On December 13, 1920, the final portion of the line opened, extending the line from its previous terminal at 238th Street to the line's permanent terminus at 241st Street.<ref name=":7">{{cite news|title=Subway Line Extended — White Plains Avenue Branch Opens to 241st Street Tomorrow|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1920/12/12/112665334.pdf|accessdate=December 20, 2015|newspaper=New York Times|date=December 12, 1920|page=E2}}</ref> This portion of the line had its opening delayed, owing to construction on the line between the two stations for the construction of the 239th Street Yard. Additional time was required to modify the structure to avoid a grade crossing at the entrance to the yard.<ref name="www.nycsubway.org 1914">{{cite web|title=Operation of the White Plains Road Line (1917)|website=www.nycsubway.org|date=March 24, 1914|url=http://www.nycsubway.org/wiki/Operation_of_the_White_Plains_Road_Line_(1917)|accessdate=September 6, 2016}}</ref>
On December 13, 1920, the final portion of the line opened, extending the line from its previous terminal at 238th Street to the line's permanent terminus at 241st Street.<ref name=":7">{{cite news|title=Subway Line Extended — White Plains Avenue Branch Opens to 241st Street Tomorrow|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1920/12/12/112665334.pdf|access-date=December 20, 2015|work=The New York Times|date=December 12, 1920|page=E2}}</ref> This portion of the line had its opening delayed, owing to construction on the line between the two stations for the construction of the 239th Street Yard. Additional time was required to modify the structure to avoid a grade crossing at the entrance to the yard.<ref name="www.nycsubway.org 1914">{{cite web|title=Operation of the White Plains Road Line (1917)|website=www.nycsubway.org|date=March 24, 1914|url=http://www.nycsubway.org/wiki/Operation_of_the_White_Plains_Road_Line_(1917)|access-date=September 6, 2016}}</ref>


A [[Proposed expansion of the New York City Subway#1929-1939 plans|1929 proposal]] included a spur off the line that would have run from Van Nest to [[Baychester, Bronx|Baychester]]. The spur was to begin near Garfield Street as an elevated line then run underground beneath Morris Park Avenue and Wilson Avenue, finally terminating at [[U.S. Route 1 in New York|Boston Road]], where it was to connect to the formerly proposed [[IND Concourse Line|Concourse Line extension]]. This proposal was never carried out, however the IRT acquired the former [[New York, Westchester and Boston Railway]] right-of-way to create the [[IRT Dyre Avenue Line]] instead.
A [[Proposed expansion of the New York City Subway#1929–1939 plans|1929 proposal]] included a spur off the line that would have run from Van Nest to [[Baychester, Bronx|Baychester]]. The spur was to begin near Garfield Street as an elevated line then run underground beneath Morris Park Avenue and Wilson Avenue, finally terminating at [[U.S. Route 1 in New York|Boston Road]], where it was to connect to the formerly proposed [[IND Concourse Line|Concourse Line extension]]. This proposal was never carried out, however the IRT acquired the former [[New York, Westchester and Boston Railway]] right-of-way to create the [[IRT Dyre Avenue Line]] instead.


=== Improvements ===
=== Improvements ===
On June 13, 1949, the platforms extensions at the stations on the line from [[Jackson Avenue (IRT White Plains Road Line)|Jackson Avenue]] to [[West Farms Square–East Tremont Avenue (IRT White Plains Road Line)|177th Street]] opened. The platforms were lengthened to 514 feet to allow full ten-car express trains to platform. Previously the stations could only platform six-car local trains.<ref name="BOT-1949">{{Cite book|url=http://hdl.handle.net/2027/mdp.39015023094926|title=Report For the Three and One-Half Years Ending June 30, 1949.|date=1949|newspaper=New York City Board of Transportation}}</ref>
The New York State Transit Commission announced plans to extend the southbound platforms at seven stations on the line from [[Jackson Avenue (IRT White Plains Road Line)|Jackson Avenue]] to [[West Farms Square–East Tremont Avenue (IRT White Plains Road Line)|177th Street]] to accommodate ten-car trains for $81,900 on August 8, 1934.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/08/09/archives/irt-to-extend-stations-platform-changes-to-be-made-on-white-plains.html|title=I.R.T. To Extend Stations. Platform Changes to Be Made on White Plains Line.|date=August 9, 1934|work=The New York Times|access-date=January 4, 2020|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>


On June 13, 1949, the platforms extensions at the stations on the line from Jackson Avenue to 177th Street opened. The platforms were lengthened to {{Convert|514|feet|meters|abbr=}} to allow full ten-car express trains to platform. Previously the stations could only platform six-car local trains.<ref name="BOT-1949">{{Cite book|title=Report For the Three and One-Half Years Ending June 30, 1949.|date=1949|publisher=New York City Board of Transportation|hdl = 2027/mdp.39015023094926}}</ref>
On March 1, 1951, the Board of Transportation announced a plan to implement express service along the White Plains Road Line between 241st Street and Third Avenue–149th Street using the middle third track. New signaling, including the installation of block signals, was to be installed on the local tracks, in addition to the installation of signals on the express track at the cost of $3.5 million. In addition, it was announced that a flyover to the Dyre Avenue Line would be built, allowing for through-service, and eliminating the need to transfer at East 180th Street. The final key element to the improvement plan was the elimination of the at-grade junction north of the West Farms Square station, which was a major bottleneck, by closing the spur to 180th Street–Bronx Park. To make up for the loss of service, an escalator would be added at the West Farms Square station at 178th Street and Boston Road.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1951/03/02/82094296.pdf|title=Faster I.R.T. Service in the Bronx To Cut East Side Run 13 Minutes|last1=Ingraham|first1=Joseph C.|date=March 2, 1951|work=|access-date=October 7, 2016|page=1}}</ref>


On March 1, 1951, the Board of Transportation announced a plan to implement express service along the White Plains Road Line between 241st Street and Third Avenue–149th Street using the middle third track. New signaling, including the installation of block signals, was to be installed on the local tracks, in addition to the installation of signals on the express track at the cost of $3.5 million. In addition, it was announced that a flyover to the Dyre Avenue Line would be built, allowing for through-service, and eliminating the need to transfer at East 180th Street. The final key element to the improvement plan was the elimination of the at-grade junction north of the West Farms Square station, which was a major bottleneck, by closing the spur to 180th Street–Bronx Park. To make up for the loss of service, an escalator and new stairway would be added at the West Farms Square station at 178th Street and Boston Road.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1951/03/02/82094296.pdf|title=Faster I.R.T. Service in the Bronx To Cut East Side Run 13 Minutes|last1=Ingraham|first1=Joseph C.|work=The New York Times |date=March 2, 1951|access-date=October 7, 2016|page=1}}</ref> The spur to 180th Street—Bronx Park closed on August 4, 1952.<ref>{{Cite web|date=1952|title=Notice to Passengers|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/16965436879/in/album-72157652636620504/|access-date=July 8, 2020|website=Flickr|publisher=New York City Board of Transportation}}</ref>
Express service on the IRT White Plains Road Line began on April 23, 1953 with alternate '''5''' trains using the middle track between East 180th Street and 149th Street during the weekday rush in the peak direction. These trains skipped all stops between East 180th Street and Third Avenue–149th Street.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1953/04/24/archives/i-r-t-express-service-rushhour-schedule-started-on-white-plains-rd.html|title=I. R. T. EXPRESS SERVICE; Rush-Hour Schedule Started on White Plains Rd. Line|last=|first=|date=April 24, 1953|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 29, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Starting on October 2, 1953, 5 trains began running express between East 180th Street and Gun Hill Road using the middle track in order to encourage passengers who changed at Gun Hill Road for Third Avenue Elevated service to stay on subway trains.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1953/08/07/archives/transit-authority-to-tidy-subways-speed-up-service-fare-rise-to-pay.html|title=TRANSIT AUTHORITY TO TIDY SUBWAYS, SPEED UP SERVICE; Fare Rise to Pay for Posture Seats and New Lights in 300 Cars, Painting of Stations NEW MEMBER JOINS BOARD Mayor, Swearing Him, Assails Dewey -- Klein Praises Casey, Promises to 'Do Share' TRANSIT AUTHORITY TO TIDY SUBWAYS|last=Egan|first=Leo|date=August 7, 1953|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 29, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Fg4KAQAAMAAJ&q=%C2%A0April+23,+1953+express+white+plains+road&dq=%C2%A0April+23,+1953+express+white+plains+road&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwioguTK95bXAhXC5yYKHU9ECpEQ6AEIKDAA|title=A History of the New York City Subway System|last=Cunningham|first=Joseph|last2=DeHart|first2=Leonard O.|date=1993|publisher=J. Schmidt, R. Giglio, and K. Lang|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Linder|first=Bernard|date=October 1964|title=|url=|journal=New York Division Bulletin|publisher=Electric Railroaders' Association|volume=|pages=|via=}}</ref> These trains were signed as the 5 Lexington Avenue Thru-Express.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24542430/daily_news/|title=Lex. Subway Speeds Up|last=|first=|date=April 24, 1953|work=New York Daily News|access-date=November 5, 2018|page=34}}</ref>


Express service on the IRT White Plains Road Line began on April 23, 1953 with alternate '''5''' trains using the middle track between East 180th Street and 149th Street during the weekday rush in the peak direction. These trains skipped all stops between East 180th Street and Third Avenue–149th Street.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1953/04/24/archives/i-r-t-express-service-rushhour-schedule-started-on-white-plains-rd.html|title=I. R. T. EXPRESS SERVICE; Rush-Hour Schedule Started on White Plains Rd. Line|date=April 24, 1953|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 29, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Starting on October 2, 1953, 5 trains began running express between East 180th Street and Gun Hill Road using the middle track in order to encourage passengers who changed at Gun Hill Road for Third Avenue Elevated service to stay on subway trains.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1953/08/07/archives/transit-authority-to-tidy-subways-speed-up-service-fare-rise-to-pay.html|title=TRANSIT AUTHORITY TO TIDY SUBWAYS, SPEED UP SERVICE; Fare Rise to Pay for Posture Seats and New Lights in 300 Cars, Painting of Stations NEW MEMBER JOINS BOARD Mayor, Swearing Him, Assails Dewey -- Klein Praises Casey, Promises to 'Do Share' TRANSIT AUTHORITY TO TIDY SUBWAYS|last=Egan|first=Leo|date=August 7, 1953|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 29, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Fg4KAQAAMAAJ&q=%C2%A0April+23,+1953+express+white+plains+road|title=A History of the New York City Subway System|last1=Cunningham|first1=Joseph|last2=DeHart|first2=Leonard O.|date=1993|publisher=J. Schmidt, R. Giglio, and K. Lang|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Linder|first=Bernard|date=October 1964|journal=New York Division Bulletin|publisher=Electric Railroaders' Association}}</ref> These trains were signed as the 5 Lexington Avenue Thru-Express.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24542430/daily_news/|title=Lex. Subway Speeds Up|date=April 24, 1953|work=New York Daily News|access-date=November 5, 2018|page=34}}</ref>
In 1956, 180th Street—Bronx Park was closed and was demolished. Former trackways of this station can still be seen north of the current West Farms Square—East Tremont Avenue Station.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nycsubway.org/perl/show?102096|title=Showing Image 102096|publisher=nycsubway.org|date=June 20, 2009|accessdate=May 2, 2010}}</ref>


The Dyre Avenue Line was connected directly to the White Plains Road Line north of [[East 180th Street (IRT White Plains Road Line)|East 180th Street]] for $3 million and through service began on May 6, 1957. Night service continued to be operated by a shuttle.<ref>{{cite news|title=IRT Spur Opens Today — Dyre Avenue Line in Bronx Will Have Five Stations|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1957/05/06/90803273.pdf|accessdate=December 20, 2015|newspaper=New York Times|date=May 6, 1957|page=31}}</ref> Through service was operated by Seventh Avenue express trains between 5:30 AM and 8:30 PM. Between 8:30 and 1:15 shuttle trains operated from East 180th Street to Dyre Avenue, and in the early morning hours no trains operated over the line.<ref>{{cite news|title=Subway Trains Run to Dyre Avenue — Through Service Replacing Shuttle for Part of Each Day on Bronx Line|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1957/05/07/84726091.pdf|accessdate=December 20, 2015|newspaper=New York Times|date=May 7, 1957|page=37}}</ref>
The Dyre Avenue Line was connected directly to the White Plains Road Line north of [[East 180th Street (IRT White Plains Road Line)|East 180th Street]] for $3 million and through service began on May 6, 1957. Night service continued to be operated by a shuttle.<ref>{{cite news|title=IRT Spur Opens Today — Dyre Avenue Line in Bronx Will Have Five Stations|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1957/05/06/90803273.pdf|access-date=December 20, 2015|work=The New York Times|date=May 6, 1957|page=31}}</ref> Through service was operated by Seventh Avenue express trains between 5:30 AM and 8:30 PM. Between 8:30 and 1:15 shuttle trains operated from East 180th Street to Dyre Avenue, and in the early morning hours no trains operated over the line.<ref>{{cite news|title=Subway Trains Run to Dyre Avenue — Through Service Replacing Shuttle for Part of Each Day on Bronx Line|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1957/05/07/84726091.pdf|access-date=December 20, 2015|work=The New York Times|date=May 7, 1957|page=37}}</ref>

In 1986, the [[New York City Transit Authority]] launched a study to determine whether to close 79 stations on 11 routes, including the White Plains Road Line north of East 180th Street, due to low ridership and high repair costs.<ref name="Brooke 1986 p781">{{cite web |last=Brooke |first=James |date=April 29, 1986 |title=Subway Aides to Weigh Cuts on 11 Routes |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/04/29/nyregion/subway-aides-to-weigh-cuts-on-11-routes.html |access-date=January 25, 2024 |website=The New York Times}}</ref><ref name="n139526241">{{Cite news |last=Gordy |first=Margaret |date=1986-04-29 |title=MTA Studies Citywide Cuts in Subway Lines, Stations |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-mta-studies-citywide-cuts-in-sub/139526241/ |access-date=2024-01-25 |work=Newsday |pages=3, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-mta-studies-citywide-cuts-in-sub/139526291/ 27]}}</ref> Numerous figures, including New York City Council member [[Carol Greitzer]], criticized the plans.<ref name="n139526241" /><ref name="Finder 1986 j495">{{cite web |last1=Finder |first1=Alan |last2=Connelly |first2=Mary |date=May 4, 1986 |title=The Region; On Shrinking The Subways |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/05/04/weekinreview/the-region-on-shrinking-the-subways.html |access-date=January 25, 2024 |website=The New York Times}}</ref>


Due to rehabilitation of East 180th Street and signal replacements along the line, rush hour peak direction '''5''' express service was suspended from March 29 to September 3, 2010. PM northbound express service was suspended again on March 28, 2011 to allow for the second phase of the signal replacement project. Normal service was restored on August 8, 2011.
Due to rehabilitation of East 180th Street and signal replacements along the line, rush hour peak direction '''5''' express service was suspended from March 29 to September 3, 2010. PM northbound express service was suspended again on March 28, 2011 to allow for the second phase of the signal replacement project. Normal service was restored on August 8, 2011.
Line 130: Line 132:
|rowspan=6|[[Wakefield, Bronx|Wakefield]]
|rowspan=6|[[Wakefield, Bronx|Wakefield]]
|
|
|[[Wakefield–241st Street (IRT White Plains Road Line)|Wakefield–241st Street]]
|{{stl|NYCS|Wakefield–241st Street}}
|
|local
|{{NYCS White Plains Wakefield|time=show}}
|{{NYCS White Plains Wakefield|time=show}}
|December 13, 1920<ref name=":7" />
|December 13, 1920<ref name=":7" />
|originally East 241st Street<br/>Connection to [[Metro-North Railroad]] ([[Harlem Line]] at [[Wakefield (Metro-North station)|Wakefield]])
|originally East 241st Street<br/>Connection to [[Metro-North Railroad]] ([[Harlem Line]] at [[Wakefield station (Metro-North)|Wakefield]])
|-
|-
! colspan="6" style="background:silver;"|Center Express track begins (no regular service)
! colspan="6" style="background:silver;"|Center Express track begins (no regular service)
Line 141: Line 143:
|-
|-
|
|
|[[Nereid Avenue (IRT White Plains Road Line)|Nereid Avenue]]
|{{stl|NYCS|Nereid Avenue}}
|local
|local
|{{NYCS White Plains north local|time=show}}
|{{NYCS White Plains north local|time=show}}
Line 148: Line 150:
|-
|-
|{{Access icon}}
|{{Access icon}}
|[[233rd Street (IRT White Plains Road Line)|233rd Street]]
|{{stl|NYCS|233rd Street}}
|local
|local
|{{NYCS White Plains north local|time=show}}
|{{NYCS White Plains north local|time=show}}
|March 31, 1917<ref name="HathiTrust 2013" /><ref name=":6" />
|March 31, 1917<ref name="HathiTrust 2013" /><ref name=":6" />
|originally East 233rd Street<br/>Connection to [[Metro-North Railroad]] ([[Harlem Line]] at [[Woodlawn (Metro-North station)|Woodlawn]])
|originally East 233rd Street<br/>Connection to [[Metro-North Railroad]] ([[Harlem Line]] at [[Woodlawn station (Metro-North)|Woodlawn]])
|-
|-
|
|
|[[225th Street (IRT White Plains Road Line)|225th Street]]
|{{stl|NYCS|225th Street}}
|local
|local
|{{NYCS White Plains north local|time=show}}
|{{NYCS White Plains north local|time=show}}
Line 163: Line 165:
|rowspan=2|[[Williamsbridge, Bronx|Williamsbridge]]
|rowspan=2|[[Williamsbridge, Bronx|Williamsbridge]]
|
|
|[[219th Street (IRT White Plains Road Line)|219th Street]]
|{{stl|NYCS|219th Street}}
|local
|local
|{{NYCS White Plains north local|time=show}}
|{{NYCS White Plains north local|time=show}}
Line 170: Line 172:
|-
|-
|{{Access icon}}
|{{Access icon}}
|[[Gun Hill Road (IRT White Plains Road Line)|Gun Hill Road]]
|{{stl|NYCS|Gun Hill Road|White Plains}}
|all
|all
|{{NYCS White Plains north |time=show}}
|{{NYCS White Plains north |time=show}}
|March 3, 1917<ref name="HathiTrust 2013" /><ref name=":5" />
|March 3, 1917<ref name="HathiTrust 2013" /><ref name=":5" />
|Connection to [[Metro-North Railroad]] ([[Harlem Line]] at [[Williams Bridge (Metro-North station)|Williams Bridge]])
|Connection to [[Metro-North Railroad]] ([[Harlem Line]] at [[Williams Bridge station|Williams Bridge]])
[[Bx41 SBS (New York City bus)|Bx41 Select Bus Service]]
[[Bx41 SBS (New York City bus)|Bx41 Select Bus Service]]
|-
|-
|rowspan=2|[[Allerton, Bronx|Allerton]]
|rowspan=2|[[Allerton, Bronx|Allerton]]
|
|
|[[Burke Avenue (IRT White Plains Road Line)|Burke Avenue]]
|{{stl|NYCS|Burke Avenue}}
|local
|local
|{{NYCS White Plains north local|time=show}}
|{{NYCS White Plains north local|time=show}}
Line 186: Line 188:
|-
|-
|
|
|[[Allerton Avenue (IRT White Plains Road Line)|Allerton Avenue]]
|{{stl|NYCS|Allerton Avenue}}
|local
|local
|{{NYCS White Plains north local|time=show}}
|{{NYCS White Plains north local|time=show}}
Line 194: Line 196:
|rowspan=1|[[Pelham Parkway, Bronx|Pelham Parkway]]
|rowspan=1|[[Pelham Parkway, Bronx|Pelham Parkway]]
|{{Access icon}}
|{{Access icon}}
|[[Pelham Parkway (IRT White Plains Road Line)|Pelham Parkway]]
|{{stl|NYCS|Pelham Parkway|White Plains}}
|local
|local
|{{NYCS White Plains north local|time=show}}
|{{NYCS White Plains north local|time=show}}
Line 202: Line 204:
|rowspan=4|[[Van Nest, Bronx|Van Nest]]
|rowspan=4|[[Van Nest, Bronx|Van Nest]]
|
|
|[[Bronx Park East (IRT White Plains Road Line)|Bronx Park East]]
|{{stl|NYCS|Bronx Park East}}
|local
|local
|{{NYCS White Plains north local|time=show}}
|{{NYCS White Plains north local|time=show}}
Line 216: Line 218:
|rowspan=3|[[West Farms, Bronx|West Farms]]
|rowspan=3|[[West Farms, Bronx|West Farms]]
|{{Access icon}}
|{{Access icon}}
|[[East 180th Street (IRT White Plains Road Line)|East 180th Street]]
|{{stl|NYCS|East 180th Street}}
|all
|all
|{{NYCS White Plains 180th|time=show}}
|{{NYCS White Plains 180th|time=show}}
Line 223: Line 225:
|-
|-
|
|
| style="background:silver;"|[[180th Street–Bronx Park (IRT White Plains Road Line)|180th Street–Bronx Park]]
| style="background:silver;"|{{stl|NYCS|180th Street–Bronx Park}}
|[[Bronx Park]] spur
|[[Bronx Park]] spur
|
|
Line 230: Line 232:
|-
|-
|
|
|nowrap|[[West Farms Square–East Tremont Avenue (IRT White Plains Road Line)|West Farms Square–East Tremont Avenue]]
|nowrap|{{stl|NYCS|West Farms Square–East Tremont Avenue}}
|local
|local
|{{NYCS White Plains local|time=show}}
|{{NYCS White Plains local|time=show}}
Line 238: Line 240:
|rowspan=2|[[Crotona Park East, Bronx|Crotona Park East]]
|rowspan=2|[[Crotona Park East, Bronx|Crotona Park East]]
|
|
|[[174th Street (IRT White Plains Road Line)|174th Street]]
|{{stl|NYCS|174th Street}}
|local
|local
|{{NYCS White Plains local|time=show}}
|{{NYCS White Plains local|time=show}}
Line 245: Line 247:
|-
|-
|
|
|[[Freeman Street (IRT White Plains Road Line)|Freeman Street]]
|{{stl|NYCS|Freeman Street}}
|local
|local
|{{NYCS White Plains local|time=show}}
|{{NYCS White Plains local|time=show}}
Line 253: Line 255:
|rowspan=3|[[Longwood, Bronx|Longwood]]
|rowspan=3|[[Longwood, Bronx|Longwood]]
|{{Access icon}}
|{{Access icon}}
|[[Simpson Street (IRT White Plains Road Line)|Simpson Street]]
|{{stl|NYCS|Simpson Street}}
|local
|local
|{{NYCS White Plains local|time=show}}
|{{NYCS White Plains local|time=show}}
Line 260: Line 262:
|-
|-
|
|
|[[Intervale Avenue (IRT White Plains Road Line)|Intervale Avenue]]
|{{stl|NYCS|Intervale Avenue}}
|local
|local
|{{NYCS White Plains local|time=show}}
|{{NYCS White Plains local|time=show}}
Line 267: Line 269:
|-
|-
|
|
|[[Prospect Avenue (IRT White Plains Road Line)|Prospect Avenue]]
|{{stl|NYCS|Prospect Avenue|White Plains}}
|local
|local
|{{NYCS White Plains local|time=show}}
|{{NYCS White Plains local|time=show}}
Line 275: Line 277:
|rowspan=5|[[Mott Haven, Bronx|Mott Haven]]
|rowspan=5|[[Mott Haven, Bronx|Mott Haven]]
|
|
|[[Jackson Avenue (IRT White Plains Road Line)|Jackson Avenue]]
|{{stl|NYCS|Jackson Avenue}}
|local
|local
|{{NYCS White Plains local|time=show}}
|{{NYCS White Plains local|time=show}}
Line 284: Line 286:
|-
|-
|{{Access icon}}
|{{Access icon}}
|[[Third Avenue–149th Street (IRT White Plains Road Line)|Third Avenue–149th Street]]
|{{stl|NYCS|Third Avenue–149th Street}}
|all
|all
|{{NYCS White Plains|time=show}}
|{{NYCS White Plains|time=show}}
Line 292: Line 294:
|-
|-
|
|
|[[149th Street–Grand Concourse (IRT White Plains Road Line)|149th Street–Grand Concourse]]
|{{stl|NYCS|149th Street–Grand Concourse|White Plains}}
|all
|all
|{{NYCS White Plains|time=show}}
|{{NYCS White Plains|time=show}}
Line 304: Line 306:
! colspan="7" style="background:silver;"|Merge with [[IRT Lenox Avenue Line]] ({{NYCS White Plains south|time=show}})
! colspan="7" style="background:silver;"|Merge with [[IRT Lenox Avenue Line]] ({{NYCS White Plains south|time=show}})
|}
|}

== Gallery ==
<gallery>
Image:IRT White Plains Rd Line.JPG|An R142 {{NYCS box|2}} train enters East Tremont Avenue Station
Image:R142 WPR Local Allerton Avenue WP Rd.jpg|An R142 {{NYCS box|2}} train at Allerton Avenue Station in [[the Bronx]]
</gallery>


==References==
==References==
Line 317: Line 313:
{{attached KML|display=inline,title}}
{{attached KML|display=inline,title}}
{{Commons category|IRT White Plains Road Line}}
{{Commons category|IRT White Plains Road Line}}
*[http://nycsubway.org/irt/whiteplains/ nycsubway.org - IRT Lenox/White Plains Line]
*[https://www.nycsubway.org/wiki/IRT_White_Plains_Road_Line nycsubway.org - IRT Lenox/White Plains Line]


{{Clear}}
{{Clear}}

Revision as of 22:25, 20 April 2024

IRT White Plains Road Line
"2" train "5" train
The 2 train serves the entire IRT White Plains Road Line at all times. The 5 train serves the entire IRT White Plains Road Line (except for Wakefield–241st Street) during rush hours in the peak direction, and part of the line from 149th Street-Grand Concourse to East 180th Street at all other times except late nights.
Overview
OwnerCity of New York
Termini
Stations20
Service
TypeRapid transit
SystemNew York City Subway
Operator(s)New York City Transit Authority
Daily ridership139,609 (2022)[1]
History
Opened1904-1920
Technical
Number of tracks2-3
CharacterElevated (Most of the line)
Underground (3rd Ave and Grand Concourse stations only)
Track gauge4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm)
Electrification600V DC third rail
Route map

Wakefield–241st Street
Nereid Avenue
233rd Street
225th Street
219th Street
Gun Hill Road
Burke Avenue
Allerton Avenue
Pelham Parkway
Bronx Park East
East 180th Street
West Farms Yard (demolished)
West Farms Square–East Tremont Avenue
174th Street
Freeman Street
Simpson Street
Intervale Avenue
Prospect Avenue
Jackson Avenue
Third Avenue–149th Street
149th Street–Grand Concourse
Legend

Express station
Local station
West Farms Square station is a southern station of the White Plains Road Line.

The White Plains Road Line is a rapid transit line of the A Division of the New York City Subway serving the central Bronx. It is mostly elevated and served both subway and elevated trains until 1952.[2] The original part of the line, the part opened as part of the first subway was called the West Farms Division, and the extension north to 241st Street as part of the Dual Contracts was called the White Plains Road Line. Eventually, however, the two parts came to be known as the White Plains Road Line.

It is currently being used by the 2 at all times and the 5 at all times except late nights. During rush hours in the peak direction, the 5 runs express between East 180th Street and Third Avenue–149th Street. During late nights, the 5 runs as a shuttle between Eastchester–Dyre Avenue and East 180th Street.

Extent and service

The following services use part or all of the IRT White Plains Road Line:[3]

Route Services
  Time period West of
E 149 St
Between
E 149 St
and
E 180 St
E 180 St Between
E 180 St
and
Nereid Ave
241 St
"2" train All times Local
"5" train Rush peak No service Express Local (some trains) No service
Off-peak except late nights No service Local No service
Late nights No service Center track No service

The IRT White Plains Road Line begins at the Wakefield–241st Street terminal, with two tracks, one island platform, and two closed side platforms. Crossovers just south of the station take trains to the correct tracks and a center express track comes out of those crossovers. Between Wakefield–241st Street and Nereid Avenue, a connection comes in from the 239th Street Yard.

Just north of Gun Hill Road, the now demolished IRT Third Avenue Line split from the local tracks (with crossovers to the express tracks just to the north). The line went to a lower level of Gun Hill Road and then turned west.

The IRT Dyre Avenue Line merges to the local tracks just north of East 180th Street, and then crossovers allow those trains to reach the express tracks. The 5 late-night Dyre Avenue Shuttle uses the center track to end its run, and rush hour 5 trains in the peak direction change to the express track here. On the west side of this junction is the East 180th Street Yard while the Unionport Yard is to the east.

The now-gone three-track Bronx Park Spur merged from the west after East 180th Street with one track into each of the mainline tracks. Just after this on the east side was a connection to the West Farms Yard, also gone.

The express track ends north of Third Avenue–149th Street, and from there to the end the line has two tracks. Formerly in that area there was a connection just to the north to the local tracks of the IRT Third Avenue Line, and a connection to the south, bypassing 149th Street on the Third Avenue Line. Just past those former connections, the White Plains Road Line goes underground.

Just after 149th Street–Grand Concourse, the tracks split off and the two currently used by the 5 train turn south to merge with the local tracks of the IRT Jerome Avenue Line. The other tracks, currently used by the 2 train, pass under the Harlem River via the 149th Street Tunnel and end at the at-grade 142nd Street Junction, connecting to the IRT Lenox Avenue Line.

History

Contract 1

The first contract for the construction of a subway in New York, Contract 1, was executed on February 21, 1900, between the Board of Rapid Transit Railroad Commissioners and the Rapid Transit Construction Company, organized by John B. McDonald and funded by August Belmont, for the construction of the subway and a 50-year operating lease from the opening of the line. Contract 1 called for the construction of a line from City Hall north to Kingsbridge and a branch under Lenox Avenue and to Bronx Park.[4]

The initial segment of the IRT White Plains Road Line opened on November 26, 1904 between East 180th Street and Jackson Avenue. Initially, trains on the line were served by elevated trains from the IRT Second Avenue Line and the IRT Third Avenue Line, with a connection running from the Third Avenue local tracks at Third Avenue and 149th Street to Westchester Avenue and Eagle Avenue. Once the connection to the IRT Lenox Avenue Line opened on July 10, 1905, trains from the newly opened IRT subway ran via the line.[5][6][7] Elevated service via this connection was resumed on October 1, 1907 when Second Avenue locals were extended to Freeman Street during rush hours.[6]

On October 28, 1910, the new 180th Street station, known as Zoological Park station, opened as the new terminal of the West Farms Division of the subway, replacing the temporary station at 180th Street, which was later abandoned.[8]

Dual Contracts

The Dual Contracts, which were signed on March 19, 1913, were contracts for the construction, rehabilitation, and operation of rapid transit lines in the City of New York. The contracts were "dual" in that they were signed between the City and two separate private companies (the Interborough Rapid Transit Company and the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company), all working together to make the construction of the Dual Contracts possible. The Dual Contracts promised the construction of several lines in the Bronx. As part of Contract 3, the IRT agreed to extend the existing West Farms Division from 179th Street to 241st Street as an elevated line along White Plains Road.[9][10][11]

Intervale Avenue station opened on April 30, 1910 as an in-fill station. It was the first station in the Bronx with escalators. The station was built at the cost of $100,000, and it was paid with private capital.[12][13]

Portions of the White Plains Road Line were opened at different times, and they opened once construction finished on a segment, as opposed to waiting for the completion of the entire line. The first segment opened on March 3, 1917, from East 177th Street–East Tremont Avenue to East 219th Street–White Plains Road, providing the Bronx communities of Williamsbridge and Wakefield with access to rapid transit service.[14][15] Service on the new portion of the line was operated as a four-car shuttle from 177th Street due to the power conditions at the time. Service was extended to East 238th Street on March 31, 1917.[14][16] The part of the line from the S-curve north of West Farms Square—East Tremont Avenue station to the terminal at 241st Street was built as a part of the Dual Contracts.[10]

On July 1, 1917, a new connection between the White Plains Road Line and the Third Avenue el express tracks opened as part of the Dual Contracts expansion of the Third Avenue Line, and since it ran via Bergen Avenue and bypassed the 149th Street station, it was called the Bergen Avenue cutoff or bypass.[14] The Bergen Avenue cutoff was abandoned on November 5, 1946, as part of the gradual curtailment of elevated service on the IRT Third Avenue Line.[6] The cutoff was removed in 1950.

On December 13, 1920, the final portion of the line opened, extending the line from its previous terminal at 238th Street to the line's permanent terminus at 241st Street.[17] This portion of the line had its opening delayed, owing to construction on the line between the two stations for the construction of the 239th Street Yard. Additional time was required to modify the structure to avoid a grade crossing at the entrance to the yard.[18]

A 1929 proposal included a spur off the line that would have run from Van Nest to Baychester. The spur was to begin near Garfield Street as an elevated line then run underground beneath Morris Park Avenue and Wilson Avenue, finally terminating at Boston Road, where it was to connect to the formerly proposed Concourse Line extension. This proposal was never carried out, however the IRT acquired the former New York, Westchester and Boston Railway right-of-way to create the IRT Dyre Avenue Line instead.

Improvements

The New York State Transit Commission announced plans to extend the southbound platforms at seven stations on the line from Jackson Avenue to 177th Street to accommodate ten-car trains for $81,900 on August 8, 1934.[19]

On June 13, 1949, the platforms extensions at the stations on the line from Jackson Avenue to 177th Street opened. The platforms were lengthened to 514 feet (157 m) to allow full ten-car express trains to platform. Previously the stations could only platform six-car local trains.[20]

On March 1, 1951, the Board of Transportation announced a plan to implement express service along the White Plains Road Line between 241st Street and Third Avenue–149th Street using the middle third track. New signaling, including the installation of block signals, was to be installed on the local tracks, in addition to the installation of signals on the express track at the cost of $3.5 million. In addition, it was announced that a flyover to the Dyre Avenue Line would be built, allowing for through-service, and eliminating the need to transfer at East 180th Street. The final key element to the improvement plan was the elimination of the at-grade junction north of the West Farms Square station, which was a major bottleneck, by closing the spur to 180th Street–Bronx Park. To make up for the loss of service, an escalator and new stairway would be added at the West Farms Square station at 178th Street and Boston Road.[21] The spur to 180th Street—Bronx Park closed on August 4, 1952.[22]

Express service on the IRT White Plains Road Line began on April 23, 1953 with alternate 5 trains using the middle track between East 180th Street and 149th Street during the weekday rush in the peak direction. These trains skipped all stops between East 180th Street and Third Avenue–149th Street.[23] Starting on October 2, 1953, 5 trains began running express between East 180th Street and Gun Hill Road using the middle track in order to encourage passengers who changed at Gun Hill Road for Third Avenue Elevated service to stay on subway trains.[24][25][26] These trains were signed as the 5 Lexington Avenue Thru-Express.[27]

The Dyre Avenue Line was connected directly to the White Plains Road Line north of East 180th Street for $3 million and through service began on May 6, 1957. Night service continued to be operated by a shuttle.[28] Through service was operated by Seventh Avenue express trains between 5:30 AM and 8:30 PM. Between 8:30 and 1:15 shuttle trains operated from East 180th Street to Dyre Avenue, and in the early morning hours no trains operated over the line.[29]

In 1986, the New York City Transit Authority launched a study to determine whether to close 79 stations on 11 routes, including the White Plains Road Line north of East 180th Street, due to low ridership and high repair costs.[30][31] Numerous figures, including New York City Council member Carol Greitzer, criticized the plans.[31][32]

Due to rehabilitation of East 180th Street and signal replacements along the line, rush hour peak direction 5 express service was suspended from March 29 to September 3, 2010. PM northbound express service was suspended again on March 28, 2011 to allow for the second phase of the signal replacement project. Normal service was restored on August 8, 2011.

Station listing

Station service legend
Stops all times Stops all times
Stops all times except late nights Stops all times except late nights
Stops all times except rush hours in the peak direction Stops all times except rush hours in the peak direction
Stops rush hours in the peak direction only Stops rush hours in the peak direction only
Time period details
Disabled access Station is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act
Disabled access ↑ Station is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act
in the indicated direction only
Disabled access ↓
Elevator access to mezzanine only
Neighborhood
(approximate)
Disabled access Station Tracks Services Opened Transfers and notes
Wakefield Wakefield–241st Street 2 all times December 13, 1920[17] originally East 241st Street
Connection to Metro-North Railroad (Harlem Line at Wakefield)
Center Express track begins (no regular service)
connecting tracks to 239th Street Yard
Nereid Avenue local 2 all times5 limited weekday rush hour service in the peak direction March 31, 1917[14][16] originally East 238th Street
Disabled access 233rd Street local 2 all times5 limited weekday rush hour service in the peak direction March 31, 1917[14][16] originally East 233rd Street
Connection to Metro-North Railroad (Harlem Line at Woodlawn)
225th Street local 2 all times5 limited weekday rush hour service in the peak direction March 31, 1917[14][16] originally East 225th Street
Williamsbridge 219th Street local 2 all times5 limited weekday rush hour service in the peak direction March 3, 1917[14][15] originally East 219th Street
Disabled access Gun Hill Road all 2 all times5 limited weekday rush hour service in the peak direction March 3, 1917[14][15] Connection to Metro-North Railroad (Harlem Line at Williams Bridge)

Bx41 Select Bus Service

Allerton Burke Avenue local 2 all times5 limited weekday rush hour service in the peak direction March 3, 1917[14][15]
Allerton Avenue local 2 all times5 limited weekday rush hour service in the peak direction March 3, 1917[14][15]
Pelham Parkway Disabled access Pelham Parkway local 2 all times5 limited weekday rush hour service in the peak direction March 3, 1917[14][15] Bx12 Select Bus Service
Van Nest Bronx Park East local 2 all times5 limited weekday rush hour service in the peak direction March 3, 1917[14][15]
Merge from IRT Dyre Avenue Line (5 all times)
connecting tracks to Unionport Yard (east of the line)
connecting tracks to East 180th Street Yard (west of the line)
West Farms Disabled access East 180th Street all 2 all times5 all times March 3, 1917[14][15]
180th Street–Bronx Park Bronx Park spur November 26, 1904 Closed August 4, 1952; later demolished.
West Farms Square–East Tremont Avenue local 2 all times5 all times except rush hours in the peak direction and late nights November 26, 1904 originally 177th Street, then East Tremont Avenue–Boston Road
Q44 Select Bus Service
Crotona Park East 174th Street local 2 all times5 all times except rush hours in the peak direction and late nights November 26, 1904
Freeman Street local 2 all times5 all times except rush hours in the peak direction and late nights November 26, 1904
Longwood Disabled access Simpson Street local 2 all times5 all times except rush hours in the peak direction and late nights November 26, 1904
Intervale Avenue local 2 all times5 all times except rush hours in the peak direction and late nights April 30, 1910[12][13] originally Intervale Avenue–163rd Street
Bx6 Select Bus Service
Prospect Avenue local 2 all times5 all times except rush hours in the peak direction and late nights November 26, 1904
Mott Haven Jackson Avenue local 2 all times5 all times except rush hours in the peak direction and late nights November 26, 1904
Center Express track ends
Disabled access Third Avenue–149th Street all 2 all times5 all times except late nights July 10, 1905[5][6] originally Third Avenue

Bx41 Select Bus Service

149th Street–Grand Concourse all 2 all times5 all times except late nights July 10, 1905[5][6] 4 all times (IRT Jerome Avenue Line)
originally Mott Avenue
Split with connection to IRT Jerome Avenue Line (5 all except late nights)
149th Street Tunnel
Merge with IRT Lenox Avenue Line (2 all times)

References

  1. ^ "Annual Subway Ridership (2018–2023)". Metropolitan Transportation Authority. 2023. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  2. ^ "Old Subways". Community-2.webtv.net. Archived from the original on December 3, 2008. Retrieved May 2, 2010.
  3. ^ "Subway Service Guide" (PDF). Metropolitan Transportation Authority. September 2019. Retrieved September 22, 2019.
  4. ^ Walker, James Blaine (1918). Fifty Years of Rapid Transit — 1864 to 1917. New York, N.Y.: Law Printing. pp. 139–161. Retrieved November 6, 2016.
  5. ^ a b c "Discuss Subway Signs in 18th St. Station — Engineer Parsons and Mr. Hedley Inspect Advertising Scheme — Bronx Viaduct Works Well — Delays There Only Those of Newness — Lenox Avenue Service Makes Fuss Below Ninety-Sixth Street" (PDF). The New York Times. November 27, 1904. p. 3. Retrieved November 6, 2016.
  6. ^ a b c d e Kahn, Alan Paul; May, Jack (1973). Tracks of New York Number 3 Manhattan and Bronx Elevated Railroads 1920. New York City: Electric Railroaders' Association. Retrieved November 6, 2016.
  7. ^ "Subway Trains Running From Bronx to Battery — West Farms and South Ferry Stations Open at Midnight — Start Without a Hitch — Bowling Green Station Also Opened — Lenox Avenue Locals Take City Hall Loop Hereafter". The New York Times. July 10, 1905. p. 1. Retrieved November 6, 2016.
  8. ^ "Subway Station at West Farms Open" (PDF). October 28, 1910. Retrieved September 6, 2016.
  9. ^ "Terms and Conditions of Dual System Contracts". nycsubway.org. Retrieved February 16, 2015.
  10. ^ a b "The Dual System of Rapid Transit (1912)". nycsubway.org.
  11. ^ "Most Recent Map of the Dual Subway System WhIch Shows How Brooklyn Borough Is Favored In New Transit Lines". The Brooklyn Daily Eagle. September 9, 1917. Retrieved August 23, 2016 – via Brooklyn Newspapers.
  12. ^ a b "New Escalator Subway Station Ready" (PDF). The New York Times. April 28, 1910. p. 8. Retrieved September 22, 2016.
  13. ^ a b District, New York (State) Public Service Commission 1st (January 1, 1912). Report of the Public Service Commission for the First District of the State of New York. J.B. Lyon Company, printers.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  14. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Annual report — 1916-1917". HathiTrust. Interborough Rapid Transit Company. December 12, 2013. hdl:2027/mdp.39015016416920. Retrieved September 5, 2016.
  15. ^ a b c d e f g h "White Plains Road Extension of Subway Opened to the Public — New Branch, Which Runs from 177th to 219th Street, Gives the Williamsbridge and Wakefield Sections of the East Bronx Rapid Transit for the First Time" (PDF). The New York Times. March 4, 1917. p. RE4. Retrieved November 5, 2016.
  16. ^ a b c d "New Subway Line Opened — White Plains Extension is Now Running to 238th Street" (PDF). The New York Times. April 1, 1917. p. 16. Retrieved August 17, 2015.
  17. ^ a b "Subway Line Extended — White Plains Avenue Branch Opens to 241st Street Tomorrow" (PDF). The New York Times. December 12, 1920. p. E2. Retrieved December 20, 2015.
  18. ^ "Operation of the White Plains Road Line (1917)". www.nycsubway.org. March 24, 1914. Retrieved September 6, 2016.
  19. ^ "I.R.T. To Extend Stations. Platform Changes to Be Made on White Plains Line". The New York Times. August 9, 1934. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved January 4, 2020.
  20. ^ Report For the Three and One-Half Years Ending June 30, 1949. New York City Board of Transportation. 1949. hdl:2027/mdp.39015023094926.
  21. ^ Ingraham, Joseph C. (March 2, 1951). "Faster I.R.T. Service in the Bronx To Cut East Side Run 13 Minutes" (PDF). The New York Times. p. 1. Retrieved October 7, 2016.
  22. ^ "Notice to Passengers". Flickr. New York City Board of Transportation. 1952. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  23. ^ "I. R. T. EXPRESS SERVICE; Rush-Hour Schedule Started on White Plains Rd. Line". The New York Times. April 24, 1953. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved October 29, 2017.
  24. ^ Egan, Leo (August 7, 1953). "TRANSIT AUTHORITY TO TIDY SUBWAYS, SPEED UP SERVICE; Fare Rise to Pay for Posture Seats and New Lights in 300 Cars, Painting of Stations NEW MEMBER JOINS BOARD Mayor, Swearing Him, Assails Dewey -- Klein Praises Casey, Promises to 'Do Share' TRANSIT AUTHORITY TO TIDY SUBWAYS". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved October 29, 2017.
  25. ^ Cunningham, Joseph; DeHart, Leonard O. (1993). A History of the New York City Subway System. J. Schmidt, R. Giglio, and K. Lang.
  26. ^ Linder, Bernard (October 1964). New York Division Bulletin. Electric Railroaders' Association. {{cite journal}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  27. ^ "Lex. Subway Speeds Up". New York Daily News. April 24, 1953. p. 34. Retrieved November 5, 2018.
  28. ^ "IRT Spur Opens Today — Dyre Avenue Line in Bronx Will Have Five Stations" (PDF). The New York Times. May 6, 1957. p. 31. Retrieved December 20, 2015.
  29. ^ "Subway Trains Run to Dyre Avenue — Through Service Replacing Shuttle for Part of Each Day on Bronx Line" (PDF). The New York Times. May 7, 1957. p. 37. Retrieved December 20, 2015.
  30. ^ Brooke, James (April 29, 1986). "Subway Aides to Weigh Cuts on 11 Routes". The New York Times. Retrieved January 25, 2024.
  31. ^ a b Gordy, Margaret (April 29, 1986). "MTA Studies Citywide Cuts in Subway Lines, Stations". Newsday. pp. 3, 27. Retrieved January 25, 2024.
  32. ^ Finder, Alan; Connelly, Mary (May 4, 1986). "The Region; On Shrinking The Subways". The New York Times. Retrieved January 25, 2024.

External links

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