138th Street–Grand Concourse: A Gateway to the South Bronx

The 138th Street–Grand Concourse station is a major subway complex located in the Mott Haven neighborhood of the South Bronx, New York City. It serves as a crucial transfer point between several lines of the A Division (IRT) subway, making it one of the busiest stations in the Bronx and the first stop in this borough for lines coming from Manhattan via Lexington Avenue. Its location on the historic Grand Concourse places it in a key area of the South Bronx.

Connections and Services

The 138th Street–Grand Concourse station consists of platforms serving two main lines that operate through it:

138th Street–Grand Concourse (Lexington Avenue Line)

• This part of the complex serves the main Lexington Avenue Line of the New York City Subway.
• It is served by trains from the express and local services:
  • 4 (green)
  • 5 (green)
• Main entrance address: E 138th St and Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10451

138th Street–Grand Concourse (Pelham Line)

• This part of the complex serves the Pelham Line of the New York City Subway, which branches off from the Lexington Avenue Line just north of this station.
• It is served by trains from the local service:
  • 6 (green)
• Entrances to this section of the station are shared and located in the vicinity of East 138th Street and Grand Concourse.

The station’s structure allows passengers to make convenient transfers between the express services of the Lexington Avenue Line (4, 5) and the local services of the Pelham Line (6).

Importance and Location

• The station is located at the intersection of East 138th Street and Grand Concourse, in the heart of the Mott Haven neighborhood in the Bronx.
• Its strategic location makes it a key access point to important destinations and areas such as:

  • Mott Haven

    • One of the oldest neighborhoods in the Bronx, known for its historic district and brownstone architecture.
    • Proximity to parks like St. Mary’s Park.
    • Access to local businesses, restaurants, and community centers.
    • Developing area with new residential and commercial buildings.

  • The South Bronx

    • The station serves as a gateway to the iconic Grand Concourse.
    • Access to cultural and educational institutions like Hostos Community College.
    • Proximity to major medical centers like Lincoln Hospital.

  • Nearby Points of Interest

    • Bronx Terminal Market: A nearby shopping center.
    • Access (via transfer or bus) to Yankee Stadium and the Bronx Museum of the Arts, located further north on the Grand Concourse.

History and Evolution

• The IRT station at 138th Street–Grand Concourse was opened on July 17, 1918, as part of the extension of the Lexington Avenue Line into the Bronx.
• The complex has been a fundamental piece of the Bronx’s transportation network for over a century, facilitating travel between the Bronx and Manhattan.
• Over the years, various improvements and maintenance have been carried out to preserve the functionality of this historic station.

Interesting Facts

• It is the southernmost subway station in the Bronx on the Lexington Avenue and Pelham lines.
• It functions as a major transportation hub, connecting thousands of Bronx residents with the rest of the city daily.
• Some local 6 service trains begin or end their route here, using specific relay tracks at the station.