155th Street: Two Key Stations in Upper Manhattan

The 155th Street stations are a pair of separate but nearby subway stops located in Upper Manhattan, New York City. They serve as important access points for the IND Concourse and IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue lines, connecting the neighborhoods of Washington Heights and Harlem with other parts of the city. Their location near the Harlem River and the Macombs Dam Bridge makes them a vital transportation node in this area of Manhattan.

Connections and Services

The name “155th Street” refers to two distinct stations, operated by different subway divisions, located very close to each other:

155th Street (IND Concourse Line)

• This underground station is part of the IND Concourse Line of the New York City Subway.
• It is served by the following train services:
  • B (orange) (weekdays only)
  • D (orange) (all times)
• Main entrance address: 155th Street and Saint Nicholas Avenue, New York, NY

155th Street (IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line)

• This elevated station is part of the IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line of the New York City Subway.
• It is served by the following train service:
  • 1 (red) (all times)
• Entrances to this station are located at 155th Street and Broadway.

Although the two stations share the same name and are very close, there is no internal connection allowing free transfers between them. Passengers must exit one station and pay the fare again to enter the other.

Importance and Location

• The stations are located on 155th Street, on the border of the Washington Heights and Harlem neighborhoods in Upper Manhattan, near the Harlem River.
• Their strategic location makes them a key access point to important destinations such as:

  • Nearby Points of Interest

    • Highbridge Park: A large park bordering the Harlem River.
    • Site of the former Polo Grounds (home to several historic New York sports teams).
    • Hispanic Society Museum & Library: Institution dedicated to the art and culture of the Spanish-speaking world (located slightly further north).
    • Macombs Dam Bridge: Pedestrian and vehicular connection to the Bronx and Yankee Stadium.

  • Relevant Institutions and Places

    • Rucker Park: A world-famous street basketball court.
    • Access to the Harlem River Drive.
    • Proximity to several residential developments, including the Polo Grounds Towers.

  • Access and Neighborhood

    • Serve as an important transportation hub for local residents of Washington Heights and Harlem.
    • Facilitate access to recreational and cultural facilities in the area.

History and Evolution

• The elevated station on the IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line (1 service) opened on March 12, 1906.
• The underground station on the IND Concourse Line (B, D services) opened on July 1, 1932.
• They were originally built and operated by rival transit companies (the Interborough Rapid Transit Company – IRT and the Independent Subway System – IND), which explains the lack of a free transfer connection.

Key Facts

• The two stations offer an architectural contrast: one is a classic elevated IRT structure, and the other is a deep underground IND station.
• The proximity to the Macombs Dam Bridge makes them a key transit point for events at Yankee Stadium.
• Despite sharing the same name and being just a block apart, the lack of a free transfer is a notable feature of these stations.