168th Street: A Crucial Hub in Washington Heights

The 168th Street station is a subway complex located in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Upper Manhattan, New York City. It serves as an important transfer point between lines of the IRT and IND divisions of the subway, making it a vital station for the area. Its strategic location near the Columbia University Medical Center/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital makes it a key access point for employees, patients, and visitors, as well as for area residents.

Connections and Services

The 168th Street station is a complex consisting of two distinct but interconnected levels:

168th Street (IND Eighth Avenue Line)

• This part of the complex is a station on the IND Eighth Avenue Line of the New York City Subway.
• It is served by trains of the following services:
  • A (blue) – Express
  • C (blue) – Local (except late nights)
• Main entrance address: St. Nicholas Avenue and West 168th Street, New York, NY

168th Street (IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line)

• This part of the complex is a station on the IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line of the New York City Subway.
• It is served by trains of the following service:
  • 1 (red) – Local
• Entrances to this section of the station are located on Broadway and West 168th Street.

The interconnection between these two levels allows passengers to make convenient transfers between the Eighth Avenue and Broadway–Seventh Avenue lines.

Importance and Location

• The station is located at the intersection of 168th Street with Broadway and St. Nicholas Avenue, in the heart of Washington Heights.
• Its strategic location makes it a key access point to important destinations such as:

  • Washington Heights

    • Known for its vibrant Dominican community, Hudson River views, and parks.
    • Columbia University Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital: A major medical and research complex.
    • The Armory: An athletics and events center.
    • Numerous local shops and restaurants.

  • Nearby Points of Interest

    • A neighborhood with a rich history and cultural diversity.
    • Morris-Jumel Mansion: The oldest house in Manhattan.
    • United Palace: A historic theater and cultural center.

  • Parks and Green Spaces

    • Highbridge Park: Offers trails, views, and the historic High Bridge.
    • J. Hood Wright Park: A local park with recreational areas.

History and Evolution

• The IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line station was opened on March 16, 1906.
• The IND Eighth Avenue Line station opened on September 10, 1932.
• The complex has undergone renovations, including the addition and modernization of elevators due to the depth of the IND station, to improve accessibility.
• The connection between the two platforms is fundamental to passenger flow in Upper Manhattan.

Interesting Facts

• The IND line platform is one of the deepest in the system, requiring the use of elevators or a long staircase to access it from street level or the IRT platform.
• Its location next to the hospital complex makes it an essential station for thousands of workers and visitors daily.
• It is one of the few stations offering a direct transfer between an original IRT line and an original IND line.