191st Street: A Deep Station in Washington Heights

The 191st Street station is a subway station located in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Upper Manhattan, New York City. It serves the IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line and is notable for being one of the deepest stations in the city’s subway system. Its main access relies on a set of elevators and a distinctive pedestrian tunnel.

Lines and Access

The 191st Street station is a single station serving a specific line of the system:

191st Street (Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line)

• This station is a local stop on the IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line of the New York City Subway.
• It is served by the following train service:
  • 1 (red)
  • (Service not available here)
  • (Service not available here)
  • (Service not available here)
• Main entrance address: St. Nicholas Avenue and 191st Street, New York, NY. Also accessible via a pedestrian tunnel from Broadway and 191st Street.

Access Features

• Given its depth (approximately 55 meters / 180 feet), the main access to the platforms is via elevators.
• There is a notable pedestrian tunnel connecting the station to an additional entrance on Broadway:
  • 191st Street Tunnel
  • It provides a useful connection under the Washington Heights hill.
• Street-level entrances are located on St. Nicholas Avenue and at the tunnel entrance on Broadway.

As it is a single-line station, there are no direct transfers to other subway lines within the station complex.

Location and Nearby Points of Interest

• The station is located at the intersection of St. Nicholas Avenue and 191st Street, in the heart of Washington Heights, Manhattan.
• Its location provides access to several points of interest in the area:

  • Washington Heights

    • A vibrant residential neighborhood in Upper Manhattan known for its diverse community and elevated views.
    • Highbridge Park: Offers green spaces, trails, and views of the Harlem River and the High Bridge.
    • Yeshiva University (Wilf Campus): A major educational institution located nearby.
    • The 191st Street Tunnel: Known for its mural art and as an essential pedestrian thoroughfare.

  • Architectural and Design Features

    • It is one of the deepest stations in the NYC subway system.
    • Main access via high-capacity elevators.
    • Distinctive art in the tunnel and station.

  • Additional Nearby Attractions

    • Views of the George Washington Bridge (visible from nearby points).
    • Morris-Jumel Mansion: Manhattan’s oldest house, located a short distance away.

History and Evolution

• The 191st Street station was opened on January 14, 1911, as part of the expansion of the Interborough Rapid Transit Company’s (IRT) first subway line.
• Due to its depth, the station has always relied on elevators. The pedestrian tunnel to Broadway was later added to improve access.
• The station has undergone periodic renovations to maintain and modernize its facilities, including the elevators and the tunnel.

Interesting Facts

• At approximately 180 feet (55 meters) below street level, it is one of the two deepest stations in NYC, along with the nearby 190th Street station.
• The nearly 300-meter (1000-foot) pedestrian tunnel is a unique feature, connecting St. Nicholas Avenue with Broadway and is decorated with murals.
• It is a station served solely by the 1 line, with no direct transfer connections within the station itself.