Beach 36th Street–Edgemere: Coastal Access in Queens

The Beach 36th Street–Edgemere station is an elevated subway station on the IND Rockaway Line of the New York City Subway, located in the Edgemere neighborhood of Queens. It serves as an important access point for local residents and visitors to nearby Rockaway Beach, offering a connection to the Rockaway Peninsula.

Connections and Services

The Beach 36th Street–Edgemere station is a unique station within the New York City Subway system:

Beach 36th Street–Edgemere (IND Rockaway Line)

• This station is a local stop on the elevated structure of the IND Rockaway Line.
• It is served by trains of the following service:
  • A (blue)
• Main entrance address: Beach 36th Street and Rockaway Freeway, Edgemere, Queens, NY 11691

Transfers and Accessibility

• This station does not offer direct transfers to other subway lines.
• There are connections to local MTA bus routes, such as the Q22.
• Currently, the station is not ADA-accessible (Americans with Disabilities Act).
• Station entrances are located at street level, under the elevated structure, near the aforementioned intersection.

The station primarily serves the residential community of Edgemere and facilitates access to Rockaway’s beaches and boardwalk.

Importance and Location

• The station is located at the intersection of Beach 36th Street and Rockaway Freeway, in the Edgemere neighborhood, Queens.
• Its location is key for accessing:

  • Edgemere

    • A predominantly residential neighborhood on the Rockaway Peninsula.
    • Provides a vital transportation link for local residents.
    • Access to local services and businesses.

  • Rockaway Beach

    • Easy access to the popular public beach and boardwalk.
    • A very busy destination during the summer months for sunbathing and surfing.
    • An important recreational area for New Yorkers.

  • Additional Nearby Attractions

    • Proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.
    • Connection to Rockaway Community Park via bus or a short trip.
    • Serves the Arverne View residential community (formerly Ocean Village).

History and Evolution

• The station has its origins in the former Rockaway Beach Branch line of the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR).
• It was acquired by the New York City Transit Authority and reopened for subway service on June 28, 1956, after a major reconstruction that included elevating the tracks.
• As part of the IND Rockaway Line, it has been an essential transit point for the Rockaway Peninsula for decades, weathering events like Hurricane Sandy and seeing subsequent improvements in the line’s resilience.

Interesting Facts

• The station experiences a notable seasonal variation in passenger numbers, with peaks during the summer due to the influx of beach visitors.
• Its elevated structure offers views of the urban environment and proximity to the ocean.
• It is one of several stations connecting the Rockaway Peninsula to the rest of the city, playing a crucial role in residents’ mobility and recreational access.