Court Square–23rd Street: A Key Junction in Long Island City, Queens

The Court Square–23rd Street station is a subway complex located in Long Island City, Queens, New York. It functions as a major transfer point between several key subway lines, connecting Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. Its strategic location in the heart of Long Island City makes it a vital access point to one of the city’s fastest-growing and developing neighborhoods.

Connections and Services

The Court Square–23rd Street station is a complex formed by three originally separate stations, now interconnected:

IND Stations (Crosstown and Queens Boulevard Lines)

• This part of the complex includes the platforms for the IND Crosstown and Queens Boulevard lines.
• It is served by trains from the following services:
  • E (blue)
  • M (orange)
  • G (light green)
• Main entrance address: Varies, with access points near the intersection of Jackson Avenue, 23rd Street and Court Square, Long Island City, NY 11101

IRT Station (Flushing Line)

• This part of the complex is an elevated station of the New York City Subway’s IRT Flushing Line.
• It is served by trains from the following services:
  • 7 (purple)
  • <7> (purple, peak hours only in the peak direction)
• Entrances to this section of the station are primarily located along 23rd Street, near 45th Road.

The interconnection between these three stations, completed with a walkway in 2011, allows passengers to make convenient transfers between the E, M, G, and 7 lines.

Importance and Location

• The complex is located in the heart of Long Island City, Queens, around Court Square and the intersections of Jackson Avenue and 23rd Street.
• Its strategic location makes it a key access point to important destinations such as:

  • Long Island City Waterfront

    • Known for its spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline and parks like Gantry Plaza State Park.
    • Recreational areas, piers, and promenades along the East River.
    • The iconic Pepsi-Cola sign.

  • LIC Cultural and Residential District

    • Home to cultural institutions such as MoMA PS1.
    • A rapidly transforming neighborhood with numerous modern residential buildings, offices, and restaurants.
    • Emerging art galleries and creative spaces.

  • Additional Nearby Attractions

    • Queens County Supreme Court.
    • CUNY School of Law.
    • Proximity to other Queens neighborhoods like Sunnyside and Astoria.

History and Evolution

• The IRT Flushing Line station (originally 45th Road–Court House Square) opened in 1916.
• The IND Crosstown (Court Square) and Queens Boulevard (23rd Street–Ely Avenue) stations opened in 1933.
• The three stations operated independently for decades. The IND stations were internally connected in 1990.
• An elevated walkway connecting the IRT station to the rest of the complex opened in 2011, creating the current unified transfer hub.
• The complex has undergone improvements to facilitate transfers and accommodate the growing number of passengers due to the development of Long Island City.

Interesting Facts

• It is one of the most important transfer hubs in Queens, facilitating travel between Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the rest of Queens.
• Its development has been crucial for the residential and commercial growth of Long Island City.
• The complex is an example of how stations built by different companies (IRT and IND) and at different times can be integrated to improve the transportation network.