Myrtle Avenue: A Key Junction in Brooklyn

The Myrtle Avenue station is an elevated subway complex located in Brooklyn, New York. It serves as an important transfer point between the BMT Jamaica and BMT Myrtle Avenue lines, making it a vital station for transit in this part of the city. Its location on the border of the Bushwick and Bedford–Stuyvesant neighborhoods makes it a key access point to vibrant Brooklyn communities.

Connections and Services

The Myrtle Avenue station is a complex of two distinct but interconnected stations:

Myrtle Avenue (BMT Jamaica Line)

• This part of the complex is an express station on the BMT Jamaica Line of the New York City Subway.
• It is served by trains from the following services:
  • J (brown)
  • Z (brown – only during peak hours in the peak direction)
• Main entrance address: Intersection of Myrtle Avenue and Broadway, Brooklyn, NY.

Myrtle Avenue (BMT Myrtle Avenue Line)

• This part of the complex is a local station and the southern terminus of the BMT Myrtle Avenue Line of the New York City Subway.
• It is served by trains from the service:
  • M (orange)
• Entrances to this section of the station are shared with the Jamaica Line section at Myrtle Ave and Broadway.

The interconnection between these two elevated stations allows passengers to make convenient transfers between the Jamaica and Myrtle Avenue lines.

Importance and Location

• The station is located at the busy intersection of Myrtle Avenue and Broadway, on the border of the Bushwick and Bedford–Stuyvesant neighborhoods in Brooklyn.
• Its strategic location makes it a key access point to important destinations such as:

  • Bushwick

    • Known for its vibrant street art scene, including the Bushwick Collective.
    • A diverse community with a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial spaces.
    • Emerging restaurant, bar, and gallery scene.

  • Bedford–Stuyvesant (Bed-Stuy)

    • A historic neighborhood known for its beautiful brownstone houses.
    • Rich African American history and culture.
    • Community parks and tree-lined streets.

  • Additional Nearby Attractions

    • Commercial corridors along Broadway and Myrtle Avenue.
    • Easy access to other areas of Brooklyn and Queens via connected lines.

History and Evolution

• The original Jamaica Line structure at this location opened in 1888 as part of the BMT Lexington Avenue elevated line. The connection to the Myrtle Avenue elevated line was established shortly thereafter.
• The complex has undergone significant reconfigurations over the years, especially with the demolition of parts of the Myrtle Avenue elevated line south of this station.
• The station has been renovated to maintain its functionality as an important elevated transfer point.

Interesting Facts

• The Myrtle Avenue station is completely elevated, offering views of the intersection and surrounding neighborhoods.
• It is a crucial transfer point between the J/Z lines and the M line in Brooklyn.
• The complex track layout around the station reflects its history as a junction of two former elevated lines.