Northern Boulevard: Connecting Northwest Queens

Northern Boulevard station is a local subway stop located in the borough of Queens, New York. It serves as a crucial access point to the IND Queens Boulevard Line for residents and workers in the area. Its location at the intersection of two major thoroughfares, Northern Boulevard and Broadway, makes it a fundamental transportation hub for the surrounding neighborhoods of Woodside and Long Island City.

Connections and Services

Northern Boulevard station is a single local station, not a direct transfer complex between subway lines:

Northern Boulevard Station (Queens Boulevard Line)

• This station is a local stop on the New York City subway’s Queens Boulevard Line.
• It is served by trains from the following services:
  • E (blue) (late night service)
  • M (orange) (weekday and weekend service, except late nights)
  • R (yellow) (all times except late nights service)
  • Express E (blue) trains pass through the station on center tracks during the day.
• Entrances located at the intersection of Northern Boulevard and Broadway, Queens, NY.

Infrastructure and Accessibility

• The station has two side platforms and four tracks (two local, two express).
• Currently, the station is NOT ADA-accessible:
  • Stairs: Only method of access to the platforms.
  • Elevators: Not available at this station.
• The main entrances are located at the corners of Northern Boulevard and Broadway.

The main connections from this station are with several bus routes serving the local Queens area.

Importance and Location

• The station is located at the intersection of Northern Boulevard and Broadway, on the border of the Woodside and Long Island City neighborhoods in Queens.
• Its location makes it a vital point for area residents and workers, providing access to the subway system:

  • Nearby Neighborhoods

    • Woodside: Known for its cultural diversity and residential community.
    • Long Island City (LIC): A growing area with residential developments and nearby cultural spaces (though not immediately adjacent).
    • Astoria: Neighboring area accessible via bus connections or a short trip.
    • Access to local shops and services along Northern Boulevard and Broadway.

  • Local Points of Interest

    • The station primarily serves local residential and commercial areas.
    • Proximity to several neighborhood schools and small parks.
    • Base for exploring Woodside’s gastronomic diversity.

  • Additional Transportation Connections

    • Nearby bus stops for routes Q18 and Q66, connecting to other parts of Queens.
    • Relatively easy access to other areas of Queens via the Queens Boulevard Line.

History and Evolution

• Northern Boulevard station was opened on August 19, 1933.
• It is part of the Independent Subway System (IND) Queens Boulevard Line, connecting Queens with Manhattan.
• The station has largely maintained its original IND-era design, with no major recent renovations or accessibility improvements.

Interesting Facts

• The station is an important transit point for residents of the surrounding Woodside and Long Island City neighborhoods.
• It serves as a classic example of an IND-era local station in the outer boroughs.
• Express trains on the Queens Boulevard Line pass through the station’s center tracks during the day without stopping.