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Fulton Street Line (elevated)

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This article is about the former BMT elevated line over Fulton Street's west end. For the former BMT surface line, see Fulton Street Line (Brooklyn surface). For the current BMT elevated line over Fulton Street's east end, see BMT Jamaica Line. For the current IND line, see IND Fulton Street Line.

BMT Fulton Street Elevated
Downtown terminals at Sands Street station in 1936, which the Fulton Street Line shared with others
Overview
OwnerCity of New York
Termini
Service
TypeRapid transit
SystemBrooklyn–Manhattan Transit Corporation
Operator(s)New York City Transit Authority
History
Opened1888 (1888)
Completed1925 (1925)
Closed1940 (1940) (west of Rockaway Avenue)
1956 (1956) (Rockaway-Grant Avenues)
Technical
Number of tracks2-3
CharacterElevated
Track gauge4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Route map

Legend
0.0 mi
0 km
[1]
 Park Row
Brooklyn Bridge (East River)
 Fulton Ferry
(Lexington Av El closed 1904[2])
 Sands Street
Myrtle Avenue & Lexington Avenue Elevated
0.52 mi
0.84 km
 Clark Street | Tillary Street
0.74 mi
1.19 km
 Court Street | Myrtle Avenue
0.91 mi
1.46 km
 Boerum Place
1.18 mi
1.9 km
 Elm Place–Duffield Street
1.37 mi
2.2 km
 Flatbush Avenue
(Fourth Avenue Subway)
Brighton Beach Line
Fifth Avenue Elevated
Lexington Avenue Elevated
1.63 mi
2.62 km
 Lafayette Avenue
1.88 mi
3.03 km
 Cumberland Avenue
2.14 mi
3.44 km
 Vanderbilt Avenue
2.48 mi
3.99 km
 Grand Avenue
2.81 mi
4.52 km
 Franklin Avenue
Franklin Avenue Line
3.15 mi
5.07 km
 Nostrand Avenue
3.44 mi
5.54 km
 Brooklyn Avenue | Tompkins Avenue
3.78 mi
6.08 km
 Albany Avenue | Sumner Avenue
Troy Avenue
4.15 mi
6.68 km
 Reid Avenue
4.60 mi
7.4 km
 Ralph Avenue
Saratoga Avenue
5.18 mi
8.34 km
 Rockaway Avenue
Broadway Elevated | 14th Street–Eastern Line
 Manhattan Junction – Broadway Junction
Jamaica Line
 Atlantic Avenue
(LIRR Atlantic Branch)
Canarsie Line
 Eastern Parkway
Hinsdale Street
Pennsylvania Avenue
Van Siclen Avenue
Linwood Street
Montauk Avenue
Chestnut Street
Crescent Street
Grant Avenue
Fulton Street Subway
 Hudson Street–80th Street
Boyd Avenue–88th Street
Rockaway Boulevard–96th Street
Rockaway Line (former LIRR)
 Oxford Avenue–104th Street
Greenwood Avenue–111th Street
Lefferts Avenue–119th Street
This diagram:

The Fulton Street Line, also called the Fulton Street Elevated or Kings County Line, was an elevated rail line mostly in Brooklyn, New York City, United States. It ran above Fulton Street from Fulton Ferry, Brooklyn, in Downtown Brooklyn east to East New York, and then south on Van Sinderen Avenue (southbound) and Snediker Avenue (northbound), east on Pitkin Avenue, north on Euclid Avenue, and east on Liberty Avenue to Ozone Park, Queens.

The portion in Brooklyn has been torn down, but most of the line in Queens has been connected to the New York City Subway and is now part of the IND Fulton Street Line (served by the A). The section of the IND Fulton Street Line in Brooklyn is an underground line, replacing the elevated line. The structure was the main line of the Kings County Elevated Railway, which first opened in 1888.

History

[edit]

The Kings County Elevated Railway opened the line, from dual western terminals at Fulton Ferry and Brooklyn Bridge (Sands Street)[1] east to Nostrand Avenue, on April 24, 1888.[3] Construction on this line started in the fall of 1885, when ground was broken at the corner of Fulton Street and Red Hook Lane.[4] It was extended east to Albany Avenue on May 30, 1888; Albany Avenue was an eastbound-only station, and the westbound station just beyond at Sumner Avenue had yet to be completed, so it temporarily served both directions.[5] The line was further extended to Ralph Avenue on September 20, 1888.[6]

The Fulton Elevated Railroad was incorporated on July 6, 1888, to build a disconnected line from Greenpoint south through Williamsburg to Kent and Myrtle Avenues and to extend the Kings County Elevated east beyond Rockaway Avenue to the city line.[7][8] The former was not built, but construction soon began on the latter. The first piece, over Fulton Street and Williams Place, opened on July 4, 1889, connecting with the Long Island Rail Road's Manhattan Crossing station at the new terminal at Atlantic Avenue.[9]

It was extended further, over Snediker Avenue and Pitkin Avenue, to Van Siclen Avenue on November 18, 1889. Due to a shortage of wood for a storage yard, a temporary shuttle was operated between Pennsylvania Avenue and Van Siclen Avenue until mid-December.[10][11][12][13] Construction above Pitkin Avenue progressed to Linwood Street on February 22, 1892,[14] and Montauk Avenue on March 21, 1892.[15] The line was completed to Grant Avenue at City Line on July 16, 1894, with the opening of a structure above Pitkin Avenue, Euclid Avenue, and Liberty Avenue.[16]

The Kings County Elevated leased the Brooklyn and Brighton Beach Railroad on February 5, 1896.[17] A two-block elevated connection between Franklin Avenue station and the Brighton Beach Line's Bedford station, including a new station at Dean Street, opened on August 15, 1896, and the Kings County Elevated began operating trains between the Brooklyn Bridge (Sands Street) and Brighton Beach.[18][19]

The final extension, from Grant Avenue east to Lefferts Avenue, was built under the Dual Contracts and opened on September 25, 1915.[20] In 1917, the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce started fighting for the removal of the Fulton Street El.[21] The Dual Contracts also triple-tracked the line as part of the Dual Contracts, starting in 1913.[22] The new third track went into operation on December 27, 1915, stretching between Manhattan Junction and Nostrand Avenue. Some trains ran express in the peak direction.[23]

This also led to the reconstruction, replacement, and elimination of some stations. The Public Service Commission received a petition on December 9, 1916, from a large number of civic and business organizations to restrict the third tracking to a point in the vicinity of Cumberland Avenue.[24]

In 1929, the Independent Subway System (IND) began planning their own Fulton Street subway immediately below the Elevated.[25] The underground line was opened from Jay Street to Rockaway Avenue on April 9, 1936, including a stub terminal at Court Street.[26][27] Stations west of Rockaway Avenue were being made obsolete as many were being replaced by the subway stations. Trains last ran on the line west of Rockaway Avenue on May 31, 1940, and these stations were closed the following day.[28] The total cost of demolition of the Fulton Street Elevated was $2 million.[29]

On June 1, 1940, a free transfer was provided to the Fulton Street subway at Rockaway Avenue, and a new "Fulton–Lexington Avenue" service via the Lexington Avenue Elevated west of East New York was introduced.[30][31] The remainder of the line west of Hudson Street (now 80th Street) was closed on April 26, 1956, and Fulton Street subway trains began using the line east of Hudson Street on April 29. The remaining segment of the Fulton Street Elevated east of 80th Street is now used by the A train.[32][33]

Service patterns

[edit]
Main article: BMT 13

The primary service pattern was a simple one-end-to-the-other operation, until May 31, 1940, when the 13 was cut back to Rockaway Avenue, and the BMT 12 took over operations from downtown Brooklyn to Lefferts Boulevard.

Station listing

[edit]

Most Fulton Street trains left the line at Sands Street and ended at Park Row rather than Fulton Ferry.

Station service legend
Stops all times Stops all times
Stops all times except late nights Stops all times except late nights
Stops rush hours in the peak direction only Stops rush hours in the peak direction only
Time period details
Disabled access Station is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act
Disabled access ↑ Station is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act
in the indicated direction only
Disabled access ↓
Elevator access to mezzanine only
Name Opened Closed Notes
Brooklyn
Fulton Ferry April 24, 1888[1] June 1, 1940[28]
Sands Street April 24, 1888[1] June 1, 1940[28]
Clark Street (eastbound)
Tillary Street (westbound) 		April 24, 1888[1]
Court Street (eastbound)
Myrtle Avenue (westbound) 		April 24, 1888[1] June 1, 1940[28]
Boerum Place April 24, 1888[1] June 1, 1940[28]
Elm Place–Duffield Street April 24, 1888[1] June 1, 1940[28]
Flatbush Avenue April 24, 1888[1] June 1, 1940[28]
Lafayette Avenue April 24, 1888[1] June 1, 1940[28]
Cumberland Avenue April 24, 1888[1] June 1, 1940[28] connection to Greene and Gates Avenues Line streetcars
Vanderbilt Avenue April 24, 1888[1] June 1, 1940[28] connection to Vanderbilt Avenue Line streetcars
Grand Avenue April 24, 1888[1] June 1, 1940[28] connection to Putnam Avenue Line streetcars
Franklin Avenue April 24, 1888[1] June 1, 1940[28] connection to Brighton Beach Line trains and Franklin Avenue Line streetcars
Nostrand Avenue April 24, 1888[1] June 1, 1940[28] connection to Nostrand Avenue Line, Lorimer Street Line, Marcy Avenue Line, and Ocean Avenue Line streetcars
Brooklyn Avenue (eastbound)
Tompkins Avenue (westbound) 		May 30, 1888[5] June 1, 1940[28] connection to Tompkins Avenue Line streetcars
Albany Avenue (eastbound)
Sumner Avenue (westbound) 		May 30, 1888[5] between 1912 and 1924[citation needed] connection to Sumner Avenue Line streetcars
Troy Avenue mid-1888[citation needed] June 1, 1940[28]
Reid Avenue mid-1888[citation needed] June 1, 1940[28] Connection to Reid Avenue Line streetcars. Originally named Utica Avenue, but renamed between 1912 and 1924.[34][35]
Ralph Avenue October 1, 1888[36] June 1, 1940[28] Connection to Ralph Avenue Line streetcars. Service made redundant to Ralph Ave subway station at the same location.
Saratoga Avenue December 3, 1888[37] June 1, 1940[28]
Rockaway Avenue November 16, 1888[38] April 26, 1956[32] Connection to Wilson Avenue Line streetcars. Service made redundant to Rockaway Ave subway station at the same location.
Manhattan Junction July 4, 1889[9] remainder of complex still exists as Broadway Junction serving the A all times ​C all except late nights​ J all times​ L all times​ Z rush hours, peak direction trains
Atlantic Avenue July 4, 1889[9] present still serves the L all times train
connection to Long Island Rail Road at East New York station
Eastern Parkway November 18, 1889[12] November 17, 1918[39]
Hinsdale Street November 17, 1918[39] April 26, 1956[32] connection to Bergen Street Line streetcars
Pennsylvania Avenue November 18, 1889[12] April 26, 1956[32]
Van Siclen Avenue November 18, 1889[12] April 26, 1956[32] Service made redundant to the IND's Liberty Avenue and Van Siclen Avenue subway stations.
Linwood Street February 22, 1892[14] April 26, 1956[32] Service made redundant to Shepherd Avenue subway station.
Montauk Avenue March 21, 1892[15] April 26, 1956[32]
Chestnut Street July 16, 1894[16] April 26, 1956[32] Service made redundant to Euclid Avenue subway station.
Crescent Street July 16, 1894[16] April 26, 1956[32]
Grant Avenue July 16, 1894[16] April 26, 1956[32] Replaced by the underground Grant Avenue station, which serves the A all times train.[32]
Queens
Hudson Street–80th Street September 25, 1915[20] present still serves the A all times train
Boyd Avenue–88th Street September 25, 1915[20] present still serves the A all times train
Rockaway Boulevard–96th Street September 25, 1915[20] present still serves the A all times train; IND service to the Rockaways splits from here[32]
Oxford Avenue–104th Street September 25, 1915[20] present still serves the A all times train
Greenwood Avenue–111th Street September 25, 1915[20] present still serves the A all times train
Lefferts Avenue–119th Street September 25, 1915[20] present still serves the A all times train

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o "Trains to Run On The Kings County Elevated Next Tuesday". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. April 21, 1888. p. 6. Retrieved March 12, 2019.
  2. ^ Park Ave El (1885-1891), including Hudson Avenue Extension (The JoeKorner.com)
  3. ^ "Heavy Travel During the Morning Hours on the Kings County Road". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. April 24, 1888. p. 6. Retrieved March 12, 2019.
  4. ^ "Fulton St. 'L' Was Last Word In Progress at '88 Opening". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. May 31, 1940. p. 2. Retrieved March 12, 2019.
  5. ^ a b c "For Decoration Day Travel. The Kings County Road's New Stations Will Open To-morrow". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. May 29, 1888. p. 6. Retrieved March 12, 2019.
  6. ^ "Sunday Morning Section". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. September 9, 1888. p. 8.
  7. ^ "Fulton Elevated Incorporated". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. July 7, 1888. p. 2. Retrieved March 12, 2019.
  8. ^ "Fulton Elevated Railroad". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. July 9, 1888. p. 2. Retrieved March 12, 2019.
  9. ^ a b c "The Fulton Street Elevated. Time of Night Train to be Reduced. New Stations and Rolling Stock". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. June 28, 1889. p. 6. Retrieved March 12, 2019.
  10. ^ "Will Be Opened Monday: The Kings County Elevated Road's Extension". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. November 12, 1889. p. 6. Retrieved July 22, 2015.
  11. ^ "Adding a Mile To The Line of the Kings County Elevated Road". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. November 16, 1889. p. 3. Retrieved March 12, 2019.
  12. ^ a b c d "Hats Tossed Up. The Kings County Road's Opening Provokes Enthusiasm". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. November 18, 1889. p. 6. Retrieved March 12, 2019.
  13. ^ "Kings County Road's Shuttle Train". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. December 10, 1889. p. 6. Retrieved March 12, 2019.
  14. ^ a b "Another L Station Opened. The Kings County Line Extended to Linwood Street". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. February 22, 1892. p. 4. Retrieved March 12, 2019.
  15. ^ a b "Another L Station Opened. The Kings County Road Now Runs to Montauk Avenue". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. March 21, 1892. p. 6. Retrieved March 12, 2019.
  16. ^ a b c d "Extending the Fulton Street Elevated. One Mile More Will Be Opened On Monday Morning". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. July 13, 1894. p. 10. Retrieved March 12, 2019.
  17. ^ "Brighton Beach Road Leased. Kings County Elevated Trains Will Run To Coney Island. Rapid Transit For Flatbush". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. February 5, 1896. p. 14. Retrieved March 12, 2019.
  18. ^ "New Route to Coney Island". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. August 14, 1896. p. 12. Retrieved March 12, 2019.
  19. ^ "First Trains to Brighton Over The Extension of the Kings County Elevated". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. August 14, 1896. p. 7. Retrieved March 12, 2019.
  20. ^ a b c d e f g "New Elevated Line Opened For Queens; Parades and Speeches Near the Lefferts Avenue Station of Liberty Avenue Route". The New York Times. September 26, 1915. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved March 12, 2019.
  21. ^ "Boro Chamber Backed 'L' Removal of Years". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. May 31, 1940. p. 14. Retrieved March 12, 2019.
  22. ^ "Fulton Street Consents to Go to P.S. Board". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. October 29, 1913. p. 20. Retrieved October 2, 2018.
  23. ^ ""L" Expresses Installed. Fulton St. 3d Track in Use. Service Improved". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. December 27, 1915. p. 1. Retrieved March 13, 2019.
  24. ^ "Petition Hit Third Track". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. May 31, 1940. p. 18. Retrieved March 12, 2019.
  25. ^ Duffus, R.L. (September 22, 1929). "Our Great Subway Network Spreads Wider; New Plans of Board of Transportation Involve the Building of More Than One Hundred Miles of Additional Rapid Transit Routes for New York" (PDF). The New York Times. Retrieved August 19, 2015.
  26. ^ "Two Subway Links Start Wednesday". The New York Times. April 6, 1936. p. 23. Retrieved October 7, 2011.
  27. ^ "New Subway Link Opened By Mayor; He Tells 15,000 in Brooklyn It Will Be Extended to Queens When Red Tape Is Cut". The New York Times. April 9, 1936. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved August 15, 2016.
  28. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r "Last Train Is Run On Fulton St 'El'; Mayor, Cashmore, Officials and Civic Leaders Make Trip to Brooklyn Terminus Razing To Start Soon 'Funeral' Services for Line, Built in 1888, Are Held in Kings During Afternoon". The New York Times. June 1, 1940. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved March 12, 2019.
  29. ^ "Brooklyn Takes Another Great Step Forward". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. May 31, 1940. Retrieved March 12, 2019.
  30. ^ "B.M.T. 'El' Lines to Shift Service; City to Close 2 Sections This Week; New Schedules Affect Fulton St., Lexington Ave. and Culver Roads--Free Transfers to the Independent System at Some Stations". The New York Times. May 27, 1940. p. 19. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved March 12, 2019.
  31. ^ Broadway Junction Transportation Study (Part 1) (NYC.gov) Archived March 4, 2016, at the Wayback Machine
  32. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "First Leg of Rockaways Transit Opened at Cost of $10,154,702" (PDF). The New York Times. April 30, 1956. Retrieved June 29, 2015.
  33. ^ Raskin, Joseph B. (2013). The Routes Not Taken: A Trip Through New York City's Unbuilt Subway System. New York, New York: Fordham University Press. doi:10.5422/fordham/9780823253692.001.0001. ISBN 978-0-82325-369-2.
  34. ^ "www.nycsubway.org". nycsubway.org.
  35. ^ "www.nycsubway.org". nycsubway.org.
  36. ^ "Will Open At Ralph Avenue To-morrow". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. September 30, 1888. p. 3. Retrieved March 13, 2019.
  37. ^ "The Saratoga Avenue station of the Kings County Road". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. November 27, 1888. p. 6. Retrieved March 13, 2019.
  38. ^ "Brooklyn". New-York Tribune. November 17, 1888. p. 10. Retrieved March 13, 2019.
  39. ^ a b Legislative Documents. J.B. Lyon Company. January 1, 1920.
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