125th Street station (IRT Lexington Avenue Line)

New York City Subway station in Manhattan 125th Street (disambiguation)125th Street Harlem station (disambiguation)Harlem Station April 2020 August 2025 125 Street 125th Street IRT 001.JPG Station platform yes East 125th Street & Lexington AvenueNew York, New York Manhattan East Harlem 40.804259 N 73.937473 W inline,title IRT IRT Lexington Avenue Line Lexington 2 island platforms (1 on each level)cross-platform interchange 4 (2 on each level) 2 Underground NYCT Bus: M35, 12px|alt=Airport transportation M60 SBS M98 M101 M103 M125M Short Line Bus: 20812px|alt=Railway transportation Metro-North: Harlem, Hudson, and New Haven Lines (at Harlem–125th Street) 1918 07 17 New York City Subway Lexington express via Jerome 149th Street–Hostos 86th Street 1 1 Lexington express 138th Street–Grand Concourse 86th Street 1 1 services split Lexington local Third Avenue–138th Street 116th Street 1 1 allexceptnightsallexceptrushalltimesnightsonlyrushpeak y track Upper level fvSTR!~MFADEg\numN330 ~~ ~~ ~~ to 138rd St–GC fvSTR!~vNULfg\uvSTR!~MFADEg ~~ ~~ ~~ to Third Ave–138th St vÜST grey!~fvSTR\uvSTRfg fvSTR!~dMFADEf\uvSTR!~dMFADEf ~~ ~~ ~~ to lower level d\fvSHI2l-\udSTR d\\fSTR!~lMKRZ3+1u~F!~STR~L grey!~uSTR3~L\STR~R grey!~uSTR3~R uSTR+1~L\d!~fSTR!~lMKRZ3+1u~G!~uSTR+1~R\STR grey d\d!~v-SHI2r grey!~udSTR\v-STR grey!~fvSHI2l- uv-STRg\dPLT\fdSTRg uv-STR\dPLT\fdSTR uv-STR\dPLT\fdSTR uv-STR\dPLT\fdSTR uv-STR\dENDEa grey\fdSTR d\d!~uvSHI2l-\vSHI2g+l- grey!~fv-STR d\uvSTR!~dMFADEg\fdSTR!~dMFADEf ~~ ~~ ~~ from lower level uvSTRfg uvSTR!~MFADEf ~~ ~~ ~~ to NYCS 116th Street Lexington Lower level \ftSTR!~MFADEg\utSTR!~MFADEg ~~ ~~ ~~ from upper level \ftSTRf\utSTRf numN330\ftv-STR\dPLT\utvSTR- \ftdSTR\dPLT\utdSTR \ftdSTR\dPLT\utdSTR \ftdSTR\dPLT\utdSTR \tdSTR2- grey!~ftdSTR\tv-STR grey!~td-STR+4 grey!~utv-SHI2r d\\ftdSTR\utdSTR!~dMFADEf\tdSTR grey\ftdSTR!~dMFADEg ~~ ~~ ~~ to upper level c\\ftSTR2\ftcSTRc3\tdSTR grey\ftdSTR d\\ftSTRc1\d!~tSTR grey!~ftSTR+4\ftSTR d\\\ftvSTRfg d\\\ftvSTR!~MFADEf ~~ ~~ ~~ to NYCS 86th Street Lexington fSTRq ~~ ~~ ~~ Tracks used by the NYCS 4NYCS 5 uSTRq ~~ ~~ ~~ Tracks used by the NYCS 6 STRq grey ~~ ~~ ~~ Non-revenue tracks The 125th Street station (referred to on some strip maps as 125th Street–Lexington Avenue) is an express station on the IRT Lexington Avenue Line of the New York City Subway. Located at Lexington Avenue and East 125th Street (also known as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard) in the East Harlem neighborhood of Manhattan, it is served by the 4 and 6 trains at all times, the 5 train at all times except late nights, and the <6> train during weekdays in peak direction. The station contains four tracks and two island platforms split across two levels. The upper level is used by northbound trains to the Bronx, while the lower level is used by southbound trains to Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. This station was constructed as part of the Dual Contracts by the Interborough Rapid Transit Company and opened in 1918. A planned northern extension of the Second Avenue Subway, once built, will connect with this station and with the Metro-North Railroad's Harlem–125th Street station, located one block west. History Construction and opening Following the completion of the original subway, there were plans to construct a line along Manhattan's east side north of 42nd Street. The original plan for what became the extension north of 42nd Street was to continue it south through Irving Place and into what is now the BMT Broadway Line at Ninth Street and Broadway. In July 1911, the IRT had withdrawn from the talks, and the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company (BRT) was to operate on Lexington Avenue. The IRT submitted an offer for what became its portion of the Dual Contracts on February 27, 1912.Walker James Blaine Fifty Years of Rapid Transit — 1864 to 1917 1918 Law Printing New York, N.Y. 230–233 https://archive.org/details/fiftyyearsrapid00walkgoog November 6, 2016https://www.nytimes.com/1912/05/22/archives/petition-for-subway-in-lexington-ave-district-residents-object-to.html Petition for Subway in Lexington Ave. May 22, 1912 0362-4331 The New York Times February 16, 2009 A petition is being circulated among the residents and property owners of the section just south of the Grand Central Station, in Park and Lexington Avenues, protesting against the proposed abandonment of the construction of the Subway in Lexington Avenue, between Forty-third and Thirty-second Streets. May 4, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220504021130/https://www.nytimes.com/1912/05/22/archives/petition-for-subway-in-lexington-ave-district-residents-object-to.html live In May 1912, it was decided to modify the planned layout of the station from three tracks and two island platforms on each level, to two tracks and one island platform per level, saving $1.25 million.https://books.google.com/books?id=xDEg0mxgR4oC&q=stairway&pg=PA621 Report of the Public Service Commission For The First District of The State of New York For The Year Ending December 31, 1912 Vol. I. January 13, 1913 New York State Public Service Commission 141 en November 7, 2020 May 4, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220504022555/https://books.google.com/books?id=xDEg0mxgR4oC&q=stairway&pg=PA621 live In 1913, as part of the Dual Contracts, which were signed on March 19, 1913,https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1913/03/20/100611839.pdf Subway Contracts Solemnly Signed; Cheers at the Ceremonial Function When McCall Gets Willcox to Attest. March 20, 1913 The New York Times January 11, 2018 en-US 0362-4331 May 4, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220504021115/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1913/03/20/100611839.pdf live the Public Service Commission planned to split the original Interborough Rapid Transit Company (IRT) system from looking like a "Z" system (as seen on a map) to an H-shaped system. The original system would be split into three segments: two north–south lines, carrying through trains over the Lexington Avenue and Broadway–Seventh Avenue Lines, and a west–east shuttle under 42nd Street. This would form a roughly H-shaped system.March 19, 1913 Money Set Aside For New Subways; Board of Estimate Approves City Contracts to be Signed To-day with Interboro and B.R.T. en-US The New York Times https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1913/03/19/104910612.pdf November 10, 2017 0362-4331 July 7, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210707225820/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1913/03/19/104910612.pdf livehttps://books.google.com/books?id=mONHAQAAMAAJ&q=5,900+feet+long+clark+street+tunnel&pg=PA846 Engineering News-record 1916 McGraw-Hill Publishing Company 846 en December 28, 2020 May 4, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220504021116/https://www.google.com/books/edition/Engineering_News_record/mONHAQAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&bsq=5%2C900+feet+long+clark+street+tunnel&pg=PA846&printsec=frontcover live It was predicted that the subway extension would lead to the growth of the Upper East Side and the Bronx.https://www.nytimes.com/1918/03/10/archives/the-seventh-and-lexington-avenue-subways-will-revive-dormant.html The Seventh and Lexington Avenue Subways Will Revive Dormant Sections — Change in Operation That Will Transform Original Four-Tracked Subway Into Two Four-Tracked Systems and Double Present Capacity of the Interborough Whitney Travis H. March 10, 1918 The New York Times August 26, 2016 12 May 4, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220504021133/https://www.nytimes.com/1918/03/10/archives/the-seventh-and-lexington-avenue-subways-will-revive-dormant.html?searchResultPosition=1 livehttps://www.nytimes.com/1918/05/19/archives/article-1-no-title-east-tank-line-west-trunk-line-park-place.html Public Service Commission Fixes July 15 For Opening of The New Seventh and Lexington Avenue Subway Lines — Will Afford Better Service and Less Crowding — Shuttle Service for Forty-Second Street — How the Various Lines of the Dual System Are Grouped for Operation and List of Stations on All Lines May 19, 1918 The New York Times November 6, 2016 32 May 4, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220504021117/https://www.nytimes.com/1918/05/19/archives/article-1-no-title-east-tank-line-west-trunk-line-park-place.html?searchResultPosition=1 live The 125th Street station opened on July 17, 1918, as part of the extension of the original subway up Lexington Avenue to 125th Street and into the Bronx. Initially, service was provided only as a shuttle on the local tracks of the Lexington Avenue Line starting at Grand Central, continuing past this station and under the Harlem River to 167th Street on the IRT Jerome Avenue Line.https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1918/07/17/102723156.pdf Lexington Av. Line to be Opened Today July 17, 1918 The New York Times April 21, 2020 en-US 0362-4331 13 December 14, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211214183011/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1918/07/17/102723156.pdf live1918-07-17 Lexington Subway to Operate To-day 8 New York Herald https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-herald/66004851/ 2023-05-30 On August 1, the "H system" was put into place, with through service beginning on the new east and west side trunk lines, and the institution of the 42nd Street Shuttle along the old connection between the sides. Express service began on this date.August 2, 1918 Open New Subway Lines to Traffic; Called a Triumph — Great H System Put in Operation Marks an Era in Railroad Construction — No Hitch in the Plans — But Public Gropes Blindly to Find the Way in Maze of New Stations — Thousands Go Astray — Leaders in City's Life Hail Accomplishment of Great Task at Meeting at the Astor 1 The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1918/08/02/archives/open-new-subway-lines-to-traffic-called-a-triumph-great-h-system.html November 6, 2016 January 6, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210106233417/https://www.nytimes.com/1918/08/02/archives/open-new-subway-lines-to-traffic-called-a-triumph-great-h-system.html?searchResultPosition=1 live1918-08-02 New "H" System Brings Worst Subway Jam 1, 6 New-York Tribune https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-new-h-system-brings-w/125572944/ 2023-05-30 The cost of the extension from Grand Central was $58 million.https://www.nytimes.com/1918/07/11/archives/finish-a-new-link-of-the-dual-subway-lexington-avenue-line-north-of.html Finish a New Link of the Dual Subway; Lexington Avenue Line North of Forty-second Street to Begin Local Service Wednesday. Branch Extends to Bronx Through service, with Times SquareGrand Central Shuttle Connections, to Open Soon. Changes in the Bronx. July 11, 1918 The New York Times January 8, 2017 20 0362-4331 May 4, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220504021118/https://www.nytimes.com/1918/07/11/archives/finish-a-new-link-of-the-dual-subway-lexington-avenue-line-north-of.html?searchResultPosition=1 live The opening of this station resulted in development of the surrounding neighborhood of East Harlem.https://www.nytimes.com/1918/08/11/archives/business-growth-in-east-harlem-new-subway-will-benefit-the-hitherto.html Business Growth in East Harlem; New Subway Will Benefit the Hitherto Quieter Section of 125th Street. Improving Old Holdings Good Rental Season Even at Slightly Advanced Rates--Private Houses Remodeled. August 11, 1918 The New York Times January 8, 2017 E-27 0362-4331 May 4, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220504022555/https://www.nytimes.com/1918/08/11/archives/business-growth-in-east-harlem-new-subway-will-benefit-the-hitherto.html?searchResultPosition=1 live Later years The city government took over the IRT's operations on June 12, 1940.1940-06-13 City Transit Unity Is Now a Reality; Title to I.R.T. Lines Passes to Municipality, Ending 19-Year Campaign en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1940/06/13/archives/city-transit-unity-is-now-a-reality-title-to-irt-lines-passes-to.html 2022-05-14 0362-4331 January 7, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220107193115/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/06/13/archives/city-transit-unity-is-now-a-reality-title-to-irt-lines-passes-to.html live June 13, 1940 Transit Unification Completed As City Takes Over I. R. T. Lines: Systems Come Under Single Control After Efforts Begun in 1921; Mayor Is Jubilant at City Hall Ceremony Recalling 1904 Celebration 25 New York Herald Tribune 1248134780 In 1952 or 1953, a public address system was installed at this station, providing information to passengers and train crews.https://www.nytimes.com/1953/02/07/archives/more-subway-loudspeakers.html More Subway Loudspeakers February 7, 1953 The New York Times January 8, 2017 17 0362-4331 May 4, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220504022607/https://www.nytimes.com/1953/02/07/archives/more-subway-loudspeakers.html?searchResultPosition=1 live In late 1959, contracts were awarded to extend the platforms at Bowling Green, Wall Street, Fulton Street, Canal Street, Spring Street, Bleecker Street, Astor Place, Grand Central, 86th Street and 125th Street to 525 feet meters to accommodate ten-car trains.https://s3.amazonaws.com/nycsubway.org/images/pdf/nyct_annual_report_1959.pdf Annual Report For The Year Ending June 30, 1959 New York City Transit Authority 1959 9 December 28, 2020 May 11, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210511153724/https://s3.amazonaws.com/nycsubway.org/images/pdf/nyct_annual_report_1959.pdf live In 1981, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority listed the station among the 69 most deteriorated stations in the subway system.Gargan Edward A. https://www.nytimes.com/1981/06/11/nyregion/agency-lists-its-69-most-deteriorated-subway-stations.html Agency Lists Its 69 Most Deteriorated Subway Stations June 11, 1981 The New York Times August 13, 2016 B5S 0362-4331 March 31, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190331204421/https://www.nytimes.com/1981/06/11/nyregion/agency-lists-its-69-most-deteriorated-subway-stations.html live The station's elevators were installed in November 1989, making the station one of the earliest to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. This station was renovated in 2005. In July 2023, as part of a pilot program to deter assaults on New York City Transit staff, the MTA painted "no standing zones" on the 125th Street station's platforms near the centers of each train.Simko-Bednarski Evan MTA hopes 'no standing' area cuts assaults on subway conductors New York Daily News July 12, 2023 https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nymta-conduto-assault-no-standing-zones-20230712-ijp3fmiwrndadae44ln3fl5kiy-story.html July 13, 2023 Station layout GroundStreet levelExit/entranceBasement 1MezzanineFare control, station agentBasement 2Northbound express← newyork 4 toward NYCS Woodlawn (NYCS 149th Street–Hostos Jerome PM rush, NYCS 138th Street–Grand Concourse other times)← newyork 5 toward NYCS Eastchester–Dyre Avenue or NYCS Nereid Avenue (138th Street–Grand Concourse)Island platform Northbound local← newyork 6newyork 6d toward NYCS Pelham Bay Park or NYCS Parkchester (NYCS Third Avenue–138th Street)← newyork 4 toward Woodlawn late nights (138th Street–Grand Concourse)Basement 3Southbound local→ newyork 6newyork 6d toward NYCS Brooklyn Bridge–City Hall (NYCS 116th Street Lexington) →Island platform Southbound express→ newyork 4 toward NYCS Crown Heights–Utica Avenue (NYCS New Lots Avenue New Lots late nights) (116th Street late nights, NYCS 86th Street Lexington other times) →→ newyork 5 toward NYCS Flatbush Avenue–Brooklyn College weekdays, NYCS Bowling Green evenings/weekends (86th Street) → The station is unusual in design for an IRT station, being a bi-level station with island platforms. The 4 and 6 trains stop here at all times;timetable 4timetable 6 the 5 train stops here at all times except late nights;timetable 5 and the <6> train stops here during weekdays in the peak direction. The 5 train always makes express stops, and the 6 and <6> trains always make local stops; the 4 train makes express stops during the day and local stops at night. Unlike at other bilevel express stations on an IRT line, the tracks are not grouped so that express and local trains are on different levels. Instead, the upper platform serves northbound (uptown) trains and the lower level serves southbound (downtown) trains. Adding to the unusual design is the local track on each level having train doors open to the right; the express tracks likewise have doors opening to the left. North of the station, just after crossing the Harlem River, the line splits into the IRT Jerome Avenue Line (heading north) and the IRT Pelham Line (heading east). On the lower platform, each track comes from one line, and a flying junction south of the station allows trains to be diverted to the local or express track.trackref trackbook3 The next station to the north is NYCS Third Avenue–138th Street for nolink trains on the Pelham Line, NYCS 149th Street–Hostos Jerome for afternoon nolink trains, and NYCS 138th Street–Grand Concourse for nolink trains on the Jerome Avenue Line. The next station to the south is NYCS 116th Street Lexington for local trains and NYCS 86th Street Lexington for express trains.map Fixed platform barriers, which are intended to prevent commuters falling to the tracks, are positioned near the platform edges.Wassef Mira Platform barriers installed at 56 subway stations in NYC PIX11 July 18, 2025 https://pix11.com/news/local-news/platform-barriers-installed-at-56-subway-station-in-nyc/ July 21, 2025 July 21, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250721224335/https://pix11.com/news/local-news/platform-barriers-installed-at-56-subway-station-in-nyc/ dead Russo-Lennon Barbara These are the NYC subway stations that now have protective platform barriers amNewYork July 20, 2025 https://www.amny.com/nyc-transit/platform-barriers-nyc-subway-stations/ July 21, 2025 Throughout the station's history, this station has been one of the more important on the line as it is the northernmost transfer point between express trains to the IRT Jerome Avenue and White Plains Road Lines, and local trains to the IRT Pelham Line. There is an active tower at the north end of the upper platform; it is a satellite to the tower at Grand Central–42nd Street, which controls the entire length of the Lexington Avenue Line. thumb|left|Elevator to the station Exits This station has a mezzanine with two separate turnstile banks. The northern turnstile bank leads to two staircases going to both northern corners of Lexington Avenue and 125th Street, and an elevator going to the northeastern corner of Lexington Avenue and 125th Street. The southern turnstile bank has two exits leading to both southern corners of Lexington Avenue and 125th Street.https://new.mta.info/document/2151 125th Street Neighborhood Map April 2018 mta.info Metropolitan Transportation Authority December 28, 2020 December 27, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211227193620/https://new.mta.info/document/2151 livehttp://web.mta.info/capital/sas_pdf/Community%20Board%2011%20Presentation%204.5.16%20Final.pdf Second Avenue Subway Update to Community Board 11 April 5, 2016 mta.info Metropolitan Transportation Authority live https://web.archive.org/web/20170316041839/http://web.mta.info/capital/sas_pdf/Community%20Board%2011%20Presentation%204.5.16%20Final.pdf March 16, 2017 January 4, 2017 A fifth entrance will be built as part of the proposed Second Avenue Subway station here. It would be located on the southern side of 125th Street in the median of Park Avenue, and an ancillary facility would be located one block south.22–23 The proposed fifth exit is right underneath Metro-North Railroad's Harlem–125th Street station on Park Avenue, which is one block west of the Lexington Avenue exits. An ancillary facility would also be built at the southeast corner of 125th Street and Third Avenue.22–23 Planned Second Avenue Subway station future Harlem–125 Street Second Avenue Subway Community Information Center (35900365750).jpg The SAS Phase 2 Community Information Center IND IND Second Avenue Line Future 1 island platform (planned) 2 (planned) Underground yes (Terminal) 116th Street: future Harlem–125th Streethttp://web.mta.info/mta/news/books/pdf/180618_1330_CPOC.pdf Capital Program Oversight Committee Meeting 6/18/2018 June 18, 2018 mta.info Metropolitan Transportation Authority 15 live https://web.archive.org/web/20180617165707/http://web.mta.info/mta/news/books/pdf/180618_1330_CPOC.pdf June 17, 2018 June 20, 2018https://www.125thstreet.nyc/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/2nd-Avenue-Subway-Phase-2.pdf Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 April 2018 125thstreet.nyc Metropolitan Transportation Authority live https://web.archive.org/web/20180620180820/https://www.125thstreet.nyc/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/2nd-Avenue-Subway-Phase-2.pdf June 20, 2018 June 20, 2018 is the planned northern terminal for Phase 2 of the Second Avenue Subway. It would be built underneath 125th Street, below and perpendicular to the existing Lexington Avenue Line station. Phase 2 would stretch from 96th Street to 125th Street, with the next stations south being 116th Street and 106th Street.http://web.mta.info/capital/sas_docs/cb11_station_2003.pdf#page=7 Second Avenue Subway Station Entrances Community Board 11 June 3, 2003 mta.info Metropolitan Transportation Authority 7 live https://web.archive.org/web/20200419103336/http://web.mta.info/capital/sas_docs/cb11_station_2003.pdf#page=7 April 19, 2020 January 8, 2017 When opened, it will initially be served by the Q train, with the T providing service when Phase 3 of the line is built. Introduction of the station to plans A station at Lexington Avenue and 125th Street was not on the original Second Avenue Subway proposed as part of the New York City Transit Authority's 1968 Program for Action; instead, a Second Avenue Subway station would be built at 126th Street and Second Avenue. The line was to be built in two phases—the first phase from 126th to 34th Streets, the second phase from 34th to Whitehall Streets.nycsubway.org http://www.nycsubway.org/wiki/The_New_York_Transit_Authority_in_the_1970s The New York Transit Authority in the 1970s October 27, 2016 November 29, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201129032408/https://www.nycsubway.org/wiki/The_New_York_Transit_Authority_in_the_1970s livehttp://www.nycsubway.org/wiki/Second_Avenue_Subway:_Route_132-A Draft Environmental Statement, Second Avenue Subway, Route 132-A Urban Mass Transportation Administration nycsubway.org August 1971 May 22, 2014 May 22, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140522213052/http://www.nycsubway.org/wiki/Second_Avenue_Subway:_Route_132-A live In March 2007, plans for the construction of the Second Avenue Subway were revived.Neuman William https://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/09/nyregion/09subway.html Is That Finally the Sound of a 2nd Ave. Subway? April 9, 2007 The New York Times June 28, 2011 live https://web.archive.org/web/20110505162314/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/09/nyregion/09subway.html May 5, 2011 The line's first phase, the "first major expansion" to the New York City Subway in more than a half-century,https://www.amny.com/transit/the-second-avenue-subway-explained-1.11244882/ The Second Avenue subway explained December 18, 2015 am New York October 27, 2016 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20161027123735/https://www.amny.com/transit/the-second-avenue-subway-explained-1.11244882/ October 27, 2016 included three stations in total and cost $4.45 to $4.5 billion,* https://rew-online.com/light-at-end-of-tunnel-for-second-ave-subway/ Light at end of tunnel for Second Ave. subway Putzier Konrad May 14, 2014 Real Estate Weekly live https://web.archive.org/web/20170907034400/http://rew-online.com/2014/05/14/light-at-end-of-tunnel-for-second-ave-subway/ September 7, 2017 June 5, 2014 http://www.masstransitmag.com/article/12227191/project-update-second-avenue-subway Project Update: Second Avenue Subway August 15, 2016 Mass Transit live https://web.archive.org/web/20190327123026/https://www.masstransitmag.com/rail/article/12227191/project-update-second-avenue-subway March 27, 2019 October 27, 2016https://www.cbsnews.com/news/drones-exclusive-look-at-new-york-city-second-avenue-subway-line/ Drone takes tour of NYC's 2nd Avenue subway line September 16, 2015 CBS News live https://web.archive.org/web/20161024105935/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/drones-exclusive-look-at-new-york-city-second-avenue-subway-line/ October 24, 2016 October 27, 2016 spanning from 105th Street and Second Avenue to 63rd Street and Third Avenue.http://www.newyork.com/articles/real-estate/updates-on-nycs-biggest-subway-projects-second-avenue-and-east-side-access-59421/ Updates on NYC's Biggest Subway Projects: Second Avenue and East Side Access Nonko Emily January 30, 2014 NewYork.com dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140517132213/http://www.newyork.com/articles/real-estate/updates-on-nycs-biggest-subway-projects-second-avenue-and-east-side-access-59421/ May 17, 2014 June 5, 2014 Phase 1 opened on January 1, 2017, with the line's northern terminal at 96th Street.https://abc7ny.com/news/decades-in-the-making-second-avenue-subway-set-to-open-to-the-public/1680811/ Decades in the making, Second Avenue Subway set to open to the public McCowan Candace December 31, 2016 ABC7 New York live https://web.archive.org/web/20170102170503/https://abc7ny.com/news/decades-in-the-making-second-avenue-subway-set-to-open-to-the-public/1680811/ January 2, 2017 January 1, 2017Fitzsimmons Emma G. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/01/nyregion/second-avenue-subway-opening-upper-east-side-manhattan.html Highlights From the Opening of the Second Avenue Subway January 1, 2017 The New York Times January 1, 2017 live https://web.archive.org/web/20170101195614/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/01/nyregion/second-avenue-subway-opening-upper-east-side-manhattan.html January 1, 2017 Palmer Emily en-US 0362-4331 Remnick Noah Slotnik Daniel E. Wolfe Jonathan The second phase, between 125th and 96th Streets, was allocated $525 million in the MTA's 2015–2019 Capital Plan for planning, design, environmental studies, and utility relocation.Fitzsimmons Emma G. https://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/30/nyregion/anger-in-east-harlem-over-new-delays-in-2nd-ave-subway-plans.html Anger in East Harlem Over New Delays in 2nd Ave. Subway Plans October 29, 2015 The New York Times November 3, 2015 live https://web.archive.org/web/20151103014702/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/30/nyregion/anger-in-east-harlem-over-new-delays-in-2nd-ave-subway-plans.html November 3, 2015 en-US 0362-4331http://web.mta.info/capital/pdf/CapitalProgram2015-19_WEB%20v4%20FINAL_small.pdf MTA Capital Program 2015-2019 October 28, 2015 Metropolitan Transit Authority October 28, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151117022737/http://web.mta.info/capital/pdf/CapitalProgram2015-19_WEB%20v4%20FINAL_small.pdf November 17, 2015 This phase will complete the project's East Harlem section. The alignment will run under Second Avenue to 124th Street,http://web.mta.info/capital/sas_docs/feis/figuref-01.pdf Second Avenue Subway 2004 FEIS Figure F-1 125th Street Station Study Area for Potential Easements or Acquisitions 2004 mta.info Metropolitan Transportation Authority live https://web.archive.org/web/20161122051804/http://web.mta.info/capital/sas_docs/feis/figuref-01.pdf November 22, 2016 August 7, 2016 before turning west on 125th Street.http://web.mta.info/capital/pdf/MTA_15-19_Capital_Plan_Board_WEB_Approved_v2.pdf MTA Capital Program 2015 – 2019 Capital Plan Renew. Enhance. Expand. As Approved by MTA Board April 20, 2016. As Approved by the CPRB May 23, 2016. May 2016 Metropolitan Transportation Authority August 7, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161110142705/http://web.mta.info/capital/pdf/MTA_15-19_Capital_Plan_Board_WEB_Approved_v2.pdf November 10, 2016 mta.info On October 18, 2016, the de Blasio administration announced a rezoning plan for East Harlem.Baird-Remba Rebecca https://newyorkyimby.com/2016/10/initial-east-harlem-rezoning-plan-promises-30-story-towers-and-less-parking.html Initial East Harlem Rezoning Plan Promises 30-Story Towers and Less Parking - New York YIMBY October 18, 2016 New York YIMBY October 23, 2016 live https://web.archive.org/web/20161022165823/https://newyorkyimby.com/2016/10/initial-east-harlem-rezoning-plan-promises-30-story-towers-and-less-parking.html October 22, 2016 en-US One of the three Special Transit Land Use (TA) districts is for the area of the 125th Street station.https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/planning/download/pdf/plans-studies/east-harlem/east-harlem-presentation-101816.pdf East Harlem Neighborhood Study - Draft Planning Framework October 18, 2016 www1.nyc.gov NYC Planning - DCP Manhattan Office live https://web.archive.org/web/20161023195503/https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/planning/download/pdf/plans-studies/east-harlem/east-harlem-presentation-101816.pdf October 23, 2016 October 22, 2016 On November 21, 2016, the MTA requested that the Phase 2 project be entered into the Project Development phase under the Federal Transit Administration's New Starts program.http://maloney.house.gov/sites/maloney.house.gov/files/NY%20New%20York%20City%202nd%20Ave%20Subway%20Phase%202%20Letter%20signed%2012.23.16.pdf Re: Project Development Initiation – Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 Garliauskas Lucy December 23, 2016 maloney.house.gov Federal Transit Administration live https://web.archive.org/web/20170112040746/https://maloney.house.gov/sites/maloney.house.gov/files/NY%20New%20York%20City%202nd%20Ave%20Subway%20Phase%202%20Letter%20signed%2012.23.16.pdf January 12, 2017 December 24, 2016 On December 15, several elected officials for the area announced that they were seeking $6 billion of funding for Phase 2 of the line, including $2 billion from the federal government.Barone Vincent https://www.amny.com/transit/second-avenue-subway-should-get-federal-support-before-obama-leaves-office-officials-say-1.12763301/ Officials look to secure federal funds for 2nd Ave. subway December 15, 2016 amNY December 16, 2016 live https://web.archive.org/web/20161216134723/https://www.amny.com/transit/second-avenue-subway-should-get-federal-support-before-obama-leaves-office-officials-say-1.12763301/ December 16, 2016 These officials wished to secure funding from the presidential administration of Barack Obama before Obama's term ended on January 20, 2017. In their request for funding, they cited that they wanted to avoid an uncertain response from the first administration of Donald Trump and start construction on Phase 2 as soon as possible. The FTA granted this request in late December 2016.Krisel Brendan https://patch.com/new-york/harlem/phase-2-2nd-avenue-subway-clears-preliminary-funding-hurle Phase 2 of 2nd Avenue Subway Clears Preliminary Funding Hurdle December 23, 2016 Harlem, NY Patch January 4, 2017 live https://web.archive.org/web/20161225133904/https://patch.com/new-york/harlem/phase-2-2nd-avenue-subway-clears-preliminary-funding-hurle December 25, 2016 en-US Under the approved plan, the MTA would complete an environmental reevaluation by 2018, receive funding by 2020, and open Phase 2 between 2027 and 2029.https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/New_York_City_2nd_Ave_Subway_Phase_2_Profile.pdf New York City 2nd Ave Subway Phase 2 Profile December 27, 2016 FTA January 4, 2017 live https://web.archive.org/web/20170615232209/https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/New_York_City_2nd_Ave_Subway_Phase_2_Profile.pdf June 15, 2017 In January 2017, it was announced that Phases 2 and 3, which are expected to cost up to a combined $14.2 billion, were on the Trump administration's priority list of 50 most important transportation projects nationwide.Mocker Greg https://pix11.com/2017/01/26/second-avenue-subway-expansion-to-be-added-to-trumps-infrastructure-priority-congresswoman-says/ Second Avenue Subway expansion to be added to Trump's infrastructure priorities, congresswoman says January 27, 2017 New York's PIX11 / WPIX-TV January 27, 2017 live https://web.archive.org/web/20170217020309/https://pix11.com/2017/01/26/second-avenue-subway-expansion-to-be-added-to-trumps-infrastructure-priority-congresswoman-says/ February 17, 2017Fox Alison https://www.amny.com/transit/second-avenue-subway-a-priority-for-trump-rep-maloney-says-1.13020262/ Second Avenue subway a priority for Trump, Rep. Maloney says January 26, 2017 am New York January 27, 2017 live https://web.archive.org/web/20170126215629/https://www.amny.com/transit/second-avenue-subway-a-priority-for-trump-rep-maloney-says-1.13020262/ January 26, 2017 en Current plans In July 2018, the MTA released a supplemental environmental assessment for Phase 2 of the Second Avenue Subway. The updated report indicated that the 125th Street station would be relocated about 118 ft m west and 20 ft m below what had been proposed in the 2004 FEIS, to reduce impacts on nearby buildings. The proposed three-track station was reduced to two tracks.http://web.mta.info/capital/sas_docs/ea_phase2/02_Description_of_Phase_2_Modified_Design-07-2018.pdf Supplemental Environmental Assessment to the Second Avenue Subway Final Environmental Impact Statement: Phase 2 - Chapter 2 July 2018 Metropolitan Transportation Authority July 13, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180713020232/http://web.mta.info/capital/sas_docs/ea_phase2/02_Description_of_Phase_2_Modified_Design-07-2018.pdf July 13, 201812 The modification would reduce flexibility, but would allow the section under 125th Street to be mined, rather than being constructed as cut-and-cover, thereby reducing impacts on nearby buildings. Simulations showed that a two-track layout could support the same level of service that the three-track layout could have provided: 28 trains per hour. To make up for the loss of the track, the tail tracks west of the station would be lengthened.http://web.mta.info/mta/news/books/pdf/170925_1345_CPOC.pdf Capital Program Oversight Committee Meeting – September 25, 2017 September 25, 2017 Metropolitan Transportation Authority 52–59 September 25, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20200419104255/http://web.mta.info/mta/news/books/pdf/170925_1345_CPOC.pdf April 19, 2020 livehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNqAJwyvejA https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/eNqAJwyvejA 2021-12-22 live MTA Board - CPOC Committee Meeting - 09/25/2017 September 25, 2017 Video Metropolitan Transportation Authority13 When built, this platform will be the northern terminal of the Second Avenue Subway. It will be five levels below street level, or two levels below the lower-level IRT Lexington Avenue Line platform. The station was originally proposed to have a three-track, two-island platform layout with a mezzanine above ithttp://web.mta.info/capital/sas_docs/feis/figure2-04.pdf Second Avenue Subway Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), May 2004 Figure 2-4 Track Diagram, North of 55th Street May 2004 mta.info Metropolitan Transportation Authority live https://web.archive.org/web/20150925070641/http://web.mta.info/capital/sas_docs/feis/figure2-04.pdf September 25, 2015 August 7, 2016 and switches to the east of the platforms.http://web.mta.info/capital/sas_docs/sdeis/fig2-8.pdf Second Avenue Subway Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement (SDEIS), Figure 2-8 Conceptual Drawing of the 125th Street Station April 2003 mta.info Metropolitan Transportation Authority live https://web.archive.org/web/20200305234918/http://web.mta.info/capital/sas_docs/sdeis/fig2-8.pdf March 5, 2020 January 8, 2017 The July 2018 plans call for two tracks and one island platform, with switches both to the west and the east. The tail tracks would extend to Lenox Avenue to allow for six trains to be stored, three per track.13 This would also provide a provision for a future expansion of the line along 125th Street.http://web.mta.info/capital/sas_docs/feis/chapter03.pdf#page=51 Second Avenue Subway Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS): Chapter 3: Description of Construction Methods and Activities May 2004 mta.info Metropolitan Transportation Authority 51 live https://web.archive.org/web/20200419105357/http://web.mta.info/capital/sas_docs/feis/chapter03.pdf#page=51 April 19, 2020 August 5, 2015 Extra transfer capacity to the existing Lexington Avenue Line station would be provided as part of the construction of the Harlem–125th Street terminal.13 In its July 2018 supplemental report, the MTA indicated that it wanted to build new escalator entrances to the subway station complex on two of the corners at Lexington Avenue and 125th Street, replacing the existing entrances there. Entrance 1 would be located on the southeast corner, while entrance 2 would tentatively be located on the northwest corner, although this has yet to be confirmed. The original 2004 plans had called for entrance 2 to be located on the southwest corner, but the MTA stated that the location was comparatively small.22–23 The Second Avenue Subway station will include a new exit leading directly from the Second Avenue Line platform to the median of Park Avenue at the south side of 125th Street, allowing for a quick connection to the Metro-North Railroad's Harlem–125th Street station. In the 2018 report, the MTA stated that it also wanted to include a property on the intersection's southeast corner within the construction site.23 The ancillaries were also shifted from the locations proposed in the 2004 FEIS. Ancillary 1 and Ancillary 2, which were respectively supposed to be located at Third and Park Avenues on 125th Street, were both moved south to 124th Street. The ancillary buildings were also shifted west because the station cavern had been relocated west.24 Although local residents advocated for an additional entrance leading to an unused cavern under the elevated Metro-North station, the MTA ruled out this idea. The cavern contains the original routing of the Park Avenue main line, which was abandoned in 1897 when the current elevated station was completed.Khalifeh Ramsey September 11, 2025 East Harlem leaders want MTA to repurpose train station abandoned in 1800s https://gothamist.com/news/east-harlem-leaders-want-mta-to-repurpose-train-station-abandoned-in-1800s September 11, 2025 Gothamist Construction progress The construction of the Second Avenue Subway was expected to improve quality of life around the existing subway station at Lexington Avenue, which was notorious for crime and drug use.Khalifeh Ramsey As MTA moves ahead with 2nd Avenue subway extension, East Harlem locals brace for change Gothamist July 15, 2025 https://gothamist.com/news/as-mta-moves-ahead-with-2nd-avenue-subway-extension-east-harlem-locals-brace-for-change July 16, 2025 In August 2025, the MTA board awarded a $1.97 billion contract to Connect Plus Partners, a joint venture between Halmar International and FCC Construction. The contract includes the construction of the 125th Street station shell, reconstruction of the existing tunnel near the 116th Street station, and new tunnels between Second Avenue–120th Street and Lenox Avenue–125th Street.Russo-Lennon Barbara August 18, 2025 MTA board approves $2 billion contract to extend Second Avenue Subway into East Harlem https://www.amny.com/nyc-transit/second-avenue-subway-extension-east-harlem/ August 18, 2025 amNewYorkSpivack Caroline August 18, 2025 Second Avenue subway extension on fast track with $1.9B contract approval https://www.crainsnewyork.com/transportation/second-avenue-subway-extension-fast-track-19b-contract-approval August 18, 2025 Crain's New York Business Also in 2025, the MTA requested that the site of the Second Avenue Subway's 125th Street station be rezoned to allow the construction of 684 apartments above the station entrance.Garber Nick MTA wants rezoning for 684 apartments atop Second Avenue subway extension Crain's New York Business May 13, 2025 https://www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-policy/mta-wants-rezoning-housing-atop-second-avenue-subway-extension May 14, 2025Hallum Mark MTA Applies for Zoning Change to Build Homes Near Second Avenue Subway Commercial Observer May 13, 2025 https://commercialobserver.com/2025/05/mta-ulurp-second-avenue-subway/ May 14, 2025 Second Avenue Subway Community Information Center A Second Avenue Subway Community Information Center for Phase 2, along 125th Street between Park and Madison Avenues, was originally planned to open in May 2017.Mocker Greg https://pix11.com/2017/04/24/information-center-opening-in-may-for-next-phase-of-second-avenue-subway/ Information center opening in May for next phase of Second Avenue Subway April 24, 2017 New York's PIX11 / WPIX-TV September 28, 2017 live https://web.archive.org/web/20170917044338/https://pix11.com/2017/04/24/information-center-opening-in-may-for-next-phase-of-second-avenue-subway/ September 17, 2017 The center's opening was delayed to September 18, 2017.Martinez Jose https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/transit/2017/09/22/new-center-gives-glimpse-of-second-avenue-subway-s-future New center gives glimpse of Second Avenue Subway's future September 22, 2017 Spectrum News - NY1 September 28, 2017 live https://web.archive.org/web/20170923072307/http://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/transit/2017/09/22/new-center-gives-glimpse-of-second-avenue-subway-s-future.html September 23, 2017 Media The station is mentioned by Lou Reed in his 1967 song "I'm Waiting for the Man", performed with The Velvet Underground, in which he describes traveling to Harlem to purchase heroin: "Up to Lexington / One-two-five / Feeling sick and dirty / More dead than alive."Tucker Ken 'Words & Music' offers 15 demos Lou Reed recorded as a fledgling artist WVTF September 28, 2022 https://www.wvtf.org/2022-09-28/words-music-offers-15-demos-lou-reed-recorded-as-a-fledgling-artist February 5, 2024Wright Craig "I'm Waiting For The Man" by Lou Reed (1965): The Certain Songs Project Pt. 6 Split Tooth Media February 27, 2023 https://www.splittoothmedia.com/certain-songs-waiting-for-the-man-lou-reed/ February 5, 2024 Gallery References Further reading Stookey Lee Subway ceramics : a history and iconography of mosaic and bas relief signs and plaques in the New York City subway system L. Stookey Brattleboro, Vt 1994 978-0-9635486-1-0 31901471 External links http://www.nycsubway.org/perl/stations?5:3113 IRT East Side Line 125th Street MTA's Arts For Transit — 125th Street (IRT Lexington Avenue Line) 125th Street entrance from Google Maps Street View y y y y yes yes Category:1918 establishments in New York City Category:East Harlem Category:IRT Lexington Avenue Line stations Category:New York City Subway stations in Manhattan Category:Proposed IND Second Avenue Line stations Category:Railway stations in the United States opened in 1918