Consider the year 1912. The Eastchester–Dyre Avenue station opened as part of the New York, Westchester and Boston Railway. This railway aimed to connect the Bronx to Westchester County. However the NYW&B went bankrupt and ceased operations on December 12 1937.
The city then purchased the right-of-way in 1940. It planned to integrate the line into the subway system. Shuttle service began May 15 1941. It ran between Dyre Avenue and East 180th Street. These shuttles used old IRT gate cars.
Imagine the scene. Passengers transferring at East 180th Street. The old gate cars slowly moving along the line. This was a new beginning for the Eastchester–Dyre Avenue station.
In 1957 a physical connection linked the station to the IRT White Plains Road Line. Through service to Manhattan became possible. The 2 train initially provided this service.
Later in 1966 the 5 train replaced the 2. The 5 train continues to serve the station today. The Eastchester–Dyre Avenue station became the northern terminus of the line.
Did you know that in 1962, a modernization plan was announced? The Dyre Avenue Line was set for a $700000 upgrade. This included rebuilding the Eastchester–Dyre Avenue station. Ridership had increased 100% between 1954 and 1961. This was due to development in the northeast Bronx. The station saw ridership jump from 207250 to 579474.
The Eastchester–Dyre Avenue station was rebuilt between 1963 and 1964. A new concrete island platform was constructed. It was 525 feet long. This platform sat atop the former northbound express track. The old wooden northbound platform was removed. Two new staircases provided access. A canopy and fluorescent lighting improved the station’s appearance. The old entrance was sealed. A new entrance opened on the station’s west side. New restrooms and a change booth were added.
Before the renovation trains used the northbound side platform as the terminal. The southbound platform remained unused. Today remnants of these side platforms can still be seen. The Eastchester–Dyre Avenue station’s layout now features two tracks and an island platform. The southern end is elevated. The northern end sits on an embankment. The 5 train serves the station at all times. Baychester Avenue is the next stop south.
Interestingly the city of Mount Vernon in Westchester County is only 0.3 miles away. The station originally had four tracks and two side platforms. When the NYCTA took over the side platforms were removed. The four tracks became two. The island platform was built over the northbound express trackbed.
The NYW&B’s southbound local trackbed remains visible. It now houses an electrical shed on the north end of the bridge. Girders support construction trailers on the south end.
The two tracks extend beyond the station ending at bumper blocks. The station house is at ground level. It faces Dyre Avenue near Light Street. Inside you’ll find a token booth turnstiles and stairs to the platform.
Today the Eastchester–Dyre Avenue station stands as a testament to the city’s ever-evolving transit system. It connects the Bronx community offering access to the wider city. From its origins as a railway station to its current role it continues to serve New Yorkers.