Here once stood a vital artery of Manhattan life the 86th & 2nd Ave El 1881. This elevated railway shaped the city’s landscape and its people’s lives. The 86th & 2nd Ave El 1881 was part of the IRT Second Avenue Line. It operated from 1878 to 1942.
Imagine the clatter of trains overhead. Picture the bustling platforms filled with commuters. The 86th & 2nd Ave El 1881 was more than just a station. It was a symbol of progress.
The Rapid Transit Commission granted the Gilbert Elevated Railway Company the right to construct this railway in 1875. The railway stretched from Battery Park to the Harlem River along Second Avenue. The Gilbert Elevated Railway Company later changed its name. It became the Metropolitan Elevated Railway.
Around 1900 the line was electrified. This made travel smoother and cleaner. Between 1914 and 1916 a third track was added. This allowed for express service during peak hours. Express service began on January 17 1916.
On July 23 1917 Second Avenue El service extended over the Queensboro Bridge to Queens. This expansion connected Manhattan to the growing borough.
The Second Avenue El did not run entirely on Second Avenue. Its route took a winding path through the city. It started at Park Row adjacent to City Hall. It ran to Chatham Square. There it connected with the Third Avenue El. It continued east above Division Street. It turned north above Allen Street to Houston Street. It went north above First Avenue. It turned left on 23rd Street. Then it ran north on Second Avenue to 129th Street. Finally it rejoined the Third Avenue El. Together they crossed the Harlem River into the Bronx.
In 1934 the Second Avenue service operated in several ways. There was a local service. It ran from 129th Street to South Ferry during the day and evenings. Alternate evening and Sunday trains ran to City Hall. There was no all-night service.
An express service ran from Bronx Park to City Hall. This was available on weekdays and Saturday mornings during peak southbound hours. There was also express service from City Hall to Fordham Road or Tremont Avenue. This ran on weekday afternoons during peak northbound hours. A Second Avenue-Queens service ran from South Ferry to Willets Point Blvd. This was available on weekdays and Saturday mornings.
On April 23 1939 express service was introduced in Queens. This ran between Queensboro Plaza and 111th Street. Elevated trains were cut back to 111th Street. On September 8 1939 Astoria trains were rerouted. They went to City Hall during weekday afternoon peaks.
The Second Avenue Elevated closed north of 59th Street on June 12 1940. Evening and Sunday Queens trains were extended to City Hall or South Ferry. On May 19 1941 evening and Sunday service was discontinued. Finally on June 13 1942 all service was discontinued. The 86th Street station itself closed on June 11 1940.
The M15 bus now runs along much of the former route. It is one of the busiest bus routes in New York City. The Second Avenue Subway has been under consideration since 1919. The demolition of the Second Avenue Line was in anticipation of the subway’s construction. The first phase opened in 2017 between 72nd Street and 96th Street.
The 86th Street station had two levels. The lower level had two tracks and two side platforms. Local trains served this level. The upper level had one track and two side platforms. Express trains used this level. The station was located at East 86th Street and 2nd Avenue.
Today the 86th & 2nd Ave El 1881 is gone. It has been replaced by the 86th Street station of the Second Avenue Subway. The echoes of the past remain a reminder of New York City’s ever-evolving transit history.