Ready to uncover a hidden gem in the Bronx? Today’s journey leads us to Freeman Parkway. This local station is on the IRT White Plains Road Line.
Freeman Parkway has a history dating back to the early 20th century. The first contract was executed on February 21, 1900. It was between the Board of Rapid Transit Railroad Commissioners and the Rapid Transit Construction Company. John B McDonald organized the company. August Belmont funded it. The contract was for subway construction and a 50-year operating lease.
The initial segment opened on November 26, 1904. It ran between 180th Street-Bronx Park and Jackson Avenue. Initially, elevated trains from the IRT Second Avenue Line and the IRT Third Avenue Line served the line. Once the connection to the IRT Lenox Avenue Line opened on July 10, 1905, trains from the subway ran via the line.
To address overcrowding, the New York Public Service Commission proposed lengthening platforms in 1909. As part of contract modifications, the company lengthened station platforms to accommodate ten-car express and six-car local trains. $1.5 million was spent on platform lengthening. Additionally, $500,000 was used for building entrances and exits. These improvements were expected to increase capacity by 25 percent.
The northbound platform at Freeman Parkway was extended 50 feet to the front and 40 feet to the rear. The southbound platform was not lengthened. Ten-car express trains began running on the White Plains Road Line on January 23, 1911.
The PSC approved a plan to construct an additional stairway on December 29, 1914. It was to be at the northeast corner of Southern Boulevard and Freeman Street. Work started on August 20, 1915, and finished on October 29, 1915. The New York City Board of Estimate approved a contract to construct a signal tower. It was at the station’s northern end on October 18, 1928.
The city government took over the IRT’s operations on June 12, 1940. The New York State Transit Commission announced plans to extend southbound platforms. Seven stations on the line would be extended from Jackson Avenue to 177th Street to accommodate ten-car trains for $81,900. The platform at Freeman Parkway would be lengthened from 350 feet to 505 feet.
Until 1946, a limited number of rush-hour northbound trains on the Second and Third Avenue Lines terminated here. They relayed north to turn around for southbound service. The Bergen Avenue cutoff was abandoned on November 5, 1946. It allowed Third Avenue trains to access the White Plains Road Line. This was part of the curtailment of elevated service on the IRT Third Avenue Line.
On June 13, 1949, the platform extensions at this station opened. This also happened at White Plains Road Line stations between Jackson Avenue and 177th Street. The platforms were lengthened to 514 feet. This allowed full ten-car express trains to open their doors. Previously, the stations could only platform six-car local trains.
The station was renovated between July and October 2004. The interlocking north of the station and the tower controlling it were removed in March 2004. The line was re-signaled to B Division specifications.
This elevated station has three tracks and two side platforms. The center express track is used by the 5 train during rush hours in the peak direction.
As with other original IRT elevated viaducts, the elevated structure is carried on two column bents. These are on each side of the road. The tracks are no more than 29 feet above the ground. Zigzag lateral bracing is at intervals of every four panels.
In 2007, the artwork “The El” was installed. Daniel Hauben designed it. It consists of four faceted-glass windbreaks and two niche windows. They depict the roadway and the elevated tracks. The artwork conveys a feeling of great depth and the sprawling vastness of the city.
The station has heaters. It also features a wooden mezzanine floor. There is an open old booth similar to the one at Simpson Street. Exits lead to all corners of Freeman Street and Southern Boulevard.
So, as you traverse Freeman Parkway, remember its rich history. Consider the engineering feats that shaped this vital transportation artery. This station continues to serve the Bronx.