View source for Queensboro Plaza station

{{Short description|New York City Subway station in Queens}}
{{distinguish|Queens Plaza station|Queens Plaza (Queens)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2024}}
{{Infobox NYCS
| name = Queensboro Plaza
| image = Queensboro Plaza - Northbound platform.jpg
| image_caption = Upper-level platform
| address = 27th Street & Queens Plaza<br />Long Island City, New York
| borough = [[Queens]]
| locale = [[Long Island City]]
| coordinates = {{coord|40|45|2.35|N|73|56|25.24|W|display=inline,title}}
| division = IRT/BMT
| line   = [[BMT Astoria Line]]<br />[[IRT Flushing Line]]
| service = Queensboro
| connection = {{bus icon}} [[NYCT Bus]]: {{NYC bus link|B62|Q32}}<br />{{bus icon}} [[MTA Bus]]: {{NYC bus link|Q39|Q60|Q66|Q67|Q69|Q100|Q101|Q102}}
| platforms = 2 [[island platform]]s (1 on each level)<br />[[cross-platform interchange]]
| tracks = 4 (2 on each level)
| cross_platform = yes
| structure = Elevated
| levels = 2
| open_date = {{start date and age|1916|11|16}} (Flushing Line)<ref name="nyt-1916-11-05">{{cite news|title=New Subway Link|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1916/11/05/104027201.pdf|newspaper=The New York Times|date=November 5, 1916|page=XX4|access-date=October 2, 2011}}</ref><br />{{start date and age|1917|02|01}} (Astoria Line)<ref name="BDE-Astoria-1917">{{cite web|title=First Train Runs On Elevated Line to Astoria Section|url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/54438288/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|newspaper=[[Brooklyn Daily Eagle]]|access-date=June 29, 2015|date=February 1, 1917}}</ref>
| accessible = construction
| adjacent_stations = {{Adjacent stations|system=New York City Subway
|line1=Flushing express|left1=Court Square|right1=61st Street–Woodside|note-left1={{NYCS Flushing|time=1}}|note-right1={{NYCS Flushing express|time=1}}
|line2=Flushing local|left2=Court Square|right2=33rd Street–Rawson Street|note-left2={{NYCS Flushing|time=1}}|note-right2={{NYCS Flushing local|time=1}}
|line3=Astoria|left3=Lexington Avenue–59th Street|right3=39th Avenue|note-left3={{NYCS Astoria local|time=1}}|note-right3={{NYCS Astoria local|time=1}}}}
| unused_adjacent_stations = {{Adjacent stations|system=New York City Subway
|line=none|left=57th Street|right=Astoria Boulevard|note-left=''2nd Ave; demolished''|note-right=''Astoria express''}}
| legend = {{NYCS infobox legend|alltimes}}{{NYCS infobox legend|rushpeak}}{{NYCS infobox legend|weekdaysonly}}
| layout = {{Routemap|inline=y
|legend=track
|map=
\STR fuchsia!~MFADEg ~~ ~~ ~~ {{NYCS Flushing express|time=bullets}} to {{stl|NYCS|61st Street–Woodside}}
\dSTR fuchsia!~dMFADEg\dSTR fuchsia\dSTR fuchsia!~dMFADEg ~~ ~~ ~~ {{NYCS Flushing local|time=bullets}} to {{stl|NYCS|33rd Street–Rawson Street}}
numN240\dSTR fuchsia!~dNULf\dSTR fuchsia!~dNULf+g\dSTR fuchsia!~dNULg
\d!~SHI2l fuchsia\d!~STR fuchsia!~SHI2l fuchsia\STR fuchsia
dSTR grey!~dMFADEg\d\\vSTR fuchsia\d ~~ ~~ ~~ to {{stl|NYCS|Astoria Boulevard}}
dSTR yellow!~dMFADEg\dSTR grey\dSTR yellow!~dMFADEg\\vÜST grey!~vSTR fuchsia\ ~~ ~~ ~~ {{NYCS Astoria local|time=bullets}} to {{stl|NYCS|39th Avenue|Astoria}}
dSTR yellow!~ldNULf\dSTR grey\dSTR yellow!~ldNULg\\vSTR fuchsia\
dSTR yellow\vSHI2g+l- grey!~v-STR yellow\\vSTR fuchsia\
dSTR2 yellow\STRc3 yellow!~vSTR2- grey!~dSTR grey!~v-STR2 yellow\STRc3 yellow\vSTR fuchsia\
dSTRc1 yellow\vSTR2- grey!~STR2+4 yellow!~STRc1 yellow\v-STR+4 yellow!~STRc3 yellow\vSTR fuchsia\
dSTRc1 yellow!~MFADEf\dSTR+4 yellow\dSTR yellow\vSTR fuchsia!~dMFADEf ~~ ~~ ~~ to lower level
\STR2 grey!~STR yellow\STR3 grey!~STR fuchsia
\STR+1 grey!~STR yellow\STR+4 grey!~STR fuchsia
\dSTR yellow\dPLT\dSTR fuchsia
\dSTR yellow\dPLT\dSTR fuchsia
\dSTR yellow\dPLT\dSTR fuchsia
\dSTR yellow\dPLT\dSTR fuchsia
d\vSTR yellow!~dMFADEg\vSTR fuchsia!~dMFADEg ~~ ~~ ~~ from lower level
\\d\vÜST grey!~vSTR yellow\vSTRlf- fuchsia!~v-STRlg fuchsia\vSTRfgq_fuchsia\vSTRq fuchsia!~MFADEfq ~~ ~~ ~~ {{NYCS Flushing|time=bullets}} to {{stl|NYCS|Court Square|Flushing}}
vSTR yellow!~lvNULfg\d
vSTR yellow!~MFADEf\d ~~ ~~ ~~ {{NYCS Astoria|time=bullets}} to {{BSsplit|Lexington Av|59th Street|Lexington Avenue/59th Street station (BMT Broadway Line)}}
| map2-title = Lower level
| map2 =
STR yellow!~MFADEg\STR fuchsia!~MFADEg ~~ ~~ ~~ from upper level
STR yellow!~lNULf\STRf fuchsia
dSTR yellow\dPLT\dSTR fuchsia
dSTR yellow\dPLT\dSTR fuchsia
dSTR yellow\dPLT\dSTR fuchsia
dSTR yellow\dPLT\dSTR fuchsia
STR yellow!~lNULf\STRf fuchsia
STR yellow!~MFADEf\STR fuchsia!~MFADEf ~~ ~~ ~~ to upper level
\
STRq yellow ~~ ~~ ~~ Tracks used by the {{NYCS Astoria|time=bullets}}
STRq fuchsia ~~ ~~ ~~ Tracks used by the {{rint|newyork|7}}
STRq grey ~~ ~~ ~~ Tracks not in service
}}
}}

The '''Queensboro Plaza station''' (originally named '''Queensboro Bridge Plaza station''' or simply '''Bridge Plaza station''') is an elevated [[New York City Subway]] station at [[Queens Plaza (Queens)|Queens Plaza]] (originally called Queensboro Bridge Plaza or simply Bridge Plaza) in the [[Long Island City]] neighborhood of [[Queens]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/queensboroughnew00cham|title=Queens Borough, New York City, 1910–1920|publisher=The Chamber of Commerce of the Borough of Queens, New York City|year=1920}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/queensboroughnew00chamrich|title=Queens Borough, New York City, 1910–1920|publisher=The Chamber of Commerce of the Borough of Queens, New York City|year=1920}}</ref> It is near the east end of the [[Queensboro Bridge]], with [[Queens Boulevard]] running east from the plaza. The station is served by the [[7 (New York City Subway service)|7]] and [[N (New York City Subway service)|N]] trains at all times, the [[W (New York City Subway service)|W]] train on weekdays, and the [[7d (New York City Subway service)|&lt;7&gt;]] train rush hours in the peak direction.

Queensboro Plaza was originally built in 1916–1917 as part of the [[Dual Contracts]] between New York City and the [[Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company]] (BRT) and the [[Interborough Rapid Transit Company]] (IRT). The station initially had eight tracks to allow BMT and IRT passengers to transfer between the [[BMT Astoria Line|Astoria]], [[IRT Flushing Line|Flushing]], and [[IRT Second Avenue Line|Second Avenue]] elevated lines. The northern section of the station was closed in the late 1940s and demolished in 1964. Queensboro Plaza now contains only four tracks: two each for the IRT Flushing Line ({{NYCS trains|Flushing|time=nolink}}) and the BMT Astoria Line ({{NYCS trains|Astoria|time=nolink}}).

Today, Queensboro Plaza is the only station in the entire system to provide [[cross-platform transfer]]s between [[A Division (New York City Subway)|"A" Division]] ({{NYCS Flushing|time=nolink}}) and [[B Division (New York City Subway)|"B" Division]] ({{NYCS Astoria|time=nolink}}) trains. While the station is near the [[Queens Plaza station|Queens Plaza]] underground subway station, which serves the [[IND Queens Boulevard Line]], the two stations are separate and do not offer free transfers. West of the station, the Astoria Line descends into the [[60th Street Tunnel]] under the [[East River]] into [[Manhattan]], while the Flushing Line turns south before descending into the [[Steinway Tunnel]] past [[Court Square station (IRT Flushing Line)|Court Square]].

== History ==

=== Dual Contracts ===

==== Construction ====
[[File:Queens Borough; being a descriptive and illustrated book of the borough of Queens, city of Greater New York, setting forth its many advantages and possibilities as a section wherein to live, to work (14779711391).jpg|left|thumb|250px|From a 1913 book]]
[[File:Queensboro Plaza.png|thumb|left|250px|Former and current track configurations]]
[[File:NYCSub NW7 Queensboro Plaza 2.jpg|thumb|left|250px|A train of R40M cars begins its descent into the 60th Street Tunnel, passing through the structure leading to the now-demolished northern (BMT) platforms.]]

The [[New York Public Service Commission]] adopted plans for what was known as the Broadway–Lexington Avenue route (later the [[BMT Broadway Line|Broadway Line]]) in [[Manhattan]] on December 31, 1907.<ref name="Walker 1918">{{cite book|last1=Walker|first1=James Blaine|url=https://archive.org/details/fiftyyearsrapid00walkgoog|title=Fifty Years of Rapid Transit — 1864 to 1917|date=1918|publisher=Law Printing|location=New York, N.Y.|access-date=November 6, 2016}}</ref>{{Rp|212}} A proposed Tri-borough system was adopted in early 1908. Operation of Manhattan's Broadway Line was assigned to the [[Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company]] (BRT, subsequently the [[Brooklyn–Manhattan Transit Corporation]] or BMT) in the [[Dual Contracts]], adopted on March 4, 1913.<ref name="Walker 1918" />{{Rp|203–219}}<ref>Engineering News, [http://www.nycsubway.org/articles/triboro.html A New Subway Line for New York City], Volume 63, No. 10, March 10, 1910</ref> The Dual Contracts also included opening the [[Steinway Tunnel]], an incomplete tunnel between the New York City boroughs of Manhattan and [[Queens]]. The Steinway Tunnel would be operated by the [[Interborough Rapid Transit Company]] (IRT).<ref name="Hood">{{cite book|last=Hood|first=Clifton|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Az6dEkuGhccC|title=722 Miles: The Building of the Subways and How They Transformed New York|publisher=Johns Hopkins University Press|year=2004|isbn=978-0-8018-8054-4|edition=Centennial|location=Baltimore|pages=163–168|access-date=August 26, 2009}}</ref>{{rp|168}}<ref name="Rogoff" />

The Dual Contracts negotiations had been intricate and sometimes fractious. The IRT had initially been loath to let the BRT operate its Broadway Line through [[Midtown Manhattan]], but relented when negotiators offered the BRT all of the proposed lines in the planned dual system. In Queens, which heretofore had no subway service, two lines had been proposed, both extending from an interchange station (later Queensboro Plaza) in [[Long Island City]]. The shorter [[BMT Astoria Line|Astoria Line]] would run to [[Astoria, Queens|Astoria]] in northwestern Queens, while the longer [[IRT Flushing Line|Flushing Line]] would be built initially to [[Corona, Queens|Corona]], and eventually to [[Flushing, Queens|Flushing]], in north-central Queens. As part of the Dual Contracts, the IRT was given ownership of both lines, but the BRT was given [[trackage rights]] over the routes, allowing both companies to share revenue from their Queens operations.<ref name="Rogoff">{{cite journal |last=Rogoff |first=David |year=1960 |url=http://nycsubway.org/wiki/The_Steinway_Tunnels_%281960%29 |title=The Steinway Tunnels |journal=Electric Railroads |issue= 29 }}</ref><ref name="PSC1913">{{cite book|url=http://www.nycsubway.org/wiki/New_Subways_for_New_York:_The_Dual_System_of_Rapid_Transit_(1913)|title=New Subways For New York: The Dual System of Rapid Transit|publisher=Public Service Commission|year=1913|chapter=1}}</ref>

The Snare & Triest Construction Company was hired to construct the station for $884,859. The firm employed an average of 114 workers for each day.<ref name="p575492081">{{cite news |date=September 5, 1915 |title=Rush Work on Queens Station: Nearly, 75 Per Cent of the Structure Already in Place |page=B9 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|575492081}}}}</ref> The Queensboro Plaza station was built as an eight-track station, with four tracks across each of two levels. Each company took two tracks on each level; the BRT took the two northernmost tracks, while the IRT took the two southernmost tracks. The lower level was for trains to Manhattan, while the upper level was for trains to Astoria or Corona (and later Flushing). By September 1915, the station was nearly 75 percent complete.<ref name="p575492081" />

==== Operation ====
The southern half of the station opened on November 16, 1916,<ref name="nyt-1916-11-05" /> followed by the northern half of the station on February 1, 1917.<ref name="BDE-Astoria-1917" /> In general, BRT trains were wider and longer than those on the IRT, and the Queens lines were built so that they could only fit the narrower IRT trains. The IRT had direct service into Manhattan via the Steinway Tunnel, as well as via the [[Queensboro Bridge]] to the [[IRT Second Avenue Line|Second Avenue elevated line]]. However, BRT trains from the [[60th Street Tunnel]] and the Broadway Line in Manhattan could not run north or east of Queensboro Plaza, as they were wider. Consequently, BRT trains from Manhattan had to terminate on the northern side of the station, where cross-platform interchanges were available to narrower BRT shuttle trains that could run in Queens.<ref name="Rogoff" />

The city government took over the BMT's operations on June 1, 1940,<ref>{{Cite news|date=June 2, 1940|title=B.M.T. Lines Pass to City Ownership; $175,000,000 Deal Completed at City Hall Ceremony-- Mayor 'Motorman No. 1'|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/06/02/archives/bmt-lines-pass-to-city-ownership-175000000-deal-completed-at-city.html|access-date=May 14, 2022|issn=0362-4331|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719094900/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/06/02/archives/bmt-lines-pass-to-city-ownership-175000000-deal-completed-at-city.html|archive-date=July 19, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="p1243059209">{{cite news |date=June 2, 1940 |title=City Takes Over B. M. T. System; Mayor Skippers Midnight Train |page=1 |work=New York Herald Tribune |id={{ProQuest|1243059209}}}}</ref> and the IRT's operations on June 12, 1940.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 13, 1940 |title=City Transit Unity Is Now a Reality; Title to I.R.T. Lines Passes to Municipality, Ending 19-Year Campaign |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/06/13/archives/city-transit-unity-is-now-a-reality-title-to-irt-lines-passes-to.html |access-date=May 14, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 7, 2022 |archive-url=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 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="p1248134780">{{cite news |date=June 13, 1940 |title=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 |page=25 |work=New York Herald Tribune |id={{ProQuest|1248134780}}}}</ref> Second Avenue elevated service ceased on June 13, 1942.<ref name="MESA-August1999">{{cite web |date=August 1999 |title=Manhattan East Side Transit Alternatives (MESA): Major Investment Study/Draft Environmental Impact Statement, August 1999 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SiM3AQAAMAAJ&q=63rd+street |access-date=July 11, 2016 |publisher=[[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]], [[United States Department of Transportation]], [[Federal Transit Administration]]|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news|date=June 14, 1942|title=Pioneer Elevated Rattles Its Last|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-2nd-ave-el-june-14/73745480/|access-date=January 15, 2024|via=Newspapers.com|work=The Daily Oklahoman|pages=45}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=June 7, 1942 |title=EL' WILL CEASE SATURDAY; Service on Second Avenue Line From Queens to End |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1942/06/07/archives/el-will-cease-saturday-service-on-second-avenue-line-from-queens-to.html |access-date=February 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><!-- When the IRT Second Avenue Line closed in 1942, the northernmost two tracks on the upper level were abandoned.<ref name=":0" />-->

The service on the Flushing and Astoria lines east of Queensboro Plaza was shared by the IRT and BMT until 1949. BMT trains on the Flushing Line were designated 9, while IRT services on that line were designated 7 on maps only. BMT and IRT trains on the Astoria Line were both designated 8.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thejoekorner.com/lines/suball-frame.htm|title=Line Names|last=Korman|first=Joseph|date=December 29, 2016|website=thejoekorner.com|access-date=April 29, 2018}}</ref> The IRT routes were given numbered designations in 1948 with the introduction of [[List of New York City Subway R-type contracts|"R-type" rolling stock]], which contained [[rollsign]]s with numbered designations for each service.<ref>{{cite web |last=Brown |first=Nicole |date=May 17, 2019 |title=How did the MTA subway lines get their letter or number? NYCurious |url=https://www.amny.com/transit/nyc-subway-name-1-31116195/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302020704/https://www.amny.com/transit/nyc-subway-name-1-31116195/ |archive-date=March 2, 2021 |access-date=January 27, 2021 |website=amNewYork}}</ref> The route from Times Square to Flushing became known as the [[7 (New York City Subway service)|7]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Friedlander |first1=Alex |last2=Lonto |first2=Arthur |last3=Raudenbush |first3=Henry |date=April 1960 |title=A Summary of Services on the IRT Division, NYCTA |url=https://erausa.org/pdf/bulletin/1960/1960-01-bulletin.pdf |url-status=live |journal=New York Division Bulletin |publisher=Electric Railroaders' Association |volume=3 |issue=1 |pages=2–3 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200914232631/https://erausa.org/pdf/bulletin/1960/1960-01-bulletin.pdf |archive-date=September 14, 2020 |access-date=January 27, 2021}}</ref>

=== Service changes and station modifications ===

==== 1940s to 1960s ====
On October 17, 1949, the $1.375 million renovation of the station was completed which allowed the rerouting of trains between Manhattan and Queens. As part of the project, the Astoria Line platforms were shaved back to allow BMT service to operate through to 60th Street, and new connections were built between the 60th Street Tunnel approach and the west tracks at the east (former IRT) platforms, and the west (former BMT) platforms were closed. Once the project was completed, the IRT started using the Flushing Line only and the BMT started using the Astoria Line only. With the station's renovation, it became easier for passengers to transfer between the IRT and BMT lines. Instead of having to climb between the upper and lower level platforms, passengers were able to use cross-platform transfers.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite news|date=October 15, 1949|title=Direct Subway Runs To Flushing, Astoria|work=The New York Times |url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1949/10/15/96475230.pdf|access-date=February 21, 2016}}</ref> There was a crossover just west of the station which allowed the Astoria trains to access the Steinway tunnels. This was removed directly after the joint operation ceased in 1949.<ref name=":0" /> Much of the mezzanine was rebuilt as part of the project, including the pedestrian bridges leading to either side of Queens Plaza. On the north side of the lower level, a new window wall was constructed.<ref name=":2">{{Cite book|title=NYC Transit Committee Agenda May 1994|date=May 16, 1994|publisher=New York City Transit}}</ref>{{Rp|C-33}}

After the end of BMT/IRT dual service, the BMT's Astoria Shuttle was replaced with service from the 2 Fourth Avenue Line (later the [[R (New York City Subway service)|RR]] train, then the R train), operating from Astoria–Ditmars Boulevard to [[Bay Ridge–95th Street (BMT Fourth Avenue Line)|Bay Ridge–95th Street]] in Brooklyn; additional service was provided part-time by the 1 train (Brighton Express) and later the QT and QB trains (Brighton Local) and the T (West End Express).<ref name="rhistory">{{Cite journal|date=September 2010|title=A History Of The R Train|url=https://issuu.com/erausa/docs/the_era_bulletin_2010-09|journal=New York Division Bulletin|volume=53|issue=9|access-date=August 31, 2016|via=Issuu}}</ref> the [[New York City Board of Transportation]] announced that platforms on the Flushing Line would be lengthened to 11 IRT car lengths. With the exception of the Queensboro Plaza station, which was already {{convert|600|ft}} long, the platforms were only able to fit nine 51-foot-long IRT cars beforehand.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bennett |first=Charles G. |date=November 20, 1949 |title=Transit Platforms On Lines In Queens To Be Lengthened; $3,850,000 Program Outlined for Next Year to Care for Borough's Rapid Growth New Links Are To Be Built 400 More Buses to Roll Also — Bulk of Work to Be on Corona-Flushing Route Transit Program In Queens Outlined |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1949/11/20/archives/transit-platforms-on-lines-in-queens-to-be-lengthened-3850000.html |access-date=April 29, 2018 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name="p1325174459">{{cite news |date=November 20, 1949 |title=37 Platforms On Subways To Be Lengthened: All Stations of B. M. T. and I.R.T.in Queens Included in $5,000,000 Program |page=32 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1325174459}}}}</ref> The platforms at the other Flushing Line stations were extended in 1955–1956 to accommodate 11-car trains.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MrAjAQAAMAAJ&q=%22111th%22 |title=Minutes and Proceedings of the New York City Transit Authority |date=1955 |publisher=New York City Transit Authority |language=en |access-date=August 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913172339/https://books.google.com/books?id=MrAjAQAAMAAJ&dq=dyre+avenue+line&focus=searchwithinvolume&q=%22111th%22 |archive-date=September 13, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> However, nine-car trains continued to run on the 7 route until 1962, when they were extended to ten cars.<ref>{{Cite journal |date=December 1962 |title=R17s to the Flushing Line |url=https://issuu.com/erausa/docs/1962-06-dec-bulletin |journal=New York Division Bulletin |publisher=Electric Railroaders' Association |volume=5 |issue=6 |pages=M-8 |via=Issu}}</ref> With the opening of the [[1964 New York World's Fair]], trains were lengthened to eleven cars.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 31, 1963 |title=TA to Show Fair Train |newspaper=Long Island Star – Journal |url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201963%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201963%2520-%25205257.pdf&highlightsFile=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fultonhistory.com%2Fhighlighter%2Fhits%2F1988d896b7a6d005cf0318462615258c#page=1 |access-date=August 30, 2016 |via=Fulton History}}</ref><ref name="p895766286">{{Cite magazine |date=June 1, 1964 |title=A First-class Rapid Ride |volume=156 |issue=21 |page=22 |id={{proQuest|895766286}} |magazine=Railway Age}}</ref>

In 1960, the city's Department of Traffic proposed demolishing the abandoned northern half of the Queensboro Plaza station to improve traffic flow.<ref>{{Cite news|date=February 23, 1960|title=Queens Plaza Due For Refashioning As Aid to Traffic|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/02/23/archives/queens-plaza-due-for-refashioning-as-aid-to-traffic.html|access-date=October 11, 2023|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The abandoned structure was demolished in 1964.<ref name=":0" /> As part of the project, an overpass was constructed from the station towards Queens Plaza North, spanning the site of the demolished platforms.<ref name="LIStar-OpenAir-1963">{{cite news |title=Open-Air Design Leaves IRT Commuters in Cold |url=https://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201963%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201963%2520-%25200884.pdf%23xml%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3D6600890b%26DocId%3D675639%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cDISK%2520P%26HitCount%3D5%26hits%3D2c%2B2d%2B2e%2B13e%2B13f%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&uri=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201963%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201963%2520-%25200884.pdf&xml=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3D6600890b%26DocId%3D675639%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cDISK%2520P%26HitCount%3D5%26hits%3D2c%2B2d%2B2e%2B13e%2B13f%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&openFirstHlPage=false |access-date=July 31, 2023 |work=Long Island Star-Journal |agency=[[Fultonhistory.com]] |date=April 23, 1963 |page=6}}</ref> One set of crossovers between the BMT and IRT lines remains on the upper level; this is the Flushing Line's only track connection to the rest of the system.<ref name="NYDaily-SubwayOdyssey-1947">{{cite news |date=November 21, 1947 |title=8 City Subway Cars In Odyssey to Flushing |url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/viewer/?file=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252018%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520PM%2520%2520Daily%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520PM%2520Daily%25201947%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520PM%2520Daily%25201947%2520-%25200538.pdf&highlightsFile=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2Fhighlighter%2Fhits%2F3d7b47f95aedd679ae36ce55904dfc49#page=1 |access-date=October 20, 2016 |work=[[New York Daily News]] |page=15 |agency=[[Fultonhistory.com]]}}</ref>

==== 1970s to 1990s ====
During the first half of the 1970s, annual ridership at the station dropped 17 percent to 2.344 million by 1975.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Burks |first=Edward C. |date=November 2, 1975 |title=Subways Are Still Losing Riders |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1975/11/02/archives/subways-are-still-losing-riders.html |access-date=February 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The subway system's operator, the [[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]] (MTA), allocated funding for the installation of reversible escalators in 1975<ref name="nyt-1975-10-19">{{Cite news |last=Burks |first=Edward C. |date=October 19, 1975 |title=Subway Improvements Set by M.T.A. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1975/10/19/archives/subway-improvements-set-by-mta.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502151719/https://www.nytimes.com/1975/10/19/archives/subway-improvements-set-by-mta.html |archive-date=May 2, 2023 |access-date=May 2, 2023 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> as part of the MTA's six-year capital plan.<ref name="nyt-1975-03-24">{{Cite news |last=Burks |first=Edward C. |date=March 24, 1975 |title=Plans Outlined to Upgrade Subway and Bus Systems |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1975/03/24/archives/plans-outlined-to-upgrade-subway-and-bus-systems.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725184055/https://www.nytimes.com/1975/03/24/archives/plans-outlined-to-upgrade-subway-and-bus-systems.html |archive-date=July 25, 2018 |access-date=May 5, 2023 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The [[New York City Department of City Planning]] proposed renovating the Queensboro Plaza station in 1979 as part of a $170 million project. The station would have been connected to the [[Queens Plaza station]] of the [[IND Queens Boulevard Line]], as well as the proposed Northern Boulevard station on the [[63rd Street lines|63rd Street Line]], as part of the 63rd Street subway project. The project would have also included a new bus terminal, access to a parking garage, and a [[Pedestrian street|pedestrian mall]] on the north side of Northern Boulevard.<ref name="p964222591">{{cite news |date=September 13, 1979 |title=City Plans 3rd Station for Queens Plaza: $170-million Queens Plaza Plan Includes a New Subway Station |work=Newsday |page=1Q |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|964222591}}}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1979-09-13">{{Cite news |last=Smothers |first=Ronald |date=September 13, 1979 |title=$170 Million Queens Subway-Station Complex Is Planned |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1979/09/13/archives/170-million-queens-subway-station-complex-is-planned-design-work.html |access-date=February 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The proposal was intended to attract business to the Queens Plaza area.<ref name="p963731985">{{cite news |last=Brown |first=Peggy |date=September 14, 1979 |title=Queens Plaza Plan Met With Skepticism By Some Businessmen |work=Newsday |page=4Q |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|963731985}}}}</ref> Ultimately, the 63rd Street Line was constructed only as far as [[21st Street–Queensbridge station|21st Street–Queensbridge]] with no connections to the stations at Queens Plaza.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lorch |first=Donatella |date=October 29, 1989 |title=The 'Subway to Nowhere' Now Goes Somewhere |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/10/29/nyregion/the-subway-to-nowhere-now-goes-somewhere.html |access-date=October 20, 2011 |newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref>

In 1981, the MTA listed the station among the 69 most deteriorated stations in the subway system.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Gargan|first1=Edward A.|title=AGENCY LISTS ITS 69 MOST DETERIORATED SUBWAY STATIONS|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/06/11/nyregion/agency-lists-its-69-most-deteriorated-subway-stations.html|access-date=August 13, 2016|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=June 11, 1981}}</ref> A renovation of the Queensboro Plaza station were funded as part of the MTA's 1980–1984 capital plan.<ref name="nyt-1983-04-28">{{Cite news |last=Goldman |first=Ari L. |date=April 28, 1983 |title=M.T.A. Making Major Addition to Capital Plan |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/04/28/world/mta-making-major-addition-to-capital-plan.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425151916/https://www.nytimes.com/1983/04/28/world/mta-making-major-addition-to-capital-plan.html |archive-date=April 25, 2022 |access-date=May 4, 2023 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The station was repainted in 1986.<ref name="n26325561">{{Cite news |last1=Peters |first1=James |last2=Neugebauer |first2=William |date=April 15, 1986 |title=Merchants: Closed No. 7 entrance is harming business |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-merchants-closed-no-7-entra/26325561/ |access-date=February 23, 2024 |via=Newspapers.com |work=Daily News |pages=210}}</ref> In addition, as part of an initiative called Creative Station, colorful nylon banners were installed on the viaducts next to the station for $15,000.<ref name="p285308669">{{cite news |last=Benkoe |first=Jeff |date=November 24, 1986 |title=Confessions of an Ex-Graffiti Outlaw |work=Newsday |page=25 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|285308669}}}}</ref> The R train's northern terminal was swapped with that of the [[N (New York City Subway service)|N]] in 1987, so the N went to Ditmars Boulevard (serving Queensboro Plaza) and the R went to [[Forest Hills–71st Avenue station|71st Avenue]].<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_5hq0ippLSwC&q=Manhattan+Bridge |title=Annual Report on ... Rapid Routes Schedules and Service Planning |date=1989 |publisher=New York City Transit Authority |page=16 |language=en}}</ref>

In April 1993, the [[New York State Legislature]] agreed to give the MTA $9.6 billion for capital improvements. Some of the funds would be used to renovate nearly one hundred New York City Subway stations,<ref name="n123677736">{{Cite news |last=Benenson |first=Joel |date=April 1, 1993 |title=Albany deal to save the $1.25 fare |pages=1059 |work=New York Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/123677736/albany-deal-to-save-the-125-farejoel/ |access-date=April 28, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=April 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428152841/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/123677736/albany-deal-to-save-the-125-farejoel/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="nyt-1993-04-03">{{Cite news |last=Faison |first=Seth |date=April 3, 1993 |title=$9.6 Billion Package for M.T.A. Is Crucial to its Rebuilding Plans |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/04/03/nyregion/article-269693-no-title.html |access-date=April 28, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428152843/https://www.nytimes.com/1993/04/03/nyregion/article-269693-no-title.html |url-status=live }}</ref> including Queensboro Plaza.<ref name="n123677942">{{Cite news |date=May 28, 1993 |title=Stop the Fussing |pages=56 |work=Newsday |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/123677942/stop-the-fussing/ |access-date=April 28, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503130326/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/123677942/stop-the-fussing/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The contract for the project's design was awarded in May 1994.<ref name=":2" />{{Rp|C-32–C-34}} Work on the renovation began in early 1998, at which point the project was expected to last four years.<ref name=nyt-1998-02-22>{{Cite news|last=Weir|first=Richard|date=February 22, 1998|title=Neighborhood Report: Long Island City; Ripping Up Queens Plaza|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/02/22/nyregion/neighborhood-report-long-island-city-ripping-up-queens-plaza.html|access-date=May 10, 2023|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The [[W (New York City Subway service)|W]] train started serving the Astoria Line, including the Queensboro Plaza station, in 2001.<ref>{{Cite news|date=July 22, 2001|title=New Subway Routes Take Effect Today|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/07/22/nyregion/new-subway-routes-take-effect-today.html|access-date=October 20, 2022|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The W was discontinued in June 2010 and replaced with the [[Q (New York City Subway service)|Q]] until November 2016, when the W was restored.<ref name="Rivoli 2016">{{cite web |last=Rivoli |first=Dan |date=November 7, 2016 |title=W train returns Monday after removed from subway tracks in 2010 |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/w-train-returns-subway-tracks-monday-article-1.2861303 |access-date=October 18, 2022 |website=New York Daily News}}</ref><ref name="ABC7 New York 2016">{{cite web |date=November 7, 2016 |title=After 6 years, W trains running between Manhattan, Queens |url=https://abc7ny.com/subway-w-train-mass-transit-serve/1593860/ |access-date=October 18, 2022 |website=ABC7 New York |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221018171051/https://abc7ny.com/subway-w-train-mass-transit-serve/1593860/ |archive-date=October 18, 2022}}</ref>

====Elevator installation====
In 2018, it was announced that the Queensboro Plaza station may receive elevators as part of a process to expand the [[accessibility of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority|New York City Subway system's accessibility]].<ref>{{Cite AV media|title=MTA Board – NYCT/Bus Committee Meeting – 02/20/2018|date=February 20, 2018|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJRM36BCciU |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/BJRM36BCciU |archive-date=December 22, 2021 |url-status=live|via=YouTube|publisher=[[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]]|access-date=March 4, 2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref> {{As of|February 2021}}, funding had been committed to accessibility renovations at the Queensboro Plaza station.<ref name="feb21">{{Cite web|url=https://new.mta.info/document/30741|title=2021 Commitment & Completion Goals|publisher=MTA Construction and Development|date=February 18, 2021|access-date=March 28, 2021|page=12}}</ref> Accessibility improvements at Queensboro Plaza were approved in December 2021,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://new.mta.info/document/68221|title=Transit and Bus Committee Meeting|publisher=[[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]]|date=December 13, 2021|access-date=March 28, 2021|pages=130–132}}</ref><ref name="Moro 2021">{{cite web | last=Moro | first=Julia | title=New elevators coming to subway stations in Queens | website=QNS.com | date=December 20, 2021 | url=https://qns.com/2021/12/new-elevators-coming-to-queens-subway-stations/ | access-date=May 13, 2022}}</ref> and the MTA began preliminary work shortly afterward, with plans to complete the project in 2024.<ref name="Garber 20221"/> The work will include a new elevator from the south side of Queens Plaza to the mezzanine and a second elevator from the mezzanine to the platforms. In addition, the overpass to the northern exit will be widened, and the mezzanine will be extended {{convert|50|ft}} east.<ref name="Garber 20221">{{cite web | last=Garber | first=Nick | title=Queensboro Plaza Getting Revamp With 3 New Elevators, Nicer Platforms | website=Astoria-Long Island City, NY Patch | date=May 12, 2022 | url=https://patch.com/new-york/astoria-long-island-city/queensboro-plaza-getting-revamp-3-new-elevators-nicer-platforms | access-date=May 13, 2022}}</ref> The elevator from the platform will lead to the mezzanine extension. The project will also install new platform edges with ADA boarding areas, an ADA ramp at mezzanine level, additional digital information screens, and new CCTV and public address systems.<ref>{{Citation |title=Transportation Committee Community Board 1 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6nOnP2awaI |language=en |access-date=May 13, 2022}}</ref> The entire project is expected to cost $74 million.<ref name="Garber 2023"/><ref name="Murray 2023"/>

In February 2022, developer Grubb Properties filed plans for a 26-story apartment tower at 25–01 Queens Plaza North. The project will include a third elevator, running between the north side of Queens Plaza and the mezzanine.<ref name="Garber 20222">{{cite web | last=Garber | first=Nick | title=New LIC Tower Would Make Queensboro Plaza Accessible, Finally | website=Astoria-Long Island City, NY Patch | date=February 8, 2022 | url=https://patch.com/new-york/astoria-long-island-city/lic-developer-wants-make-queensboro-plaza-accessible-finally | access-date=May 13, 2022}}</ref> The MTA began installing the elevators from the mezzanine to the south entrance, and from the mezzanine to the platforms, in early 2023.<ref name="Garber 2023">{{cite web | last=Garber | first=Nick | title=Queensboro Plaza Revamp Set To Begin, Forcing Subway Suspensions | website=Astoria-Long Island City, NY Patch | date=January 4, 2023 | url=https://patch.com/new-york/astoria-long-island-city/queensboro-plaza-revamp-set-begin-forcing-subway-suspensions | access-date=April 23, 2023}}</ref><ref name="Murray 2023">{{cite web | last=Murray | first=Christian | title=MTA to start construction on elevators at Queensboro Plaza station, leading to six weekends of 7-line closures – QNS.com | website=QNS.com | date=January 4, 2023 | url=https://qns.com/2023/01/mta-to-start-construction-on-elevators-at-queensboro-plaza-station-six-weekends-of-7-line-closures/ | access-date=April 23, 2023}}</ref> To accommodate the new elevator, the southbound platform was closed for two weeks and partially rebuilt in August 2023.<ref name="Gonella 2023 z722">{{cite web | last=Gonella | first=Catalina | title=Manhattan-bound trains begin bypassing Queensboro Plaza | website=Gothamist | date=July 31, 2023 | url=https://gothamist.com/news/construction-begins-at-queensboro-plaza-subway-station | access-date=August 2, 2023}}</ref><ref name="Mocker 2023 n329">{{cite web | last=Mocker | first=Greg | title=105-year-old Queensboro Plaza station to undergo major renovation, service changes | website=PIX11 | date=July 29, 2023 | url=https://pix11.com/news/mta-service-brings-changes-to-routes-at-queensboro-plaza/ | access-date=August 2, 2023}}</ref>

== Station layout ==
{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=3
|style="border-top:solid 1px gray;border-bottom:solid 1px gray;vertical-align:top;" width=50 rowspan=3 |'''Fourth floor'''
|style="border-bottom:solid 0px gray;border-top:solid 1px gray;" width=100|<span style="background-color:#{{rcr|NYCS|yellow}}">'''Northbound'''</span>
|style="border-bottom:solid 0px gray;border-top:solid 1px gray;" width=525|{{0|→}} {{rint|newyork|N}} ({{rint|newyork|W}} weekdays) toward {{stl|NYCS|Astoria–Ditmars Boulevard}} <small>({{stl|NYCS|39th Avenue|Astoria}})</small> →<br /><small>(No service: {{stl|NYCS|Astoria Boulevard}} (express))</small>
|-
|style="border-top:solid 2px black;border-right:solid 2px black;border-left:solid 2px black;border-bottom:solid 2px black;text-align:center;" colspan=2|{{small|[[Island platform]]}}
|-
|style="border-bottom:solid 1px gray;"|<span style="color:#{{rcr|NYCS|purple}}">'''Northbound'''</span>
|style="border-bottom:solid 1px gray;"|{{0|→}} {{rint|newyork|7}} toward {{stl|NYCS|Flushing–Main Street}} <small>({{stl|NYCS|33rd Street–Rawson Street}})</small> →<br />{{0|→}} {{rint|newyork|7d}} PM rush/evenings toward {{stl|NYCS|Flushing–Main Street}} <small>({{stl|NYCS|61st Street–Woodside}})</small> →
|-
|style="border-bottom:solid 1px gray;vertical-align:top;" width=50 rowspan=3 |'''Third floor'''
|<span style="background-color:#{{rcr|NYCS|yellow}}">'''Southbound'''</span>
|← {{rint|newyork|N}} toward {{stl|NYCS|Coney Island–Stillwell Avenue}} <small>({{stl|NYCS|Lexington Avenue–59th Street}})</small><br />← {{rint|newyork|W}} toward {{stl|NYCS|Whitehall Street–South Ferry}} (weekdays) <small>(Lexington Avenue-59th Street)</small>
|-
|style="border-top:solid 2px black;border-right:solid 2px black;border-left:solid 2px black;border-bottom:solid 2px black;text-align:center;" colspan=2|{{small|[[Island platform]]}}
|-
|style="border-bottom:solid 1px gray;"|<span style="color:#{{rcr|NYCS|purple}}">'''Southbound'''</span>
|style="border-bottom:solid 1px gray;"|← {{rint|newyork|7}}{{rint|newyork|7d}} toward {{stl|NYCS|34th Street–Hudson Yards}} <small>({{stl|NYCS|Court Square|Flushing}})</small>
|-
|'''Second floor'''
|Mezzanine
|Fare control, station agent
|-
|style="border-bottom:solid 1px gray;border-top:solid 1px gray;"|'''Ground'''
|style="border-top:solid 1px gray;border-bottom:solid 1px gray;"|Street level
|style="border-top:solid 1px gray;border-bottom:solid 1px gray;"|Exit/entrance
|}
[[File:Queensboro Plaza, lower level.JPG|thumb|left|Lower-level platform]]
[[File:R188 7 train entering Queensboro Plaza.jpg|thumb|[[R188 (New York City Subway car)|R188]] 7 train arriving at the lower-level platform]]
This two-level station has two [[island platform]]s (one on each level) and four tracks. It stands over the south ([[railroad directions|railroad east]]) side of the roadway, but formerly spanned the whole plaza. Trains running into Queens stop on the upper level and Manhattan-bound trains below. On both levels, the [[BMT Astoria Line]] (which to the south joins with the [[60th Street Tunnel Connection]] and heads through the [[60th Street Tunnel]] to the [[BMT Broadway Line]]) uses the north track and the [[IRT Flushing Line]] uses the south track.

In 2014, the station was renovated by [[New York City Transit Authority|NYCTA]] employees (as opposed to an outside contractor). A computer assisted [[railroad tower|tower]] was installed on the south end, as part of the [[Signaling of the New York City Subway#Automation|IRT Flushing Line automation]].

===Track layout===
{{Routemap
|title=Historical track layout
|title-bg=#252525
|title-color=white
|legend=track
|map-title=Upper level
|map=
uvLSTR!~MFADEg\\uv-LSTR!~MFADEg\uv-LSTR!~MFADEg ~~ ~~ ~~ to/from lower level
uvSTR\\d\uvSHI2l-\udSTR
uvSTR2\uvSTRc3\\uvSTR
uvSTRc1\uvSTR2+4\uvSTRc3\uvSTR
\uvSTRc1\uvSTR+4\uvSTR
\\uvSTRfg\uvSTRfg
uvLSTR-!~MFADEg\uvLSTR-!~MFADEg\udLSTR!~dMFADEg\udLSTR!~dMFADEf\udSTR\udLSTR!~dMFADEf\uvSTR- ~~ ~~ ~~ to lower level
uvSTR2-\uvSTR-!~uSTRc3\udSTRg\d\udABZgn2\unSTR3+1!~MASKr!~uv-SHI2r\d
uSTRc1\uvABZg+4-\udSTR\unSTR3+1!~dMASK!~uv-SHI2r\udABZg+n4\
udSTR\dPLT\uvSTR\dPLT\udSTR
udSTRg!~dNULf@f\dPLT\uvSTRg\dPLT\udSTRg
udSTR\dPLT\uvSTR\dPLT\udSTR
udSTR\dPLT\uvSTR\dPLT\udSTR
udENDEe\uv-SHI2r\uvSTR-\udSTR
d\uSTR\uSTR\uSTR~~ ~~ ~~{{0|to 60th Street Tunnel (BMT Broadway)}}
d\uLSTR!~MFADEf\uLSTR!~MFADEf\uLSTR!~MFADEf ~~ ~~ ~~ from lower level
|map2-title=Lower level and connecting lines
|map2=
\\uvSTR!~MFADEg\uvSTR-!~MFADEg ~~ ~~ ~~ to [[33rd Street–Rawson Street (IRT Flushing Line)|33 St]] ([[IRT Flushing Line|IRT/BMT Flushing]])
uvSTR!~MFADEg\uvSTR-!~MFADEg\\udSTRf\udSTRf!~dNULg@g\udSTRg\d\ ~~ ~~ ~~ to [[39th Avenue (BMT Astoria Line)|39 Av]] ([[BMT Astoria Line|IRT/BMT Astoria]])
udSTRf\udSTRf!~dNULg@g\udSTRg\d\\udSHI2g+l\udSHI2lr\udSHI2g+r\udENDEa\POINTERg@fq ~~ ~~ ~~ end of BMT termination track
udSTR\uvÜSTr\d\\uvSTR-\uvSTR\
udSTR\udSHI2gl\uvSHI2+r\\udSTR\uv-SHI2gr\udSTR\
uvÜST\uvÜST\\uvÜST\uvSHI2l!~udSTR\uSTRc3~L!~udSHI2+r
udSTR\uvLSTR!~MFADEf\udSTR\\udSTR\udLSTR!~dMFADEf\udSTR\udLSTR!~dMFADEf\udSTR+c1\udSTR+4 ~~ ~~ ~~ to/from upper level
udSTR\\udSTR\cd\uABZg2\uABZg3\c\uvSTR
udSTR\\udSTR\cd\uABZg+1\uABZg+4\c\uvSTR
udSTR\\udSTR\\d!~uvSTR3~F\uSTRc2!~dMASK!~uvSTR3~l\uvSTRc2!~uv-STR3\d!~uvSTR3~r
udSTR\uSTRc2\uvSTRc2!~udSTR3\d!~uvSTR3+1!~MASK-c1!~uvSTR3+1~l\udSTRc2!~uvSTR3~Gr\uvSTRc4!~uvSTRc2!~uSTR3+1\uSTRc4!~uvSTR3+1~r\d
udSTR\d!~uvSTR+1-\d!~MASKr!~uvSTR+1~F\uvSTR3+1!~uSTRc24\uvSTRc4!~uvSTRc2!~uSTR3+1\uSTRc4!~uvSTR3+1~r\\d
uvSTR\uvSTR+1~G\udSTR+1\uSTRc4!~uvSTR+1~r\\\d
uvSTRfg\uvSTRgf\uvSTRfg\\\
udSTR\udLSTR!~dMFADEf\udSTR\udLSTR!~dMFADEf\udSTR\udLSTR!~dMFADEf\uvLSTR-!~dMFADEg\uvLSTR-!~dMFADEg\ ~~ ~~ ~~ from upper level
uvSTR2-\uvSTR-!~uSTRc3\uvSTR-\uvSTR-\uvSTR-\
uSTRc1\uvSHI2l-!~uv-STR+4\uvSHI2l-\udSTRf\d\udSTRf\d\
udSTR\dPLT\uvSTR\dPLT\udSTR
udSTR\dPLT\uvSTR\dPLT\udSTR
udSTRf!~dNULg@g\dPLT\uvSTRf\dPLT\udSTRf
udSTR\dPLT\uvSTR\dPLT\udSTR
udENDE!~udSTRc2\uv-STR3\udABZgn2\unSTR3+1!~MASKr!~uv-SHI2r
udABZg+1\udSTRc4\unSTR3+1!~dMASK!~uv-SHI2r\udABZg+n4\d
udSTR\udLSTR!~dMFADEg\udSTR\udLSTR!~dMFADEg\udSTR\udLSTR!~dMFADEg ~~ ~~ ~~ to upper level
uvSTRfg\uvSTRfg\uvSTRfg
uvÜST\uvÜSTr\uvSTR!~MFADEf ~~ ~~ ~~to [[Court Square (IRT Flushing Line)|Court Square]] ([[Steinway Tunnel|IRT Steinway]])
utvSTRa\uvSTR!~MFADEf\ ~~ ~~ ~~to [[Queensboro Bridge]] ([[IRT Second Avenue Line|IRT 2nd Av]])
utvSTR!~MFADEf\\ ~~ ~~ ~~to [[60th Street Tunnel]] ([[BMT Broadway Line|BMT Broadway]])
}}
In the original configuration, the station had eight tracks: four on each level. The station was {{Cvt|840|ft}} long in total.<ref name="p575492081" /> Originally, the IRT used both sides of the current platforms, and the BMT used now-demolished platforms north of the current platforms, also double-decked. The south side of the IRT platforms was used by the Flushing Line, as today. The north side was used by Astoria trains, but instead of going through the [[60th Street Tunnel]], they went over the [[Queensboro Bridge]] to the [[elevated railway|elevated]] [[IRT Second Avenue Line]]. Double crossovers south (lower tracks) and north (upper tracks) of the platforms allowed trains from either side to switch to the other line after leaving the station.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title = www.nycsubway.org: BMT Astoria Line|url = http://www.nycsubway.org/wiki/BMT_Astoria_Line|website = www.nycsubway.org|access-date = February 21, 2016}}</ref>

At the BMT half, the south track served subway trains to Manhattan and the [[BMT Broadway Line]]. By 1924, trains came from Manhattan on the upper level, continued north to a merge with the lower level, and then returned via the lower level. Before that, trains reversed direction using a double crossover south of the platforms. Since the platforms were IRT-size, the BMT used its own elevated cars to provide service on the lines, with a required transfer at Queensboro Plaza. Shuttles from Astoria came in on the west side lower track and then reversed direction to head to Flushing; Flushing trains came in on the upper track and reversed direction towards Astoria.<ref name=":0" />

During the early period of dual service on the Astoria and Flushing portions, IRT and BMT trains had their own stopping marks on the platforms and the sections of the platforms were separated. Passengers had separate entrances to the platforms depending on which service they wanted. This set-up prevented free transfers between the trains of the two companies. This arrangement had to end when the IRT lengthened trains. The two companies worked out an agreement in which the revenue collected on those stations was shared.

After 1949, the track layout around the station was greatly simplified.<ref name=":2" /> Only the original southern side of the Queensboro Plaza station remains in service, with two tracks on each level. Queens-bound trains use the upper level, while Manhattan-bound trains use the lower level. BMT trains use the northern tracks on each level and IRT trains use the southern tracks. A double crossover remains on the upper level.<ref>{{NYCS const|trackref}}</ref> This connection is used for non-revenue moves, specifically to transfer subway cars to the [[List of New York City Subway yards#Coney Island Complex|Coney Island Shops]] for repairs, or to move rolling stock to or from the Flushing Line.<ref name="NYDaily-SubwayOdyssey-1947" />

===Exits===
The station's only exits are through a [[mezzanine]] located below the lower level (and formerly connected to the now torn-down BMT platforms to the west). From the mezzanine, there is a concrete footbridge across Queens Plaza North to the second floor of a building. There is also an overpass leading to Queens Plaza South.<ref name="LIStar-OpenAir-1963"/><ref name="MTAMaps-LICQnsBdg-RsvltIs-2015">{{cite web|title=MTA Neighborhood Maps: Long Island City|url=http://web.mta.info/maps/neighborhoods/qns/Q3-LIC_2015.pdf|publisher=[[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]]|access-date=September 27, 2015|date=2015}}</ref>
{{clear left}}

== In popular culture ==
[[File:October 17, 1949 New York Board of Transportation Subway Service Change Poster .jpg|thumb|left|250px|A poster describing the changes at Queensboro Plaza in 1949]]
Queensboro Plaza is featured in a defining moment in the film ''[[Beneath the Planet of the Apes]]''. The protagonist astronaut ("Brent") unknowingly enters the ruins of an underground station; upon seeing the words "Queensboro Plaza" in tiles, and finding an advertisement for the New York Summer Festival, he realizes that he is indeed on Earth and not another planet, and that New York City has been destroyed in a [[Nuclear warfare|nuclear war]]. In reality, Queensboro Plaza is an elevated station and has no tilework.

The station is also featured in the ''[[Seinfeld]]'' episode entitled "[[The Cigar Store Indian]]", as the location of a renowned [[gyros|gyro]] stall, and again incorrectly depicted as an underground station, on an [[IRT Lexington Avenue Line]] {{NYCS|6}} train.

The station is also incorrectly depicted as an underground station in an episode of ''[[Brooklyn Nine-Nine]]''.

The station and nearby [[MetLife]] Plaza were a regular CG composite as location shots between scenes in ABC series ''[[Ugly Betty]]''.

The station also appears briefly in the season 2 opening sequence of [[HBO]] [[political drama]] ''[[The Newsroom (U.S. TV series)|The Newsroom]]''.

The station is also shown in the TV show ''[[The King of Queens]]''{{'}}s theme song, which shows a [[Redbird trains|Redbird]] 7 train entering the station's upper level.

The station also appears on ''[[Sesame Street]]'' in a looking for [[triangle]]s film with Maria ([[Sonia Manzano]]).

A shot of the station appears in the 2020 [[Pixar]] movie ''[[Soul (2020 film)|Soul]].''

== Gallery ==
<gallery widths=180>
File:Queens Plaza station 5BBT jeh.JPG|From the west
File:Flushing Line from above vc.jpg|Looking toward the east
File:Queensboro Plaza Station.jpg|From the southbound BMT Astoria Line
File:Queensboro Plaza - Entrance.jpg|Entrance on the north side of Queens Plaza
File:MTA Bus Company 1996 NovaBus RTS-06 9114.jpg|A Q60 bus outside the station
File:MTA Qnsboro Plz 03.jpg|The former [[IRT Second Avenue Line]] approaches to the [[Queensboro Bridge]]
File:MTA Qnsboro Plz 05.jpg|View from underneath the Flushing Line trackways
</gallery>

== References ==

{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Queensboro Plaza (New York City Subway)}}
* {{NYCS ref|https://www.nycsubway.org/wiki/IRT_Flushing_Line|IRT Flushing Line|Queensboro Plaza}}
* The Subway Nut — [http://www.subwaynut.com/ct/queensboron.htm Queensboro Plaza Pictures] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303210022/http://www.subwaynut.com/ct/queensboron.htm |date=March 3, 2016 }}
* MTA's Arts For Transit — [https://web.archive.org/web/20110606072020/http://mta.info/mta/aft/permanentart/permart.html?agency=nyct&line=7&station=7&xdev=611 Queensboro Plaza]
* [https://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=40.750793,-73.939877&spn=0,0.013314&z=17&layer=c&cbll=40.750755,-73.939782&panoid=tgkeZeoZjZbYli0h2qE3Og&cbp=12,36.57,,0,2.24 Queens Plaza North entrance from Google Maps Street View]
* [https://www.google.com/maps/@40.7503427,-73.9401572,3a,75y,270.74h,85.17t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sxhvEqHb5lkdVNgiD_NQrlw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192 Queens Plaza South entrance from Google Maps Street View]
* [https://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ll=40.751045,-73.941185&spn=0.002739,0.009645&t=m&z=17&layer=c&cbll=40.751042,-73.941182&panoid=l96N4hX4cccAAAAAAABlCQ&cbp=12,87.56,,0,3 Upper level from Google Maps Street View]
* [http://google.com/maps/@40.7504263,-73.9396681,3a,66.5y,358h,82.92t/data=!3m8!1e1!3m6!1s-PXoS20AhMy8%2FVUdxnQnJAWI%2FAAAAAAAAGaY%2F-rcs3a7xTxc!2e4!3e11!6s%2F%2Flh6.googleusercontent.com%2F-PXoS20AhMy8%2FVUdxnQnJAWI%2FAAAAAAAAGaY%2F-rcs3a7xTxc%2Fs203-k-no%2F!7i3584!8i1792?hl=en Lower level from Google Maps Street View]

{{Long Island City}}
{{NYCS stations navbox by service|l7=y|l7x=y|ln=y|lw=y}}
{{NYCS stations navbox by line|astoria=yes|flushing=yes}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:IRT Flushing Line stations]]
[[Category:BMT Astoria Line stations]]
[[Category:New York City Subway transfer stations]]
[[Category:New York City Subway stations in Queens, New York]]
[[Category:Railway stations in the United States opened in 1916]]
[[Category:Railway stations in the United States opened in 1917]]
[[Category:Long Island City]]
[[Category:1916 establishments in New York City]]
[[Category:1917 establishments in New York City]]