View source for Broad Channel station

{{Short description|New York City Subway station in Queens}}
{{good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2017}}
{{Infobox NYCS
| name = Broad Channel
| image = MTA NYC Subway Broad Channel Station.jpg
| image_caption = Broad Channel station after the post-Hurricane Sandy renovation
| address = Noel Road & West Road<br>Queens, New York
| borough = [[Queens]]
| locale = [[Broad Channel, Queens|Broad Channel]]
| coordinates = {{coord|40.609|N|73.816|W|display=inline,title}}
| division = IND Rockaway Beach
| line = [[IND Rockaway Line]]
| service = Rockaway south
| connection = {{bus icon}} [[MTA Bus]]: {{NYC bus link|Q52/Q53 SBS|QM16|QM17}}
| platforms = 2 [[side platform]]s
| tracks = 2
| cross_platform = same
| structure = At-grade
| open_date = {{start date and age|1880}} ([[Long Island Rail Road|LIRR]] station)<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.lirrhistory.com/rockaway.html |title=Long Island Rail Road History Website — The NY, Woodhaven and Rockaway RR |access-date=June 7, 2006 |archive-date=May 12, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060512215059/http://www.lirrhistory.com/rockaway.html |url-status=usurped }}</ref>
| close_date = {{end date and age|1950}} (LIRR station)
| rebuilt = {{start date and age|1956|06|28}} (as a Subway station)
| adjacent_stations = {{Adjacent stations|system=New York City Subway
|line1=Rockaway|left1=Howard Beach–JFK Airport|right1=Beach 67th Street|note-left1={{NYCS Rockaway|time=1}}|note-right1={{NYCS Rockaway|time=1}}
|line2=Rockaway Park Shuttle|left2=Beach 90th Street|note-left2={{NYCS Rockaway Park|time=1}}|through-right2=[[Inwood–207th Street station|Inwood–207th Street]] via {{NYCS Rockaway|time=1}}}}
| other_adjacent_stations = {{Adjacent stations|system=LIRR former
|line2=Rockaway Beach Division|left2=The Raunt|right2=Beach Channel
|system3=BRT|line3=Broadway|left3=The Raunt|right3=Hammels|to-right3=Rockaway Park|note-mid3=1898–1917
|line4=Fifth|left4=The Raunt|right4=Hammels|to-right4=Rockaway Park|note-mid4=1899–1905}}
| legend = {{NYCS infobox legend|alltimes}}{{NYCS infobox legend|rushpeak}}
| layout = {{Routemap|inline=y
|legend=track
|map=
uvSTR!~MFADEg ~~ ~~ ~~ to [[Howard Beach–JFK Airport station|Howard Beach–JFK]]
uhbvSTRa
WFILL!~MFADEgq!~lhvSTR(l)\uhvSTR\WFILL!~MFADEfq!~lhvSTR(r) ~~ ~~ [[Jamaica Bay]] Trestle ~~
uhbvSTRe
udENDEa\uvSTRfg\d
d\udLSTR\uvLSTR\numN015 ~~ ~~ ~~ {{BSsplit|Long track section|~{{convert|2|mi|km}}}}
POINTERf@fq\udSTR\uvSTR\udENDEa\ ~~ ~~ ~~ Test track
\uvSTR\uvSTR\POINTERg@gq ~~ ~~ ~~ Shuttle relay track
uvÜSTl\uvSHI2g+l-
udENDEe\uvÜST\d
cPLT\uvSTR\cPLT
cPLT\uvSTR\cPLT
cPLT\uvSTR\cPLT
cPLT\uvSTR\cPLT
WASSERq!~MFADEgq\uvWBRÜCKE1\WASSERq!~MFADEfq ~~ ~~ ~~ Jamaica Bay
uvLSTR ~~ ~~ ~~ {{BSsplit|Long track section|~{{convert|1000|ft|m}}}}
WASSERq!~MFADEgq\uvWBRÜCKE1\WASSERq!~MFADEfq ~~ ~~ ~~ Jamaica Bay
uSTRc2\d!~uv-STR3\udSTR2u\uvSTR2-!~udSTR3\uSTRc3
uSTRc2\uSTR3+1!~uSTRc2\uSTR3+1!~uSTRc4\uSTR2+4u!~uSTRc1\uSTR2+4!~uSTRc3\uSTRc3
udSTR+1\uvSTR+1-!~uSTRc4\uSTRc4\uSTRc1\uv-STR+4!~uSTRc1\udSTR+4
c!~udSTR\uABZg+l\uSTRq\udSTRq\uSTRq\cd!~uABZg+r\udSTR ~~ ~~ ~~ Hammels Wye
uvÜSTr\\\\uvÜSTl
uvSTRfg\\\\uvSTRfg
uvSTR\\\\uvSTR!~MFADEf ~~ ~~ ~~ to {{stl|NYCS|Beach 67th Street}}
uvSTR!~MFADEf\\\\ ~~ ~~ ~~ to {{stl|NYCS|Beach 90th Street}}
}}
}}

The '''Broad Channel station''' is a [[metro station|station]] on the [[IND Rockaway Line]] of the [[New York City Subway]], located in the [[Broad Channel, Queens|neighborhood of the same name]] at Noel and West Roads in the [[borough (New York City)|borough]] of [[Queens]]. It is  served by the [[A (New York City Subway service)|A]] train and the [[Rockaway Park Shuttle]] at all times, the latter of which originates and terminates here except in the summertime on weekends during the day. Broad Channel originally opened in 1880 as a [[Long Island Railroad]] station. The LIRR discontinued service in 1950 after a fire on the trestle across [[Jamaica Bay]], to the station's north. The station reopened June 28, 1956, as a subway station.

Broad Channel is the only subway station serving the island of Broad Channel, which is located in [[Jamaica Bay]] and only has about 3,000 residents. Thus it is the least-used in the subway {{as of|2023|lc=y}}. However, this station is the only transfer point for riders traveling between Brooklyn and Manhattan (which the A train travels to) and the four other stations served by the Rockaway Park Shuttle. North of this station, there are two additional tracks within the right-of-way: a short track that allows Rockaway Park Shuttle trains to reverse direction and return to the Rockaways, and a longer track that is used to test new subway cars.

==History==
The station originally opened in 1880 as a [[New York, Woodhaven and Rockaway Railroad]] station (although some sources claim it opened in June 1881)<!--V. Seyfried notes claim the latter date--> and was acquired by the [[Long Island Rail Road]], to become a station on the [[Rockaway Beach Branch]].<ref name="TrainsAreFun-LIRR" />

As a Long Island Rail Road station it served as one of two junctions between the [[Far Rockaway Branch|Far Rockaway]] and Rockaway Beach Branches. The other junction was at [[Hammels (LIRR station)|Hammels Station]], although it was originally a junction for the Far Rockaway Branch and the [[Ocean Electric Railway]]. Hammels is now located where Hammels Wye is. Wooden shelter sheds were added to the station in 1921 and 1923.<ref name="TrainsAreFun-LIRR">{{Cite web|url=http://www.trainsarefun.com/lirrphotos/lirrstationshistory.htm|title=Long Island Station History|website=www.trainsarefun.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170526225709/http://www.trainsarefun.com/lirrphotos/lirrstationshistory.htm|archive-date=May 26, 2017|url-status=dead|access-date=June 8, 2017|df=mdy-all}}</ref> A fire on the trestle between this station and another one known as [[The Raunt (LIRR station)|The Raunt]], located to the north, forced the closure of both stations on May 23, 1950, as well as the entire Jamaica Bay trestle which stretches from Howard Beach to Hammels Wye.<ref name="BklynEagle-LIRRFireJunkRkwy-1950">{{cite web|title=L.I.R.R. Proposes Junking Trestle Ruined by Fire|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/53870238/?terms=rockaway%2Bfire|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|newspaper=[[Brooklyn Daily Eagle]]|access-date=September 22, 2015|page=4|date=May 31, 1950|archive-date=October 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026232707/https://www.newspapers.com/image/53870238/?terms=rockaway%2Bfire|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="QnsGazette-LIRRRkwy-2012">{{cite web|last1=Bresiger|first1=Gregory|title=The Trains Stopped Running Here 50 Years Ago|url=http://www.qgazette.com/news/2012-07-18/Features/The_Trains_Stopped_Running_Here_50_Years_Ago.html|website=qgazette.com|publisher=Queens Gazette|access-date=July 3, 2015|date=July 18, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150704120135/http://www.qgazette.com/news/2012-07-18/Features/The_Trains_Stopped_Running_Here_50_Years_Ago.html|archive-date=July 4, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="NYTimes-INDRkwyOpen-1956" />

By October 3, 1955, the Rockaway Beach Branch south of [[Ozone Park (LIRR station)|Ozone Park]], and all of the Far Rockaway Branch west of [[Far Rockaway (LIRR station)|Far Rockaway]] were purchased by the [[New York City Transit Authority]]. The Broad Channel station was completely reconstructed (as were the [[Howard Beach–JFK Airport (IND Rockaway Line)|Howard Beach]] and [[Far Rockaway–Mott Avenue (IND Rockaway Line)|Far Rockaway]] stations) with new concrete platforms, and a new station house. The contract for the new station was approved in December 1954.<ref name="Rockawave-BroadChannel-7Million-1954-pg1">{{cite news|title=$7,000,000 Signal Job To Be Let In February: City Approves $1,000,000 Contracts For Station And Sub-Station in Broad Channel And For The Rehabilitation Of The Liberty Avenue Line|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/viewer/?file=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspapers%252021%2FRockaway%2520Beach%2520NY%2520%2520Wave%2520Of%2520Long%2520Island%2FRockaway%2520Beach%2520NY%2520%2520Wave%2520Of%2520Long%2520Island%2520%25201954%2FRockaway%2520Beach%2520NY%2520%2520Wave%2520Of%2520Long%2520Island%2520%25201954%2520-%25200742.pdf&highlightsFile=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2Fhighlighter%2Fhits%2Ffb35b013cf2975e2850cb8ac20153de4#page=1|access-date=July 22, 2016|work=[[Wave of Long Island]]|agency=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|date=December 23, 1954|page=1|archive-date=May 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520043102/https://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/viewer/?file=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspapers%252021%2FRockaway%2520Beach%2520NY%2520%2520Wave%2520Of%2520Long%2520Island%2FRockaway%2520Beach%2520NY%2520%2520Wave%2520Of%2520Long%2520Island%2520%25201954%2FRockaway%2520Beach%2520NY%2520%2520Wave%2520Of%2520Long%2520Island%2520%25201954%2520-%25200742.pdf&highlightsFile=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2Fhighlighter%2Fhits%2Ffb35b013cf2975e2850cb8ac20153de4#page=1|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Rockawave-BroadChannel-7Million-1954-pg7">{{cite news|title=$7,000,000 Signal Job To Be Let In February: City Approves $1,000,000 Contracts For Station And Sub-Station in Broad Channel And For The Rehabilitation Of The Liberty Avenue Line|url=http://fultonhistory.com/Newspapers%2021/Rockaway%20Beach%20NY%20%20Wave%20Of%20Long%20Island/Rockaway%20Beach%20NY%20%20Wave%20Of%20Long%20Island%20%201954/Rockaway%20Beach%20NY%20%20Wave%20Of%20Long%20Island%20%201954%20-%200748.pdf|access-date=July 22, 2016|work=[[Wave of Long Island]]|agency=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|date=December 23, 1954|page=7|archive-date=December 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211202134759/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspapers%2021/Rockaway%20Beach%20NY%20%20Wave%20Of%20Long%20Island/Rockaway%20Beach%20NY%20%20Wave%20Of%20Long%20Island%20%201954/Rockaway%20Beach%20NY%20%20Wave%20Of%20Long%20Island%20%201954%20-%200748.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=New Station Set At Howard Beach|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1954/11/11/84436091.pdf|website=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=June 29, 2015|date=November 11, 1954|archive-date=May 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520042015/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1954/11/11/84436091.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Rockawave-INDHowardBch-Dec1954">{{cite news|title=New Look In Transit: Modernistic Station And Drawbridge|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/viewer/?file=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspapers%252021%2FRockaway%2520Beach%2520NY%2520%2520Wave%2520Of%2520Long%2520Island%2FRockaway%2520Beach%2520NY%2520%2520Wave%2520Of%2520Long%2520Island%2520%25201954%2FRockaway%2520Beach%2520NY%2520%2520Wave%2520Of%2520Long%2520Island%2520%25201954%2520-%25200684.pdf&highlightsFile=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2Fhighlighter%2Fhits%2Fb5a722d4f1e88ca5f3bafcd20d992df8#page=1|access-date=August 16, 2016|work=[[Wave of Long Island]]|agency=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|date=December 2, 1954|page=1|archive-date=October 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211003014624/https://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/viewer/?file=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspapers%252021%2FRockaway%2520Beach%2520NY%2520%2520Wave%2520Of%2520Long%2520Island%2FRockaway%2520Beach%2520NY%2520%2520Wave%2520Of%2520Long%2520Island%2520%25201954%2FRockaway%2520Beach%2520NY%2520%2520Wave%2520Of%2520Long%2520Island%2520%25201954%2520-%25200684.pdf&highlightsFile=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2Fhighlighter%2Fhits%2Fb5a722d4f1e88ca5f3bafcd20d992df8#page=1|url-status=live}}</ref> The station opened to subway service on June 28, 1956.<ref name="NYTimes-INDRkwyOpen-1956">{{cite web|last1=Freeman|first1=Ira Henry|title=Rockaway Trains to Operate Today|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1956/06/28/84703811.pdf|website=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=June 29, 2015|date=June 28, 1956|archive-date=May 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520042015/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1956/06/28/84703811.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false|url-status=live}}</ref>

The station and the adjacent segment of the Rockaway Line suffered serious damage during [[Hurricane Sandy]] in 2012, and was out of service for several months. Due to its location in the middle of Jamaica Bay, the station was filled with debris, with its trackbed damaged.<ref name="asandy">{{cite web|title=Rebuilding the Rockaways After Hurricane Sandy|url=http://www.mta.info/nyct/service/RebuildingRockawaysAfterHurricanSandy.htm|work=mta.info|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|access-date=November 18, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121129020912/http://www.mta.info/nyct/service/RebuildingRockawaysAfterHurricanSandy.htm|archive-date=November 29, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Chaban|first1=Matt|title=Broad Channel Crossing Must Be Rebuilt, Leaving Rockaways Without A-Train for Months or Longer|url=http://observer.com/2012/11/after-extensive-damage-broad-channel-bridge-must-be-rebuilt-leaving-rockways-without-a-train-for-months-or-longer/|access-date=July 22, 2016|work=[[New York Observer]]|date=November 11, 2012|archive-date=July 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160729202531/http://observer.com/2012/11/after-extensive-damage-broad-channel-bridge-must-be-rebuilt-leaving-rockways-without-a-train-for-months-or-longer/|url-status=live}}</ref> During its temporary closure, the station received new [[Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990|ADA]]-tactile strips, platform edge rubbing boards, and cosmetic and mechanical work. Service was restored to the station on May 30, 2013, and to celebrate the re-opening, a vintage [[R1 (New York City Subway Car)|R1 subway car]] formed the first train.<ref name="MTA-ATrain-Rkwy-May302013">{{cite news|title=A Train Service Restored to Rockaways|url=http://www.mta.info/news/2013/05/30/train-service-restored-rockaways|work=[[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]]|date=May 30, 2013|access-date=July 22, 2016|archive-date=May 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160509092706/http://www.mta.info/news/2013/05/30/train-service-restored-rockaways|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2018, a two-phase program of flood mitigation work along the Hammels Wye required further service disruptions. The first phase, from April 9 to May 18, suspended rush-hour A trips to Rockaway Park. The second phase, which began on July 1, rerouted all Far Rockaway A service to Rockaway Park until September 3. In both phases, the shuttle ran from Rockaway Park to Far Rockaway, skipping Broad Channel.<ref>{{cite web | title=Train Change: A/ Shuttle Service to be Impacted Starting in April | website=THE ROCKAWAY TIMES - First and Free | date=March 8, 2018 | url=http://rockawaytimes.com/index.php/columns/3602-train-change-a-shuttle-service-to-be-impacted-starting-in-april | access-date=March 30, 2018 | archive-date=April 29, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200429140113/http://rockawaytimes.com/index.php/columns/3602-train-change-a-shuttle-service-to-be-impacted-starting-in-april | url-status=live }}</ref>

To allow the MTA to repair the South Channel Bridge, service on the A south of Howard Beach was suspended for 17 weeks beginning on January 17, 2025, and the Rockaway Park Shuttle ran between Rockaway Park and Far Rockaway. In addition, shuttle bus service was available between Howard Beach and the Rockaways. During this time, the Broad Channel station was closed.<ref>{{cite web |last=Schilling |first=John |date=September 13, 2024 |title=MTA Previews 17-Week A Train Service Shutdown During CB14 Meeting |url=https://www.rockawave.com/articles/mta-previews-17-week-a-train-service-shutdown-during-cb14-meeting/ |access-date=September 16, 2024 |website=The Wave - Rockaway&#039;s Newspaper since 1893}}</ref><ref name="McFadden2024">{{cite web |last=McFadden |first=Katie |date=September 16, 2024 |title=A Train Shutdown Tops September CB14 Meeting |url=https://www.rockawaytimes.com/a-train-shutdown-tops-september-cb14-meeting/ |access-date=September 16, 2024 |website=THE ROCKAWAY TIMES – First and Free}}</ref>

{{clear left}}

==Station layout==
{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=3
|style="border-top:solid 1px gray;" width=50|'''Mezzanine'''
|style="border-top:solid 1px gray;" colspan=2 |Crossover between platforms
|-
|style="border-top:solid 1px gray;border-bottom:solid 1px gray;" rowspan=4 valign=top|'''Platform level'''
|style="border-top:solid 1px gray;border-right:solid 2px black;border-left:solid 2px black;border-bottom:solid 2px black;text-align:center;" colspan=2|<small>[[Side platform]]</small>
|-
|style="border-bottom:solid 1px gray;" width=80|'''Northbound'''
|style="border-bottom:solid 1px gray;" width=510|← {{rint|newyork|A}} toward {{stl|NYCS|Inwood–207th Street}} <small>({{stl|NYCS|Howard Beach–JFK Airport}})</small><br>← {{rint|newyork|Ssr}} termination track
|-
|'''Southbound'''
|{{0|→}} {{rint|nycs|A}} toward {{stl|NYCS|Far Rockaway–Mott Avenue}}  <small>({{stl|NYCS|Beach 67th Street}})</small> →<br>{{0|→}} {{rint|nycs|Ssr}} toward {{stl|NYCS|Rockaway Park–Beach 116th Street}} <small>({{stl|NYCS|Beach 90th Street}})</small> →<br>{{0|→}} {{rint|nycs|A}} (PM rush) toward Rockaway Park–Beach 116th Street <small>(Beach 90th Street)</small> →
|-
|style="border-bottom:solid 1px gray;border-top:solid 2px black;border-right:solid 2px black;border-left:solid 2px black;text-align:center;" colspan=2|<small>[[Side platform]]</small>
|-
|style="border-bottom:solid 1px gray;"|'''Ground'''
|style="border-bottom:solid 1px gray;" colspan=2 |Exit/Entrance, station house and agent, fare control, MetroCard machines
|}
[[File:BC sta Noel West Rds jeh.jpg|thumb|left|Noel Road entrance]]
This station has two tracks and two [[side platform]]s, each measuring {{convert|12|ft|m}} wide and over {{convert|660|ft|m}} long.<ref name="Rockawave-BroadChannel-7Million-1954-pg1"/> The northern parts of the platforms are sheltered with canopies and windscreens.<ref name="Rockawave-BroadChannel-7Million-1954-pg1"/> The station is served by the [[A (New York City Subway service)|A]] train and the [[Rockaway Park Shuttle]] at all times, serving as the northern terminus of the latter.<ref>{{NYCS const|timetable|a}}</ref><ref>{{NYCS const|timetable|h}}</ref> The next stop to the north is [[Howard Beach–JFK Airport (IND Rockaway Line)|Howard Beach–JFK Airport]]. The next stop to the south is [[Beach 67th Street (IND Rockaway Line)|Beach 67th Street]] for Far Rockaway A trains and [[Beach 90th Street (IND Rockaway Line)|Beach 90th Street]] for the Rockaway Park Shuttle and limited rush-hour A trains.<ref name="submap">{{NYCS const|map}}</ref> The station is one of two New York City Subway stations located on its own island, the other being the [[Roosevelt Island station]] in Manhattan, serving the {{NYCS trains|63rd IND}}.<ref name=submap/>

===Exit===
A station house is located above both platforms, containing a crossover, waiting area and [[fare control]].<ref name="Rockawave-BroadChannel-7Million-1954-pg1"/><ref name="NYTM-BroadChannelDrawing"/> The single street staircase outside of fare control goes down to West Road by the intersection of Noel Road next to the Rockaway-bound platform.<ref name="Rockawave-BroadChannel-7Million-1954-pg1" /><ref name=MTA-RockawaysMap-2015/><ref name="BroadChannel-FutureUse-1962">{{cite news|title=Broad Channel: a future land use proposal|url=https://archive.org/details/broadchannelfutu00newy|access-date=July 22, 2016|work=[[New York City Department of City Planning]]|date=August 1962}}</ref>{{Rp|9}}{{refn|The document states that the station was located at 194th Avenue. Today, this street is known as Noel Road.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.davidrumsey.com/luna/servlet/detail/RUMSEY~8~1~212264~5500323:Shell-Greater-New-York-City--Easter;JSESSIONID=3cec50b8-bca4-4b92-b149-daeca1e74ef4?showTipAdvancedSearch=false&showShareIIIFLink=true&showTip=false&helpUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fdoc.lunaimaging.com%2Fdisplay%2FV72D%2FLUNA%2BViewer%23LUNAViewer-LUNAViewer&title=Search+Results%3A+List_No+equal+to+%275840.146%27&fullTextSearchChecked=&advancedSearchUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fdoc.lunaimaging.com%2Fdisplay%2FV72D%2FSearching%23Searching-Searching&thumbnailViewUrlKey=link.view.search.url |title=Shell Greater New York City (Eastern Section). To and Through Manhattan. |publisher=Shell Oil Company |date=1956 |access-date=June 8, 2017 |archive-date=March 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319213819/https://www.davidrumsey.com/luna/servlet/detail/RUMSEY~8~1~212264~5500323:Shell-Greater-New-York-City--Easter;JSESSIONID=3cec50b8-bca4-4b92-b149-daeca1e74ef4?showTipAdvancedSearch=false&showShareIIIFLink=true&showTip=false&helpUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fdoc.lunaimaging.com%2Fdisplay%2FV72D%2FLUNA%2BViewer%23LUNAViewer-LUNAViewer&title=Search+Results%3A+List_No+equal+to+%275840.146%27&fullTextSearchChecked=&advancedSearchUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fdoc.lunaimaging.com%2Fdisplay%2FV72D%2FSearching%23Searching-Searching&thumbnailViewUrlKey=link.view.search.url |url-status=live }}</ref>|group=note}} This platform also has a set of exit-only turnstiles leading directly to this staircase so riders exiting the station on this side do not have to go through the station house. The station house is heated, while the platforms feature passenger-activated heaters;<ref name="MTA-ReviewAC-2015">{{cite report|url=http://web.mta.info/nyct/service/pdf/AC_LineReview.pdf|title=Review of the A and C Lines|date=December 11, 2015|publisher=[[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]]|access-date=January 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200203061138/http://web.mta.info/nyct/service/pdf/AC_LineReview.pdf|archive-date=February 3, 2020}}</ref>{{Rp|35}} these heaters, and the doors separating the station house and staircases, were not originally part of the station.<ref name="Rockawave-ZeroWeather-Jan1968-pg1">{{cite news|title=Zero Weather, Token Limit Accelerate Subway Gripes|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/viewer/?file=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspapers%252021%2FRockaway%2520Beach%2520NY%2520%2520Wave%2520Of%2520Long%2520Island%2FRockaway%2520Beach%2520NY%2520%2520Wave%2520Of%2520Long%2520Island%2520%25201967-1968%2FRockaway%2520Beach%2520NY%2520%2520Wave%2520Of%2520Long%2520Island%2520%25201967-1968%2520-%25200564.pdf&highlightsFile=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2Fhighlighter%2Fhits%2F3c483325f93c89b82aed7410b45def71#page=1|access-date=July 22, 2016|work=[[Wave of Long Island]]|agency=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|date=January 11, 1968|page=1|archive-date=May 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520043103/https://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/viewer/?file=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspapers%252021%2FRockaway%2520Beach%2520NY%2520%2520Wave%2520Of%2520Long%2520Island%2FRockaway%2520Beach%2520NY%2520%2520Wave%2520Of%2520Long%2520Island%2520%25201967-1968%2FRockaway%2520Beach%2520NY%2520%2520Wave%2520Of%2520Long%2520Island%2520%25201967-1968%2520-%25200564.pdf&highlightsFile=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2Fhighlighter%2Fhits%2F3c483325f93c89b82aed7410b45def71#page=1|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Rockawave-ZeroWeather-Jan1968-pg4">{{cite news|title=Zero Weather, Token Limit Accelerate Subway Gripes|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/viewer/?file=http://fultonhistory.com/Newspapers%2021/Rockaway%20Beach%20NY%20%20Wave%20Of%20Long%20Island/Rockaway%20Beach%20NY%20%20Wave%20Of%20Long%20Island%20%201967-1968/Rockaway%20Beach%20NY%20%20Wave%20Of%20Long%20Island%20%201967-1968%20-%200567.pdf|access-date=July 22, 2016|work=[[Wave of Long Island]]|agency=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|date=January 11, 1968|page=4|archive-date=December 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211202180314/https://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/viewer/?file=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspapers%2021%2FRockaway%20Beach%20NY%20%20Wave%20Of%20Long%20Island%2FRockaway%20Beach%20NY%20%20Wave%20Of%20Long%20Island%20%201967-1968%2FRockaway%20Beach%20NY%20%20Wave%20Of%20Long%20Island%20%201967-1968%20-%200567.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The station house used to have 1950s-era signage at its front entrance reading "SUBWAY", but now only has modern MTA entrance signs.<ref name="BroadChannel-FutureUse-1962"/>

At the north end of the station is a power substation, located at West Road and East 6th Road adjacent to the Rockaway-bound platform.<ref name="Rockawave-BroadChannel-7Million-1954-pg1"/><ref name="NYTM-BroadChannelDrawing">{{cite web|author1=New York City Transit Authority|author-link=New York City Transit Authority|title=Architectural Drawing of Broad Channel Station: IND Rockaway Line|url=http://nytm.pastperfectonline.com/photo/3C3E3697-0850-4625-8E36-301820602160|publisher=[[New York Transit Museum]]|access-date=August 25, 2016|date=November 1, 1954|archive-date=August 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828062632/http://nytm.pastperfectonline.com/photo/3C3E3697-0850-4625-8E36-301820602160|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="BroadChannel-FutureUse-1962"/> A second exit-only staircase is located here, but is closed.<ref name="NYTM-BroadChannelDrawing"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.subwaynut.com/ind/broad_channela/broad_channela71.jpg|title=Outside the substation and former exit only staircase|last=Cox|first=Jeremiah|date=September 13, 2013|website=subwaynut.com|access-date=June 8, 2017}}</ref>

===Track layout<span class="anchor" id="Far Rockaway Test Track"></span>===
[[File:Crossover N of BC jeh.jpg|thumb|The crossovers that lead to the tail track on the right and to the track used to test new trains on the left|alt=]]
Just to the north, the Rockaway Line gains two extra [[non-revenue track]]s straddling the two revenue tracks.<ref name=tracks/> The western track is a test track, installed in 2001 and called the Far Rockaway Test Track,<ref name="MTA-RebuildingRkwysRecovery-May2013">{{cite news|title=Rebuilding the Rockaways After Hurricane Sandy: The Recovery|url=http://web.mta.info/nyct/service/RebuildingRockawaysAfterHurricanSandy.htm|access-date=July 27, 2016|work=[[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]]|date=May 16, 2013|archive-date=August 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816173659/http://web.mta.info/nyct/service/RebuildingRockawaysAfterHurricanSandy.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="RailwayGaz-KineticEnergy-2004">{{cite news|last1=Tarrant|first1=Colin|title=Kinetic energy storage wins acceptance|url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/kinetic-energy-storage-wins-acceptance.html|access-date=July 27, 2016|work=[[Railway Gazette International]]|date=April 1, 2004|archive-date=May 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513144126/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/kinetic-energy-storage-wins-acceptance.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=EPRI-DOE Handbook of Energy Storage for Transmission & Distribution Applications: Final Report, December 2003|url=http://www.sandia.gov/ess/publications/ESHB%201001834%20reduced%20size.pdf|publisher=[[Electric Power Research Institute]], [[United States Department of Energy]]|access-date=July 27, 2016|date=December 2003|archive-date=October 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161022054946/http://www.sandia.gov/ess/publications/ESHB%201001834%20reduced%20size.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>{{Rp|13-29-13-32}}<ref>{{cite news|title=BATTERY POWER SYSTEM FOR TRACKSIDE ENERGY STORGE Final Repor|url=http://www.kawasakirailcar.com/media/56f0391d731ab.pdf|access-date=July 27, 2016|work=[[New York State Energy Research and Development Authority]], [[Kawasaki Heavy Industries Rolling Stock Company]], [[Kawasaki Heavy Industries]]|date=October 2010|archive-date=August 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818034850/http://www.kawasakirailcar.com/media/56f0391d731ab.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>{{Rp|1–3}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Handbook of Energy Storage for Transmission or Distribution Applications: Technical Update, December 2002|url=http://www.w2agz.com/Library/EPRI%20Sources%20&%20Reports/(2002)%20Handbook%20of%20Energy%20Storage%20for%20Transmission%20or%20Distribution%20Applications,%20EPRI%201007189.pdf|publisher=[[Electric Power Research Institute]]|access-date=July 27, 2016|date=December 2002|archive-date=September 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919034744/http://www.w2agz.com/Library/EPRI%20Sources%20%26%20Reports/%282002%29%20Handbook%20of%20Energy%20Storage%20for%20Transmission%20or%20Distribution%20Applications%2C%20EPRI%201007189.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>{{Rp|30–31}} while the eastern track is used to relay shuttle trains.<ref name="MTA-ReviewAC-2015" /><ref name="MTA-BroadChannelRelay-1997">{{Cite web|url=http://www.mta.nyc.ny.us/mta/html/eye-nyct.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970202045430/http://www.mta.nyc.ny.us/mta/html/eye-nyct.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 2, 1997|title=M31878 INSTALL RELAY TRACK BROAD CHANNEL STATION ROCKAWAY LINE $5M - $10M|date=February 2, 1997|website=mta.nyc.ny.us|publisher=New York City Transit|access-date=September 18, 2016}}</ref> The western track extends around {{convert|10000|ft|m}} or nearly 2 miles (3.2&nbsp;km),<ref name="MTA-RebuildingRkwysRecovery-May2013"/> while the eastern track is long enough for one full-length train ({{Convert|600|feet|meters}}) and ends at a [[bumper block]].<ref name="tracks">{{NYCS const|trackref|trackbook}}</ref> The test track was installed in 2001 by New York City Transit's Maintenance of Way Department to ensure that new cars have undergone necessary acceleration and braking tests before being put into revenue service. This was because NYCT needed to recover a greater amount of braking energy and reduce power demand peaks with the introduction of AC-motored cars with the capability for regenerative braking. A kinetic energy storage system with KESS technology was installed, and as a result, the voltage regulation of the track improved. The system provides voltage support to the revenue tracks as well as reinforcing the voltage of the test track during the testing of new trains.<ref name="RailwayGaz-KineticEnergy-2004" />

Continuing north, the Rockaway Line crosses [[Jamaica Bay]] before reaching [[Howard Beach–JFK Airport (IND Rockaway Line)|Howard Beach]]; the distance of {{convert|3.5|mi|km}} between the two stations is the longest between any two in the New York City Subway system.<ref name="MTA-RebuildingRkwysRecovery-May2013"/> To the south, the Rockaway Line continues to the [[Rockaway, Queens|Rockaway peninsula]], crossing two bridges: a fixed span between Broad Channel and Subway Island, and a swing span between Subway Island and the Rockaway peninsula. On the peninsula, the line splits at a [[flying junction]] named Hammels Wye to allow service to both [[Far Rockaway–Mott Avenue (IND Rockaway Line)|Far Rockaway–Mott Avenue]] and [[Rockaway Park–Beach 116th Street (IND Rockaway Line)|Rockaway Park–Beach 116th Street]].<ref name="MTA-ReviewAC-2015" /><ref name=tracks/> [[Punch box]]es are located at the ends of both platforms, to allow train operators to select the correct route. The switches are then accordingly switched by the local tower operator.<ref name="tracks" />{{Rp|xix}}<ref>{{cite web|last1=Rosenfeld|first1=Robbie|title=Photo of punch box on northbound platform|url=http://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?139594|publisher=nycsubway.org|access-date=August 27, 2016|date=May 30, 2013|archive-date=August 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160827175212/http://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?139594|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Ridership==
[[File:Rockaway Line, May 6, 2013. (8744154249).jpg|thumb|The [[seawall]] protecting the station, installed after [[Hurricane Sandy]]]]
Broad Channel is a small island with fewer than 3,000 residents,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Khan|first1=Kulsoom|title=Broad Channel|url=http://queenstribune.com/broad-channel/|access-date=July 22, 2016|work=Queens Tribune|date=March 31, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203234321/http://queenstribune.com/broad-channel/|archive-date=February 3, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> and as a result, it has historically been one of the least-used stations in the system. In 1985, the station had only 224 paying daily riders on a typical weekday, making it one of the least used stations in the system.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/11/05/nyregion/column-one-transport.html|title=COLUMN ONE: TRANSPORT|last=Levine|first=Richard|date=November 5, 1986|access-date=October 2, 2016|issn=0362-4331|newspaper=The New York Times|archive-date=August 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806102145/http://www.nytimes.com/1986/11/05/nyregion/column-one-transport.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The station had the second lowest [[patronage (transportation)|ridership]] in the subway system {{as of|2019|lc=y}}, with {{Infobox New York City Subway station/ridership|Broad Channel station}} annual riders.<ref name="riderref"/> By 2021, it was the system's least-used station overall, with 39,981 annual riders.<ref name="MTA p768">{{cite web | title=Subway and bus ridership for 2021 | website=MTA | url=https://new.mta.info/document/91476 |format=XLSX file | access-date=July 14, 2023}}</ref> However, it is the only transfer point between the A train and the Rockaway Park Shuttle, and some 2,700 daily riders use it in this capacity.<ref name="MTA-ReviewAC-2015" /><ref name="Rockawave-ZeroWeather-Jan1968-pg1"/> As a result, the platforms are sometimes packed.<ref name="NYDaily-SubwayCrime-Mar2016">{{Cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/daily-news-analysis-reveals-crime-rankings-city-subway-system-article-1.1836918|title=Safest and riskiest areas of New York's subway system revealed in Daily News investigation|date=June 22, 2014|newspaper=New York Daily News|access-date=March 18, 2016|archive-date=March 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160327120346/http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/daily-news-analysis-reveals-crime-rankings-city-subway-system-article-1.1836918|url-status=live}}</ref>

Nearby points of interest include a visitor center and trails for the [[Gateway National Recreation Area]]'s [[Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge]].<ref name="MTA-RockawaysMap-2015">{{cite web|title=MTA Neighborhood Maps: The Rockaways|url=http://web.mta.info/maps/neighborhoods/qns/Q12_Rockaways_2015.pdf|website=[[Metropolitan Transportation Authority|mta.info]]|publisher=[[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]]|access-date=July 6, 2015|date=2015|archive-date=July 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707033428/http://web.mta.info/maps/neighborhoods/qns/Q12_Rockaways_2015.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="BroadChannel-FutureUse-1962"/> The Refuge is one of the most significant bird sanctuaries in the Northeastern United States, and it is home to more than 330 bird species, making it one of the most ideal places in New York City to observe migrating birds. The visitor center is the start of many guided tours of the refuge and it is home to exhibits that discuss the history of Jamaica Bay, the wide array of wildlife that can be found there, and the impact of human activity.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nyharborparks.org/visit/jaba.html|title=Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge|last=Productions|first=Mixit|website=www.nyharborparks.org|access-date=June 8, 2017|archive-date=June 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170602095216/http://www.nyharborparks.org/visit/jaba.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{clear right}}

==Gallery==
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
File:Broad Channel.jpg|A view of the northbound platform at Broad Channel facing to the south, prior to renovations
File:Rockaway Line Work (8744150605).jpg|A view of the southern end of the station during the renovation of the line
File:Rockaway Line Work (8744151591).jpg|A view of the southbound platform facing to the north, the renovation almost complete
File:NYCT 6658 (8894931341).jpg|A vintage [[R1 (New York City Subway car)|R1]] subway car leading the first trip onto the Rockaway Line on May 30, 2013, after having been closed due to damage from Hurricane Sandy
</gallery>

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|group="note"}}

==References==

{{Reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Broad Channel station}}
* {{NYCS ref|http://www.nycsubway.org/wiki/IND_Rockaway_Line#Broad_Channel|IND Rockaway|Broad Channel}}
* Station Reporter — [https://web.archive.org/web/20050103234556/http://www.stationreporter.net/htrain.htm Rockaway Park Shuttle]
* The Subway Nut - [http://www.subwaynut.com/ind/broad_channela/index.php Broad Channel Pictures] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706140511/http://subwaynut.com/ind/broad_channela/index.php |date=July 6, 2020 }}
* [https://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=88+Street+%26+Liberty+Avenue+nyc&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=34.313287,76.552734&hnear=Liberty+Ave+%26+88th+St,+Queens,+New+York+11417&ll=40.607942,-73.816044&spn=0.003845,0.013433&z=17&lci=transit&layer=c&cbll=40.608051,-73.816092&panoid=0XCd2otB6vORpg9AELM5HA&cbp=12,60.09,,0,2.7 Entrance from Google Maps Street View]
* [https://www.google.com/maps/@40.6083374,-73.8158646,3a,75y,41.77h,89.52t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1s-n8u4mxGTZgk%2FV7_1cpGQ0PI%2FAAAAAAAARM0%2FOgzXFiENAvgeAGwtMnOUeRXXLZerfosrgCLIB!2e4!6s%2F%2Flh6.googleusercontent.com%2F-n8u4mxGTZgk%2FV7_1cpGQ0PI%2FAAAAAAAARM0%2FOgzXFiENAvgeAGwtMnOUeRXXLZerfosrgCLIB%2Fw203-h100-p-k-no%2F!7i9728!8i4864!4m3!8m2!3m1!1e1!6m1!1e1 Platforms from Google Maps Street View]

{{NYCS stations navbox by service|la=y|lh=y}}
{{NYCS stations navbox by line|rockaway=yes}}

[[Category:IND Rockaway Line stations]]
[[Category:New York City Subway stations in Queens, New York]]
[[Category:New York City Subway terminals]]
[[Category:Railway stations in the United States opened in 1956]]
[[Category:1956 establishments in New York City]]