Hewes Street Station is a vital local station on the Broadway Elevated line in Brooklyn, serving the J and M subway lines. This station, typical of the Broadway El stations, features two side platforms serving a three-track line. The central express track allows peak direction J and Z trains to bypass the station, streamlining commutes during rush hour. Whether you’re a daily commuter or an occasional visitor, understanding the nuances of Hewes Street Station can enhance your New York City subway experience.
Navigating Hewes Street Station: Layout and Key Features
Hewes Street Station is designed with a straightforward layout. Passengers will find two side platforms ready to serve local train traffic. The presence of a third, center express track is a notable feature, though it does not stop at this station. This express track is actively used by J and Z trains during weekday peak hours, specifically towards Manhattan from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm, and away from Manhattan from 1:30 pm to 8:00 pm. During these peak times, the J train still provides local service to Hewes Street Station in the non-peak direction. For evenings, late nights, and weekends, the J train makes regular stops in both directions.
Access to and from the street is primarily located at the western end of the station. Here, staircases descend from each platform leading to a renovated station house. This station house includes a free crossunder, allowing passengers to switch platforms without exiting the station. From the station house, two street stairs provide access to Broadway, just west of Hooper Street. High Exit Turnstiles are strategically placed, enabling exiting passengers to bypass the station house and proceed directly from the platform stairs to the street.
The Reopened Hewes Street Exit: Enhancing Station Accessibility
A significant improvement to Hewes Street Station is the reopened Hewes Street exit. Originally an emergency exit, this access point was officially reopened in November 2018, greatly improving passenger flow and convenience. The reopened exit consists of staircases from each platform leading down to High Entrance/Exit Turnstiles, and then to street stairs.
The street stair from the Manhattan-bound platform provides access to the north side of Broadway, situated on the short block between Hewes Street and New Montrose Avenue. For the Queens-bound platform exit, passengers will find themselves in a mezzanine area requiring a 180-degree turn before reaching the street stair. This stair leads to the south side of Broadway, directly across from the intersection with Hewes Street. It’s worth noting the unique street configuration at this location, where Hewes Street slightly jogs as it crosses Broadway, creating an offset intersection.
Art at Hewes Street Station: “El in 16 Notes”
Adding an artistic touch to the station environment, Hewes Street Station is part of the MTA Arts & Design program. The artwork, titled El in 16 Notes, was installed in 2002. Created by Mara Held, this piece features faceted glass integrated into the mezzanine windows and platform windscreens. These colorful glass panels bring vibrancy and visual interest to the station, enhancing the daily commute for passengers and reflecting the cultural initiatives within the NYC subway system.
Hewes Street Station: Connecting You on the J and M Lines
Hewes Street Station serves as a crucial link on both the J and M lines of the New York City Subway. For those traveling on the J line, the station is on the Nassau Street-Jamaica Avenue Local route, with service adjustments during peak weekday hours. Similarly, the M line, operating on the Queens Blvd-6th Avenue-Myrtle Local route, also stops at Hewes Street. This station’s location and the services it provides make it an important point for navigating Brooklyn and connecting to other parts of New York City.
