The New York City subway is an ever-evolving network of stations and tracks that snake below the city streets. First opened in 1904, the system has morphed over the years as it has gained new branches and stations and lost others. In this list, we’ll explore parts of the Brooklyn subway that became obsolete and as a result, were either left abandoned or converted for new use.
Brooklyn Subway Tour
1. Bergen Street
When the Bergen Street station opened in 1933, in addition to the two tracks that are still in service today, there were two lower-level tracks. The station was built this way with the intention of it being an express and local station, but the lower-level tracks weren’t put into full use until the 1960s. Between 1933 and 1968 when express service started, the tracks were used sporadically whenever there was work being done to the tracks above. Express service through Bergen Street’s lower level was halted in 1976. Access to the lower levels was completely cut off from the platform above in the 1990s. At that time, the upper-level platforms were renovated, and large, silver, metal doors were installed to block staircases down to the lower platform. The lower level was allegedly damaged during these renovations and there was a fire at the relay room which rendered the tracks unusable. In 2008, the relay room was rebuilt. Express F trains resumed the use of the lower-level tracks in 2019. While the tracks are in use, the platforms are too deteriorated for the station to be a stop.
