Lexington Avenue–63rd Street station

{{Infobox NYCS

| name = Lexington Avenue–63 Street

| other_name = Lexington Avenue

| accessible = yes

| image = Lex-63rd May 2017 2.jpg

| image_caption = Upper platform

| address = Lexington Avenue & East 63rd Street
New York, New York

| borough = Manhattan

| locale = Upper East Side, Lenox Hill

| coordinates = {{coord|40.764649|N|73.966398|W|display=inline,title}}

| division = BMT/IND

| line = BMT 63rd Street Line
IND 63rd Street Line

| service = 63rd Lexington

| service_header = 63rd Lexington header

| connection = {{bus icon}} NYCT Bus: {{NYC bus link|M101|M102|M103}}
{{bus icon}} MTA Bus: {{NYC bus link|BxM1}}

| transfer = With MetroCard or OMNY only:
{{NYCS transfer | transfer_service=Lexington 59th | transfer_station=Lexington Avenue/59th Street | transfer_line=New York City Subway}}
(Transfer stations are not accessible)

| platforms = 2 island platforms (1 on each level)
cross-platform interchange

| tracks = 4 (2 on each level)

| structure = Underground

| depth = {{convert|155|ft|m}}

| levels = 2

| open_date = {{start date and age|1989|10|29}}

| rebuilt = {{start date and age|2011|01|13}} to {{start date and age|2017|01|01}} (for Second Avenue Subway)

| adjacent_stations = {{Adjacent stations|system=New York City Subway

|line1=63rd IND|left1=57th Street|right1=Roosevelt Island|note-left1={{NYCS Sixth 57th-63rd|time=1}}|note-right1={{NYCS 63rd IND|time=1}}

|line2=63rd BMT|left2=57th Street–Seventh Avenue|right2=72nd Street|note-left2={{NYCS 63rd BMT southbound|time=1}}|note-right2={{NYCS Second northbound|time=1}}}}

| other_adjacent_stations = {{Adjacent stations|system=New York City Subway|line=JFK Express|left=57th Street|right=21st Street–Queensbridge|type=Reverse}}

| legend = {{NYCS infobox legend|allexceptnights}}{{NYCS infobox legend|alltimes}}{{NYCS infobox legend|limitedrush}}{{NYCS infobox legend|limitedrushpeak}}{{NYCS infobox legend|weekdaysonly}}{{NYCS infobox legend|weekendsevenings}}

| layout = {{Routemap|inline=y

|legend=track

|map=

\uSTR!~MFADEg\\\utSTR!~MFADEg\ ~~ ~~ ~~ to {{stl|NYCS|Roosevelt Island}}

\ueABZg2\uexSTRc3\\uetABZg2\uextSTRc3 ~~ ~~ ~~ (IND 63rd St Line)

numN240\ueSTR+c1\uexSTR2+4!~MFADEf\\uetSTR+tc1\uextSTR2+4!~MFADEf ~~ ~~ ~~ Future Phase 3

\uSTR\\\utSTR\

\uSTR\SEP!~MFADEg\\utSTR\ ~~ ~~ ~~ {{BSsplit|Two levels split|below this point}}

uSTR+4!~MFADEg\uSTR\SEP\utSTR+4!~MFADEg\utSTR\ ~~ ~~ ~~ to {{stl|NYCS|72nd Street|Second}}

uSTRf\uSTRf\SEP\utSTRg\utSTRg\

uPSTR(L)\uPSTR(R)\SEP\utPSTR(L)\utPSTR(R)\ ~~ ~~ ~~ Superimposed tracks

uPSTR(L)\uPSTR(R)\SEP\utPSTR(L)\utPSTR(R)\ ~~ ~~ ~~ (Left tracks over right)

uPSTR(L)\uPSTR(R)\SEP\utPSTR(L)\utPSTR(R)\

uSTR\uSTR\SEP\utSTR\utSTR\

uABZg2\uABZg3\SEP\utABZg2\utABZg3\

uABZg+1\uABZg+4\SEP\utABZg+1\utABZg+4\

uSTRf\uSTRf\SEP\utSTRg\utSTRg\

uSTR!~MFADEf\uSTR\SEP\utSTR!~MFADEf\utSTR\ ~~ ~~ ~~ to 57th Street–Seventh Ave

\uSTR!~MFADEf\SEP!~MFADEf\\utSTR!~MFADEf \~~ ~~ ~~ to {{stl|NYCS|57th Street|Sixth}} (Sixth Ave)

\\\\

uSTRq ~~ ~~ ~~Upper level

utSTRq ~~ ~~ ~~Lower level

}}

The Lexington Avenue–63rd Street station (formerly Lexington Avenue

{{citation|url=https://lccn.loc.gov/2004625771|title=1997 Subway Map|publisher=New York City Transit Authority|date=1997|website=loc.gov|access-date=May 12, 2017|quote=Lexington Avenue}}
{{citation|title=1998 Subway Map|publisher=New York City Transit Authority|date=1998|quote=Lexington Avenue}}) is a New York City Subway station in Lenox Hill, Manhattan, shared by the IND and BMT 63rd Street Lines. Located at the intersection of Lexington Avenue and 63rd Street, it is served by the F and Q trains at all times; <F> trains during rush hours in the peak direction; limited rush hour N trains; and one A.M. rush hour R train in the northbound direction only.

The station has two platform levels; trains headed southbound to downtown and Brooklyn use the upper level, while trains headed northbound to uptown and Queens use the lower level. This is one of the deepest stations in the subway system, requiring several banks of long escalators or elevators.

Construction started at this station in 1969, but as a result of the New York City fiscal crisis in 1975, the station did not open until 1989. Originally, the station was intended to be a transfer point for Sixth Avenue/Queens Boulevard and Broadway/Second Avenue services. As such, the station was designed to allow for cross-platform interchanges on both levels. However, construction of the Second Avenue Subway was halted in 1975 during the station's construction. As a result, the north side of the station, intended for service to Second Avenue, was hidden with a temporary orange brick wall, and space intended for an exit at Third Avenue was left unused. While the south side of the station opened for service in 1989, the north side was only used for storing trains.

In 2007, construction resumed on the Second Avenue Subway, and the north side of the station was renovated so it could be used. The orange wall on the platform was removed, while beige-white wall tiles were installed on the station walls adjacent to the tracks. The unopened entrance at Third Avenue was fitted with multiple elevators, and the station's false ceiling was removed. The first phase of the Second Avenue Subway opened on January 1, 2017, and ridership has increased at the station since then.

History

=Construction=

The current 63rd Street lines were the final version of proposals for a northern midtown tunnel from the IND Queens Boulevard Line to the Second and Sixth Avenue Lines, which date back to the IND Second System of the 1920s and 1930s. The Second System was a plan to expand the city-owned and -operated Independent Subway System (IND), which often ran in direct competition with the two privately owned subway companies in the city, Interborough Rapid Transit (IRT) and Brooklyn-Manhattan Transit Corporation (BMT). As a result, the plan for the line only had it connect to two planned IND lines, the Second and Sixth Avenue Lines.{{Cite Routes Not Taken}}{{Rp|246}}{{cite book|author1=Roger P. Roess|author2=Gene Sansone|title=The Wheels That Drove New York: A History of the New York City Transit System|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qfZ0VxuLoc0C&pg=PA416|date=August 23, 2012|publisher=Springer Science & Business Media|isbn=978-3-642-30484-2|pages=416–417}}{{Rp|417}}Project for Expanded Rapid Transit Facilities, New York City Transit System, dated July 5, 1939

In 1940, the subway system was unified, with the IRT and the BMT coming under city control.{{cite web|url=http://web.mta.info/nyct/facts/ffhist.htm|title=New York City Transit – History and Chronology|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|work=mta.info|access-date=May 14, 2014|archive-date=January 6, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100106080642/http://www.mta.nyc.ny.us/nyct/facts/ffhist.htm|url-status=live}} Consequently, plans for the proposed line were modified. The current plans were drawn up in the 1960s under the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's Program For Action. Under this plan, the line was to connect to the IND Sixth Avenue and BMT Broadway Lines. The IND line was to be built on the upper portion of the bi-level 63rd Street Tunnel, which would run under the East River.{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/metropolitantran00newy|title=Metropolitan transportation, a program for action. Report to Nelson A. Rockefeller, Governor of New York.|date=November 7, 1967|website=Internet Archive|access-date=October 1, 2015}} On the south side of the station are the IND 63rd Street Line tracks, which continue from the IND Sixth Avenue Line, while on the north side of the station are the BMT 63rd Street Line tracks, which continue from the BMT Broadway Line.{{NYCS const|trackref|trackbook}}{{Rp|5, 21}} Directly to the west of the station is a crossover to facilitate a connection between the BMT and IND lines.

Construction on the 63rd Street Line, including the Lexington Avenue–63rd Street station, began on November 25, 1969.{{cite web|url=http://maloney.house.gov/issues/local-issues/63rd-st-tunnel-connector|title=63rd St Tunnel Connector|work=Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney|access-date=August 8, 2015|archive-date=September 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908012022/http://maloney.house.gov/issues/local-issues/63rd-st-tunnel-connector|url-status=live}} The station was built using a combination of cut-and-cover construction and tunneling machines.{{cite news |title=Despite Protests, Judge Allows Work on 63d St. Subway Station |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1976/05/18/archives/despite-protests-judge-allows-work-on-63d-stsubway-station.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=May 18, 1976 |access-date=October 20, 2011 |archive-date=September 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930132605/http://www.nytimes.com/1976/05/18/archives/despite-protests-judge-allows-work-on-63d-stsubway-station.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Coming: Light at End Of the 63d St. Tunnel |first=Edward C. |last=Burks |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1976/09/24/archives/coming-light-at-end-of-the-63d-sttunnel.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=September 24, 1976 |page=29 |access-date=October 20, 2011 |archive-date=September 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930132252/http://www.nytimes.com/1976/09/24/archives/coming-light-at-end-of-the-63d-sttunnel.html |url-status=live }} After the construction of the Second Avenue Subway ceased in 1975 due to the city's severe fiscal crisis, the BMT 63rd Street Line side, the northern tracks, basically led to a non-existent subway line. The BMT side was abandoned and walled off with a temporary orange brick wall, and a false ceiling was placed on the upper level's IND 63rd Street Line side, the southern side.{{Rp|225}} Finishing touches were only applied to the IND side of the station. The tracks on the closed-off BMT side were used only to store trains outside of rush hour.{{cite web|url=http://ltvsquad.com/2015/11/04/abandoned-63rd-street-platform-mezzanine-circa-2004/|title=Abandoned 63rd street platform & Mezzanine, Circa 2004|last=Anastasio|first=Joseph|date=November 4, 2015|work=ltvsquad.com|access-date=April 29, 2016|archive-date=September 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919014743/https://ltvsquad.com/2015/11/04/abandoned-63rd-street-platform-mezzanine-circa-2004/|url-status=live}}

The remainder of the project faced extensive delays. As early as 1976, the Program for Action had been reduced to seven stations on the Archer Avenue and 63rd Street lines and was not projected to be complete for another decade.{{cite news |last=Burks |first=Edward C. |date=July 29, 1976 |title=New Subway Line Delayed 5 or 6 Years |page=35 |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1976/07/29/78829669.pdf |access-date=October 20, 2011}} By October 1980, officials considered stopping construction on the 63rd Street line.{{cite news |last=Andelman |first=David A. |date=October 11, 1980 |title=Tunnel Project, Five Years Old, Won't Be Used |page=25 |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1980/10/11/111805802.pdf |access-date=October 20, 2011}}{{Cite web |title=New York City Transit 63rd Street-Queens Boulevard Connection-New York City – Advancing Mobility – Research – CMAQ – Air Quality – Environment – FHWA |url=https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/Environment/air_quality/cmaq/research/advancing_mobility/03cmaq08.cfm |access-date=July 3, 2016 |website=Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) |archive-date=August 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808044438/http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/Environment/air_quality/cmaq/research/advancing_mobility/03cmaq08.cfm |url-status=live }} The MTA voted in 1984 to connect the Queens end of the tunnel to the local tracks of the IND Queens Boulevard Line at a cost of $222 million. The section of the line up to Long Island City was projected to open by the end of 1985,{{Cite news |last=Daley |first=Suzanne |date=December 15, 1984 |title=M.T.A. Votes to Extend 63rd St. Line |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/12/15/nyregion/mta-votes-to-extend-63rd-st-line.html |access-date=February 2, 2018 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203064749/http://www.nytimes.com/1984/12/15/nyregion/mta-votes-to-extend-63rd-st-line.html |url-status=live }} but flooding in the tunnel caused the opening to be delayed indefinitely.{{cite news |last=Daley |first=Suzanne |date=June 28, 1985 |title=63d St. Subway Tunnel Flawed; Opening Delayed |page=1 |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/06/28/nyregion/63d-st-subway-tunnel-flawed-opening-delayed.html |access-date=October 20, 2011 |archive-date=May 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150524172220/http://www.nytimes.com/1985/06/28/nyregion/63d-st-subway-tunnel-flawed-opening-delayed.html |url-status=live }} The MTA's contractors concluded in February 1987 that the tunnel was structurally sound,{{cite news |last=Levine |first=Richard |date=February 7, 1987 |title=M.T.A. Proposes Opening 63d Street Tunnel in '89 |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/02/07/nyregion/mta-proposes-opening-63d-street-tunnel-in-89.html |access-date=October 20, 2011 |archive-date=March 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200325091505/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/02/07/nyregion/mta-proposes-opening-63d-street-tunnel-in-89.html |url-status=live }} and the federal government's contractors affirmed this finding in June 1987.{{cite news |title=New Money Gives 63d Street Tunnel Somewhere To Go |first1=Mary |last1=Connelly |first2=Carlyle C. |last2=Douglas |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/06/28/weekinreview/the-region-new-money-gives-63d-street-tunnel-somewhere-to-go.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=June 28, 1987 |access-date=October 20, 2011 |archive-date=December 6, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101206055431/http://nytimes.com/1987/06/28/weekinreview/the-region-new-money-gives-63d-street-tunnel-somewhere-to-go.html |url-status=live }}

=Original station opens=

File:63rd Street IND 2266007422 644534ffc2.jpg

File:Lexington Av-63 St new entrance Jan 2017 13.jpg

The IND side of the station, the southern side, had been completed in 1984, when it was named the Construction Achievement Project of the Year by the Metropolitan Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers.{{cite web|url=http://www.ascemetsection.org/met-section/awards/construction-achievement-award|title=Construction Achievement Project of the Year Award|work=ASCE Metropolitan Section|access-date=November 12, 2016}}{{Dead link|date=February 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} It opened for passenger service on October 29, 1989,{{cite web|date=October 31, 2014|title=63 St Subway Extension Opened 25 Years Ago this Week|url=http://www.mta.info/news/2014/10/31/63-st-subway-extension-opened-25-years-ago-week |url-status=live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200817095216/http://www.mta.info/news/2014/10/31/63-st-subway-extension-opened-25-years-ago-week |archive-date=August 17, 2020|access-date=July 28, 2016|website=mta.info|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority}} along with the rest of the IND 63rd Street Line.{{cite news|last=Lorch|first=Donatella |date=October 29, 1989|title=The 'Subway to Nowhere' Now Goes Somewhere|page=37|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/10/29/nyregion/the-subway-to-nowhere-now-goes-somewhere.html |url-status=live|access-date=September 26, 2009|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200817095331/https://www.nytimes.com/1989/10/29/nyregion/the-subway-to-nowhere-now-goes-somewhere.html |archive-date=August 17, 2020}} Upon the station's opening, it operated as a typical one-track, one-side platform station on each level, with only the IND side in use, while the BMT side of each level was hidden beyond an orange tiled false wall. Switches on both levels connected the lines to the west of the station.{{NYCS const|trackref|nycs|3=http://www.nycsubway.org/perl/caption.pl?/img/trackmap/detail-47-63.png}}

East of this station on the IND side are turnouts heading southwest for a connection to Phase 3 of the Second Avenue Subway, clearly visible from a moving train, which would allow future service from Queens towards Midtown and Downtown Manhattan.{{cite web|url=http://www.nycsubway.org/wiki/Second_Avenue_Subway:_Completed_Portions,_1970s|title=FAQ: Completed Portions of the 2nd Avenue Subway|website=nycsubway.org|access-date=April 27, 2014|archive-date=August 23, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140823174436/http://nycsubway.org/wiki/Second_Avenue_Subway:_Completed_Portions,_1970s|url-status=live}} Also to the east, the eastbound track of the IND line rises to the upper level of the tunnel, as both IND tracks are located on the upper level of 63rd Street Tunnel for the trip under the East River. The two tracks on the lower level of that tunnel are being connected to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) via the East Side Access project. The project brings trains from the LIRR's Main Line to Grand Central Terminal.{{cite web |url=http://web.mta.info/capital/esa_alt.html |title=Project Overview |publisher=MTA.info |access-date=April 21, 2014 |archive-date=April 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200417095600/http://web.mta.info/capital/esa_alt.html |url-status=live }} The lower tunnels eventually opened in January 2023, after years of delays.{{cite web | last=Castillo | first=Alfonso A. | title=Grand Central Madison opens Wednesday, culmination of $11.1 billion East Side Access project | website=Newsday | date=January 24, 2023 | url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/transportation/grand-central-madison-opening-east-side-access-s4cp212s | access-date=January 26, 2023}}

East of this station on the BMT side, the planned track connections to the Second Avenue Subway curved slightly north. After the tracks ended, the roadbed went on for a few hundred feet before ending. With the Second Avenue Subway connection, these tunnels now merge into the tunnels of Phase 1 of the IND Second Avenue Line.{{cite web |url=http://www.columbia.edu/~brennan/abandoned/lex63.html |title=Abandoned Stations: Lexington Ave (63 St) north side |first=Joseph |last=Brennan |year=2002 |access-date=October 20, 2011 |archive-date=May 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200530192048/http://www.columbia.edu/~brennan/abandoned/lex63.html |url-status=live }}{{cite book |last=Solis |first=Julia |title=New York Underground: The Anatomy of a City |year=2005 |publisher=Routledge |location=New York |isbn=0-415-95013-9 |page=93 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EpdwcewZ2rgC&pg=PA93 |access-date=October 20, 2011}}{{Rp|93–94}}

=Expansion for the Second Avenue Subway=

In 2007, the Second Avenue Subway resumed construction.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/13/nyregion/13tunnel.html|title=Was There a Ghost? No, Just a Tunnel at the Latest Subway Groundbreaking|last=Neuman|first=William|date=April 13, 2007|work=The New York Times|access-date=June 12, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=August 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816013132/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/13/nyregion/13tunnel.html|url-status=live}} As part of the project, the station was to undergo renovation to finish the BMT side, which would serve Second Avenue Line trains. The renovation included installation of new platform staircases, new wall tiles, new columns and column cladding, new platform pavings, new entrances/exits, new low-vibration track, and new mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and communication systems.{{Cite web|url=http://web.mta.info/capital/sas_pdf/SAS%20Newsletter%2063rd-June_2015.pdf|title=June 2015 Newsletter|date=June 2015|website=mta.info|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|access-date=August 26, 2019|archive-date=June 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610234111/http://web.mta.info/capital/sas_pdf/SAS%20Newsletter%2063rd-June_2015.pdf|url-status=live}} The contract for renovation of the station was awarded to Judlau Contracting on January 13, 2011.{{cite web|url=http://thelaunchbox.blogspot.com/2000/01/contract-packaging.html|title=The Launch Box|date=January 2007|access-date=April 29, 2016|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304221444/http://thelaunchbox.blogspot.com/2000/01/contract-packaging.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://web.mta.info/capital/sas_docs/Second%20Avenue%20Subway-%20Quarterly%20Report%202011%20Q1.pdf#page=22|title=Quarter 1 2011 Report|date=2011|website=mta.info|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|page=22|access-date=August 11, 2015|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304084750/http://web.mta.info/capital/sas_docs/Second%20Avenue%20Subway-%20Quarterly%20Report%202011%20Q1.pdf#page=22|url-status=live}}

On September 22, 2011, a Second Avenue Subway tunnel-boring machine completed its run to the Lexington Avenue–63rd Street station's bellmouth from 92nd Street and Second Avenue.{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/avenue-subway-plagued-safety-violations-article-1.1360978|title=Second Avenue subway plagued with dangerous conditions and safety violations|author=Greg B. Smith|date=June 2, 2013|access-date=May 4, 2014|work=New York Daily News|archive-date=April 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413144653/http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/avenue-subway-plagued-safety-violations-article-1.1360978|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/politics/2011/09/3473217/second-avenue-subway-has-breakthrough-moment-several-billion-more-a?page=all|title=Second Avenue Subway has a breakthrough moment; several billion more are all the M.T.A. wants|last=Jose|first=Katharine|date=September 23, 2011|work=Capital NY|access-date=May 27, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140331174958/http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/politics/2011/09/3473217/second-avenue-subway-has-breakthrough-moment-several-billion-more-a?page=all|archive-date=March 31, 2014|url-status=dead}} Controlled blasting for the section of tunnel between Third Avenue/63rd Street and Second Avenue/65th Street was completed in March 2012.{{Cite web|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|website=MTA.info|url=http://web.mta.info/capital/sas_pdf/SAS%2063rd%20Newsletter%20March%202012.pdf|title=March 2012 Newsletter|date=March 2012|access-date=June 9, 2014|archive-date=July 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714153313/http://web.mta.info/capital/sas_pdf/SAS%2063rd%20Newsletter%20March%202012.pdf|url-status=live}}

The orange false walls at platform level were removed in 2012 as part of construction, but the orange tiles at the Lexington Avenue mezzanine, as well as on the corridors to platform level, were kept for the time being.{{cite web|url=http://www.mainstreetwire.com/archive/10-volume-34-issue-6-november-23-2013/2-subway-disruptions-continue-all-in-the-name-of-progress|title=Subway Disruptions Continue – All in the Name of Progress|date=November 23, 2013|website=Main Street Wire|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160216212137/http://www.mainstreetwire.com/archive/10-volume-34-issue-6-november-23-2013/2-subway-disruptions-continue-all-in-the-name-of-progress|archive-date=February 16, 2016|url-status=dead|access-date=May 27, 2014}} In spring 2012, temporary blue walls separating most of the IND and BMT sides were erected for the duration of construction.{{Cite web|url=http://web.mta.info/capital/sas_pdf/SAS%20Lex-63rd%20Station%20Area%20CAC%20Meeting%20No.4_2012May29%20v3.pdf|title=Second Avenue Subway Project: Lex Av/63rd St Station Area|date=May 29, 2012|website=mta.info|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|access-date=December 5, 2016|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304061303/http://web.mta.info/capital/sas_pdf/SAS%20Lex-63rd%20Station%20Area%20CAC%20Meeting%20No.4_2012May29%20v3.pdf|url-status=live}}{{Rp|14–15}} Both sides had large white and grey panels on the track side, as well as "temporary" tiles that said "Lex 63" at regular intervals.{{cite web|url=http://www.wnyc.org/story/second-avenue-subway/|title=Photos: No Rats, No Pillars, No People in This Peek at the 2nd Ave. Subway|last=Hinds|first=Kate|date=May 21, 2015|website=WNYC.org|access-date=July 26, 2016|archive-date=August 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803013512/http://www.wnyc.org/story/second-avenue-subway/|url-status=live}} This differed vastly from the small beige tiles that were on the IND side of the tracks from 1989 to 2013.{{cite news|url=https://nypost.com/2014/12/07/first-look-at-a-second-avenue-subway-station/|title=First look at a Second Avenue Subway station|last1=Cuozzo|first1=Steve|date=December 7, 2014|access-date=December 8, 2014|publisher=The New York Post|ref=1|archive-date=December 24, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224020231/http://nypost.com/2014/12/07/first-look-at-a-second-avenue-subway-station/|url-status=live}} New platform signs for the Second Avenue Subway were erected in December 2016.{{cite web | last=Xu | first=Susan | title=New Q Train Signs Are Up at 63rd Street on the Second Avenue Subway Line | website=Untapped Cities | date=December 16, 2016 | url=http://untappedcities.com/2016/12/16/new-q-train-signs-are-up-at-63rd-street-on-the-second-avenue-subway-line/ | access-date=December 17, 2016 | archive-date=December 20, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220175639/http://untappedcities.com/2016/12/16/new-q-train-signs-are-up-at-63rd-street-on-the-second-avenue-subway-line/ | url-status=live }}

File:SAS 4592 (8427327336).jpg

When the contract was awarded, renovation was estimated to be finished by May 2014, but the completion date had been pushed back constantly, and {{as of|August 2015|lc=yes}}, the completion date was Spring 2016,{{Cite web|url=http://web.mta.info/capital/sas_pdf/SAS%20Newsletter%2063rd-August_2015.pdf|title=August 2015 Newsletter|date=August 2015|website=mta.info|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|access-date=August 26, 2019|archive-date=June 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220619073641/http://web.mta.info/capital/sas_pdf/SAS%20Newsletter%2063rd-August_2015.pdf|url-status=live}} though this was later pushed back to Summer 2016.{{Cite web|url=http://web.mta.info/capital/sas_pdf/SAS%20Newsletter%2063rd%20-%20June%202016.pdf|title=June 2016 Newsletter|date=June 2016|website=mta.info|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|access-date=August 26, 2019|archive-date=February 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202000841/http://web.mta.info/capital/sas_pdf/SAS%20Newsletter%2063rd%20-%20June%202016.pdf|url-status=live}} {{As of|July 2015}}, the renovation was 90% complete,{{Cite web|url=http://web.mta.info/capital/sas_pdf/CB8%20SAS%20Task%20Force%20meeting%202015July14_Final_sm.pdf#page=5|title=Community Board 8 Second Avenue Subway Task Force Update|date=July 14, 2015|website=mta.info|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|page=5|access-date=December 5, 2016|archive-date=March 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316135306/http://web.mta.info/capital/sas_pdf/CB8%20SAS%20Task%20Force%20meeting%202015July14_Final_sm.pdf#page=5|url-status=live}} and {{as of|June 2016|lc=yes}}, 98% complete with only cosmetic finishes and power upgrades to be completed.

To accommodate the increased patronage expected after the beginning of Second Avenue Subway service, the MTA built four new entrances at the intersection of Third Avenue and 63rd Street, leading to a new mezzanine at the eastern end of the station. Passengers travel between the new mezzanine and the platforms using four high-speed elevators, similar to the layout of several other deep-level stations. These elevators are the most space-efficient means of transporting people.{{Cite AV media|url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/35/63rd_St_Reconstruction.png|title=63rd St Reconstruction|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|access-date=December 5, 2016|archive-date=December 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221115647/https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/35/63rd_St_Reconstruction.png|url-status=live}} These entrances opened on December 30, 2016.{{cite web|url=http://www.mta.info/news/2016/12/30/governor-cuomo-debuts-new-86th-street-subway-station-and-new-entrance-63rd-street|title=Governor Cuomo Debuts New 86th Street Subway Station and New Entrance at 63rd Street Subway Station|date=December 30, 2016|website=mta.info|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|access-date=December 31, 2016|archive-date=January 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119090649/https://www.mta.info/news/2016/12/30/governor-cuomo-debuts-new-86th-street-subway-station-and-new-entrance-63rd-street|url-status=live}} The MTA inaugurated Phase 1 of Second Avenue Subway service on January 1, 2017.{{Cite web|url=http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/NYC-Second-Avenue-Subway-Service-Begins-January-Gov-Cuomo-Says-407383455.html|title=2nd Avenue Subway Service to Begin New Year's Day: Gov. Cuomo|last=Siff|first=Andrew|date=December 19, 2016|website=NBC New York|publisher=NBC Universal Media|access-date=December 19, 2016|archive-date=December 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220191510/http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/NYC-Second-Avenue-Subway-Service-Begins-January-Gov-Cuomo-Says-407383455.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/cuomo-promises-ave-subway-open-jan-1-article-1.2915501|title=Cuomo promises Second Ave. subway will open Jan. 1|last1=Rivoli|first1=Dan|last2=Sandoval|first2=Edgar|date=December 18, 2016|website=New York Daily News|access-date=December 19, 2016|last3=Greene|first3=Leonard|archive-date=March 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309150524/https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/cuomo-promises-ave-subway-open-jan-1-article-1.2915501|url-status=live}} In 2024, Skanska was hired to replace 21 escalators across the New York City Subway system for $146 million, including 10 escalators at the Lexington Avenue–63rd Street station.{{cite web | last=Sweet | first=Rod | title=Skanska to replace 21 escalators in New York subway | website=Global Construction Review | date=January 22, 2024 | url=https://www.globalconstructionreview.com/skanska-to-replace-21-escalators-in-new-york-subway/ | access-date=February 3, 2025}}{{cite web | title=Skanska Awarded MTA 21-Escalators Replacement Contract | website=Elevator World | date=January 19, 2024 | url=https://elevatorworld.com/news/daily-news/skanska-awarded-mta-21-escalators-replacement-contract/ | access-date=February 3, 2025}}

Service history

File:Lex-63rd Out-of-System Transfer.jpg station.]]

This station opened on October 29, 1989,{{cite web|date=October 31, 2014|title=63 St Subway Extension Opened 25 Years Ago this Week|url=http://www.mta.info/news/2014/10/31/63-st-subway-extension-opened-25-years-ago-week|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817095216/http://www.mta.info/news/2014/10/31/63-st-subway-extension-opened-25-years-ago-week|archive-date=August 17, 2020|access-date=July 28, 2016|website=mta.info|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority}} along with the entire IND 63rd Street Line.{{cite news|last=Kershaw|first=Sarah|date=December 17, 2001|title=V Train Begins Service Today, Giving Queens Commuters Another Option|page=F1|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/12/17/nyregion/v-train-begins-service-today-giving-queens-commuters-another-option.html|url-status=live|access-date=October 16, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817095436/https://www.nytimes.com/2001/12/17/nyregion/v-train-begins-service-today-giving-queens-commuters-another-option.html|archive-date=August 17, 2020}} The {{NYCS|Q}} train served the station on weekdays and the {{NYCS|B}} train stopped there on weekends and late nights; both services used the Sixth Avenue Line. For the first couple of months after the station opened, the JFK Express to Kennedy Airport also served the station until it was discontinued on April 15, 1990.{{Cite news|last=Grynbaum|first=Michael M.|date=November 25, 2009|title=If You Took the Train to the Plane, Sing the Jingle|work=City Room|publisher=The New York Times|url=http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/25/if-you-took-the-plane-to-the-train-sing-the-jingle/|url-status=live|access-date=July 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721193137/https://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/25/if-you-took-the-plane-to-the-train-sing-the-jingle/|archive-date=July 21, 2020}} The tunnel had gained notoriety as the "tunnel to nowhere" both during its planning and after its opening, with 21st Street being the line's only stop in Queens.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/12/16/proposed-subway-tube-assailed-as-nowheretonowhere-link.html?_r=0|title=Proposed Subway Tube Assailed As 'Nowhere-to-Nowhere' Link|work=The New York Times|date=December 16, 1964|issn=0362-4331|url-status=live|access-date=September 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817094120/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/12/16/archives/proposed-subway-tube-assailed-as-nowheretonowhere-link.html|archive-date=August 17, 2020}}{{rp|33}}

On July 22, 2001, concurrent with the closure of the IND Sixth Avenue Line tracks of the Manhattan Bridge, B and Q train service to this station ceased and was replaced with a full-time shuttle. At this time, the northern tracks of the bridge were closed to allow for bridge repairs to take place. The southern BMT Broadway Line tracks were reopened allowing for half of the tracks on the bridge to remain open.* {{cite web|url=http://www.thejoekorner.com/scripted-ticket-display.shtm?http://www.thejoekorner.com/brochures/manyddg1.gif|title=Manhattan Bridge Service Changes B D Q Q W July 22, 2001 until 2004|date=2001|website=Thejoekorner.com|publisher=New York City Transit|access-date=October 29, 2016|page=1|archive-date=May 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506054935/http://www.thejoekorner.com/scripted-ticket-display.shtm?http://www.thejoekorner.com/brochures/manyddg1.gif|url-status=live}}

{{cite web|url=http://www.thejoekorner.com/scripted-ticket-display.shtm?http://www.thejoekorner.com/brochures/manyddg2.gif|title=Manhattan Bridge Service Changes B D Q Q W July 22, 2001 until 2004|date=2001|website=Thejoekorner.com|publisher=New York City Transit|access-date=October 29, 2016|page=2|archive-date=March 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160317233359/http://www.thejoekorner.com/scripted-ticket-display.shtm?http://www.thejoekorner.com/brochures/manyddg2.gif|url-status=live}}
{{cite web|url=http://www.thejoekorner.com/scripted-ticket-display.shtm?http://www.thejoekorner.com/brochures/manyddg3.gif|title=Manhattan Bridge Service Changes B D Q Q W July 22, 2001 until 2004|date=2001|website=Thejoekorner.com|publisher=New York City Transit|access-date=October 29, 2016|page=3|archive-date=May 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505233106/http://www.thejoekorner.com/scripted-ticket-display.shtm?http://www.thejoekorner.com/brochures/manyddg3.gif|url-status=live}}
{{cite web|url=http://www.thejoekorner.com/scripted-ticket-display.shtm?http://www.thejoekorner.com/brochures/manyddg4.gif|title=Manhattan Bridge Service Changes B D Q Q W July 22, 2001 until 2004|date=2001|website=Thejoekorner.com|publisher=New York City Transit|access-date=October 29, 2016|page=4|archive-date=March 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160317232952/http://www.thejoekorner.com/scripted-ticket-display.shtm?http://www.thejoekorner.com/brochures/manyddg4.gif|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/07/22/nyregion/new-subway-routes-take-effect-today.html|title=New Subway Routes Take Effect Today|date=July 22, 2001|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=February 21, 2016|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304140903/http://www.nytimes.com/2001/07/22/nyregion/new-subway-routes-take-effect-today.html|url-status=live}} On December 16, 2001, the 63rd Street Connector, which was built to connect the IND 63rd Street Line and the IND Queens Boulevard Line officially opened. Since then, the F train has been rerouted to serve this station at all times.{{cite report|title=Review of F Line Operations, Ridership, and Infrastructure|url=http://www.nysenate.gov/files/pdfs/flinereport_0.pdf|website=nysenate.gov|publisher=MTA New York City Transit Authority|access-date=July 28, 2015|date=October 7, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100531101000/http://www.nysenate.gov/files/pdfs/flinereport_0.pdf|archive-date=May 31, 2010|url-status=dead}}{{rp|5}}{{cite report|url=http://web.mta.info/nyct/service/G_LineReview_7_10_13.pdf|title=Review of the G Line|date=July 10, 2013|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|access-date=August 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224164006/http://web.mta.info/nyct/service/G_LineReview_7_10_13.pdf|archive-date=December 24, 2019|website=mta.info}}{{rp|2}}{{cite news|last1=O'Neill|first1=Natalie|date=April 13, 2012|title=History shows it's not the G train 'extension' — it's the G train renewal|website=The Brooklyn Paper|url=https://www.brooklynpaper.com/history-shows-its-not-the-g-train-extension-its-the-g-train-renewal/|url-status=live|access-date=August 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817095915/https://www.brooklynpaper.com/history-shows-its-not-the-g-train-extension-its-the-g-train-renewal/|archive-date=August 17, 2020}}{{cite web |url=http://www.subwaynut.com/brochures/63detour.htm |title=E, F Detour in 2001, F trains via 63 St, E no trains running, take R instead |work=The Subway Nut |access-date=October 20, 2011 |archive-date=March 2, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110302103832/http://www.subwaynut.com/brochures/63detour.htm |url-status=dead }}{{Cite news|last=Kennedy|first=Randy|date=May 25, 2001|title=Panel Approves New V Train but Shortens G Line to Make Room|page=B6|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/05/25/nyregion/panel-approves-new-v-train-but-shortens-g-line-to-make-room.html|url-status=live|access-date=March 20, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817100133/https://www.nytimes.com/2001/05/25/nyregion/panel-approves-new-v-train-but-shortens-g-line-to-make-room.html|archive-date=August 17, 2020}} When this happened, a free MetroCard out-of-system transfer to the Lexington Avenue–59th Street station was added. This was to provide a transfer to the IRT Lexington Avenue Line for F train customers as such a connection had been provided at the Lexington Avenue–53rd Street station along the previous routing of the F train.{{cite web|url=http://web.mta.info/nyct/facts/ridership/index.htm|title=mta.info – Facts and Figures|work=mta.info|access-date=August 8, 2015|archive-date=August 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150817072920/http://web.mta.info/nyct/facts/ridership/index.htm|url-status=live}}

The MTA's plans for Second Avenue Subway service extended the Q train (and selected rush-hour N train short turn trips), running via the BMT Broadway Line, along the BMT 63rd Street Line to serve this station, beyond which the trains turn north and run along the Second Avenue Line to 96th Street.{{cite web|url=http://web.mta.info/capital/sas_alt.html|title=mta.info – Capital Programs Second Avenue Subway|work=mta.info|access-date=August 8, 2015|archive-date=February 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206173426/http://web.mta.info/capital/sas_alt.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title = MTA {{!}} Press Release {{!}} NYC Transit {{!}} MTA Advances Work On Second Avenue Subway Service|url = http://www.mta.info/press-release/nyc-transit/mta-advances-work-second-avenue-subway-service|website = www.mta.info|access-date = February 19, 2016|archive-date = February 22, 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160222005540/http://www.mta.info/press-release/nyc-transit/mta-advances-work-second-avenue-subway-service|url-status = live}} This new service pattern was put into effect on January 1, 2017.{{cite web | last=McCowan | first=Candace | title=Decades in the making, Second Avenue Subway set to open to the public | website=ABC7 New York | date=December 31, 2016 | url=http://abc7ny.com/news/decades-in-the-making-second-avenue-subway-set-to-open-to-the-public/1680811/ | access-date=January 1, 2017 | archive-date=April 28, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428024658/https://abc7ny.com/news/decades-in-the-making-second-avenue-subway-set-to-open-to-the-public/1680811/ | url-status=live }}

From August 28, 2023, to April 1, 2024, F trains were rerouted via the 53rd Street Tunnel between Queens and Manhattan due to track replacement and other repairs in the 63rd Street Tunnel, and an F shuttle train ran between Lexington Avenue-63rd Street and 21st Street–Queensbridge at all times except late nights, stopping at Roosevelt Island.{{Cite web|title=Service changes on the F and M lines starting August 28|url=https://new.mta.info/article/service-changes-f-and-m-lines-starting-august-28|access-date=July 30, 2023|website=MTA|language=en}}{{cite web | title=F, M changes start Monday: What to know about the subway interruptions lasting until 2024 | website=NBC New York | date=August 25, 2023 | url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/f-m-changes-start-monday-what-to-know-about-the-subway-interruptions-lasting-until-2024/4624625/ | access-date=August 26, 2023}}

Station layout

border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=3

|style="border-bottom:solid 1px gray;border-top:solid 1px gray;" width=50|Ground

|style="border-top:solid 1px gray;border-bottom:solid 1px gray;" width=150|Street level

|style="border-top:solid 1px gray;border-bottom:solid 1px gray;" width=725|Exit/entrance, MetroCard/OMNY connection to {{NYCS Lexington-59th|time=bullets}} at Lexington Avenue–59th Street

style="border-bottom:solid 1px gray;" rowspan=2|6M

|style="border-bottom:solid 1px gray;"|Lexington Avenue mezzanine

|style="border-bottom:solid 1px gray;"|Fare control, station agent, MetroCard and OMNY machines, elevator to platforms
{{NYCS Platform Layout access|entrance=lexington}}

style="border-bottom:solid 1px gray;"|Third Avenue mezzanine

|style="border-bottom:solid 1px gray;"|Fare control, station agent, MetroCard and OMNY machines, elevators to platforms
{{NYCS Platform Layout access|entrance=third}}

style="border-bottom:solid 1px gray;"|5M

|style="border-bottom:solid 1px gray;"|

|style="border-bottom:solid 1px gray;"|Escalator/stairway landing

style="border-bottom:solid 1px gray;"|4M

|style="border-bottom:solid 1px gray;"|

|style="border-bottom:solid 1px gray;"|Escalator/stairway landing, transfer between platforms

style="border-bottom:solid 1px gray;vertical-align:top;" rowspan=3|UP
Upper Platform

|Southbound

|← {{rint|newyork|Q}} toward {{stl|NYCS|Coney Island–Stillwell Avenue}} via Brighton ({{stl|NYCS|57th Street–Seventh Avenue}})
← {{rint|newyork|N}} toward Coney Island–Stillwell Avenue via Sea Beach (limited rush hour trips) (57th Street–Seventh Avenue)

style="border:solid 2px black;text-align:center;" colspan=2|{{small|Island platform {{access icon}}}}

style="border-bottom:solid 1px gray;"|Southbound

|style="border-bottom:solid 1px gray;"|← {{rint|newyork|F}} {{rint|newyork|Fd}} toward Coney Island–Stillwell Avenue via Culver ({{stl|NYCS|57th Street|Sixth}})

style="border-bottom:solid 1px gray;vertical-align:top;" rowspan=3|LP
Lower Platform

|Northbound

|{{0|→}} {{rint|newyork|Q}} toward {{stl|NYCS|96th Street|Second}} ({{stl|NYCS|72nd Street|Second}}) →
{{0|→}} {{rint|newyork|N}} toward 96th Street (limited rush hour trips) (72nd Street) →
{{0|→}} {{rint|newyork|R}} toward 96th Street (one AM rush hour trip) (72nd Street) →

style="border:solid 2px black;text-align:center;" colspan=2|{{small|Island platform {{access icon}}}}

style="border-bottom:solid 1px gray;"|Northbound

|style="border-bottom:solid 1px gray;"|{{0|→}} {{rint|newyork|F}} {{rint|newyork|Fd}} toward {{stl|NYCS|Jamaica–179th Street}} ({{stl|NYCS|Roosevelt Island}}) →

{{multiple image

| direction = vertical

| width = 250

| image1 = Lexington_Avenue-63rd_Street_Elevator.jpg

| image2 = Lex-63rd Lex Elevator May 2017.jpg

| caption2 = Elevator to Lexington Avenue on the upper platform, before renovation (top) and after renovation (bottom)

}}

The F and Q trains serve the station at all times.{{NYCS const|timetable|F}}{{NYCS const|timetable|Q}} The train serves the station northbound during AM rush hours and southbound during PM rush hours. In addition, limited rush-hour N trains and one northbound AM rush-hour R train serve the station.{{NYCS const|timetable|N}}{{NYCS const|timetable|R}} The next station to the north is Roosevelt Island for {{NYCS 63rd IND|time=nolink}} trains and 72nd Street for {{NYCS 63rd BMT northbound|time=nolink}} trains, while the next station to the south is 57th Street for {{NYCS Sixth 63rd|time=nolink}} trains and 57th Street–Seventh Avenue for {{NYCS 63rd BMT southbound|time=nolink}} trains.{{NYCS const|map}}

From the Lexington Avenue entrance, there are two short escalators and a stair from the northwest corner, a staircase from the southwest corner, and a short elevator hidden around the corner from the escalators. As with other stations constructed as part of the Program for Action, the Lexington Avenue–63rd Street station contained technologically advanced features such as air-cooling, noise insulation, CCTV monitors, public announcement systems, electronic platform signage, and escalator and elevator entrances.{{Cite news|last=Burks|first=Edward C.|date=August 7, 1976|title=New York Improving Subways, But Still Trails Foreign Cities|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1976/08/07/archives/new-york-improving-subways-but-still-trails-foreign-cities.html|access-date=July 14, 2022|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=July 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714190811/https://www.nytimes.com/1976/08/07/archives/new-york-improving-subways-but-still-trails-foreign-cities.html|url-status=live}} From the fare control, there are two long escalators and a stair to an intermediate level, and then two shorter escalators and a pair of stairs to a lower mezzanine. Here, the bank splits and there are two separate tubes of two escalators and a stair each to each platform.

Lexington Avenue–63rd Street is a deep-level station; its upper and lower levels are about {{convert|140|ft|m}} and {{convert|155|ft|m}} deep respectively, making the station among the system's deepest. This depth is because it has to go under the IRT Lexington Avenue Line and other existing infrastructure, in addition to the IND tunnels having to go under the East River a short distance to the east. At the original (1989) mezzanine at Lexington Avenue, there are a total of eight escalators, four staircases and two elevators from the fare mezzanine to platform level. There is an in-building entrance with two escalators and a staircase, and another, stand-alone entrance with a staircase, from the street to the Lexington Avenue fare mezzanine. Two additional staircases between the platform levels are at the eastern end of platforms, past the elevator. A third staircase between the platform levels has been constructed.

An eastern mezzanine at Third Avenue, along with stairwells to the platforms, was partially completed in the 1980s but not opened along with the rest of the station. A shaftway, identical to the one on the Lexington Avenue side, contained a single stairway, as well as beams that may have been intended to support escalators. The stairway led up to an upper mezzanine whose street entrance was sealed off. This area was renovated as part of the Second Avenue Subway construction, and the shaftway was demolished.{{cite web|url=http://i.imgur.com/nCmRZqq.png|title=Map of mezzanine construction work posted outside the construction site|access-date=July 26, 2016|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304095439/http://i.imgur.com/nCmRZqq.png|url-status=live}} The new entrances constructed for the Second Avenue Subway added two new staircases, two new escalators, and five new elevators (one elevator from street level to mezzanine, and four elevators from the mezzanine to the platforms). {{As of|April 2016}}, the new entrances, escalators, and elevators had been completed. The bank of four elevators leads from the Third Avenue mezzanine to both platform levels at the eastern ends of both platforms, replacing the originally planned escalators, as they use the space more effectively.{{Cite web|url=http://web.mta.info/capital/sas_pdf/SAS%20Newsletter%2063rd-April2016.pdf|title=April 2016 Newsletter|date=April 2016|website=mta.info|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|access-date=August 26, 2019|archive-date=December 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218084119/http://web.mta.info/capital/sas_pdf/SAS%20Newsletter%2063rd-April2016.pdf|url-status=live}} On each platform level, both waiting areas have a piece of the Jean Shin artwork "Elevated." The Third Avenue entrance and mezzanine opened on December 30, 2016.

= Artwork =

File:63 Street art vc.jpg as visible from the entrance at the southeastern corner of Third Avenue and 63rd Street]]

When this station was opened in 1989, it had no artwork. During the Second Avenue Subway renovations, Jean Shin created an artwork called Elevated as part of the MTA Arts & Design program.{{cite web|url=http://gothamist.com/2014/01/22/heres_what_the_second_avenue_subway.php|title=Here's What The Second Avenue Subway Will Look Like When It's Filled With Art|date=January 22, 2014|publisher=Gothamist|author=Ben Yakas|access-date=May 5, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140330041727/http://gothamist.com/2014/01/22/heres_what_the_second_avenue_subway.php|archive-date=March 30, 2014}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/19/arts/design/second-avenue-subway-art.html|title=Art Underground: A First Look at the Second Avenue Subway|last=Kennedy|first=Randy|date=December 19, 2016|newspaper=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=December 19, 2016|archive-date=January 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170109203314/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/19/arts/design/second-avenue-subway-art.html|url-status=live}}

Shin used archival photographs of the 2nd and 3rd Avenue Elevated trains (known as els) to create compositions in ceramic tile, glass mosaic, and laminated glass. The imagery is manipulated and re-configured with each level having a different design. On the south east-corner entrance at Third Avenue, there are ceramic tiles depicting construction beams and the cranes that dismantled the el. At the mezzanine, a mosaic reveals the sky where the train had previously been present. The platform level features semi-transparent and reflective glass depicting vintage scenes of the neighborhood.{{Cite news|url=http://hyperallergic.com/348918/a-underground-tour-through-the-art-of-second-avenue-subway/|title=From Chuck Close to Sarah Sze, a Ride Through the Art of the Second Avenue Subway|last=Meier|first=Allison|date=January 3, 2017|access-date=January 13, 2017|language=en-US|newspaper=Hyperallergic|archive-date=January 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116175759/http://hyperallergic.com/348918/a-underground-tour-through-the-art-of-second-avenue-subway/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=MTA – Arts & Design {{!}} NYCT Permanent Art |url=http://web.mta.info/mta/aft/permanentart/permart.html?agency=nyct&line=Q&artist=1&station=4 |access-date=May 19, 2022 |website=web.mta.info |archive-date=May 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519165552/http://web.mta.info/mta/aft/permanentart/permart.html?agency=nyct&line=Q&artist=1&station=4 |url-status=live }}

=Exits=

File:Lex_63_St_Sta_stair_jeh.JPG

File:Lexington Av-63 St new entrance Jan 2017 01.jpg

There are 3 exits leading to Lexington Avenue that were built as part of the original 1989 station, along with 4 exits to Third Avenue{{cite web|url=http://web.mta.info/maps/neighborhoods/mn/M14_UpperEastSide2017Q.pdf|title=MTA Neighborhood Maps: Upper East Side|date=2016|website=mta.info|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|access-date=December 30, 2016|archive-date=December 31, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161231075259/http://web.mta.info/maps/neighborhoods/mn/M14_UpperEastSide2017Q.pdf|url-status=live}} that were built as part of the Second Avenue Subway. The elevator between the street level and mezzanine at Lexington Avenue was replaced in August 2015.{{Cite web|url=http://web.mta.info/mta/news/hearings/150902/public-hearing-book.pdf|title=Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Notice of Public Hearing and Description of Projects|date=September 2, 2015|website=mta.info|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|access-date=July 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202000932/http://web.mta.info/mta/news/hearings/150902/public-hearing-book.pdf|archive-date=February 2, 2017|url-status=dead}}{{Rp|6}}{{cite web|url=http://web.mta.info/accessibility/stations.htm#Lex63St|title=mta.info – Accessibility|access-date=April 29, 2016|archive-date=April 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200405201419/http://web.mta.info/accessibility/stations.htm#Lex63St|url-status=live}}

class="wikitable"

! Exit location

! Exit Type

! Number of exits

align="center"| Within building, NW corner of Lexington Avenue and 63rd Street

| Escalator and Staircase

| 1 staircase
2 escalators (1 up, 1 down)

align="center"| Next to 135 E 63rd Street
NW corner of Lexington Avenue and 63rd Street

| Elevator {{access icon}}

| 1

align="center"| SW corner of Lexington Avenue and 63rd Street

| Staircase

| 1

align="center"|Entrance 1
Within building at SE corner of Third Avenue and 63rd Street

| Escalators

| 2 escalators (1 up, 1 down)

align="center"| Entrance 2
NW corner of Third Avenue and 63rd Street

| Elevator {{access icon}}

| 1

align="center"| Entrance 3
NE corner of Third Avenue and 63rd Street

| Staircase

| 1

align="center"| Entrance 4
SW corner of Third Avenue and 63rd Street

| Staircase

| 1

=Ancillary buildings=

This station has two ancillary buildings. Ancillary 1 is at 124 East 63rd Street, and Ancillary 2 is on the north side of 63rd Street between Third and Lexington Avenues.{{Cite web|url=http://web.mta.info/capital/sas_pdf/SAS%2063rd%20Newsletter%202012.02.pdf|title=February 2012 Newsletter|date=February 2012|website=mta.info|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|access-date=August 26, 2019|archive-date=May 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200530192052/http://web.mta.info/capital/sas_pdf/SAS%2063rd%20Newsletter%202012.02.pdf|url-status=live}}

Ridership

In 2016, before the Second Avenue Subway opened, the station had 5,033,950 boardings, making it the 93rd most used station in the 422-station system. This amounted to an average of 16,988 passengers per weekday. After the Second Avenue Subway opened, there was a combined average of 28,150 boardings and transfers every weekday.{{cite web | title=news – Second Av Subway Ridership Growing Rapidly | website=mta.info | publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority | date=February 1, 2017 | url=http://www.mta.info/news/2017/02/01/second-av-subway-ridership-growing-rapidly | access-date=June 12, 2017 | archive-date=May 21, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170521012108/http://www.mta.info/news/2017/02/01/second-av-subway-ridership-growing-rapidly | url-status=live }} {{As of|2017|alt=In 2017}}, Lexington Avenue–63rd Street recorded 6,389,408 entries, making it the 70th busiest station in the 425-station system.

References

External links

{{Commons category|Lexington Avenue – 63rd Street (New York City Subway)}}

{{NYCS ref|http://www.nycsubway.org/wiki/63rd_Street_Tunnel_and_the_Second_Avenue_Subway|Second Avenue Line|Lexington Avenue–63rd Street}}
The Subway Nut – [http://subwaynut.com/ind/lexingtonf/index.php Lexington Avenue-63 Street]

Google Maps: Street View:

[https://maps.google.com/?ll=40.764811,-73.966527&spn=0.003051,0.005681&layer=c&cbll=40.764769,-73.966421&panoid=jHVJpQy-z-A2uxvVqyWZ7w&cbp=12,239.91,,0,2.55&t=m&z=18 Lexington Avenue entrance from Google Maps Street View]
[https://www.google.com/maps/@40.7649069,-73.9667423,3a,75y,34.04h,82.38t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1szTXJfMl67_FwgyhHs7Gh4g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 63rd Street western elevator from Google Maps Street View] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200530192132/https://www.google.com/maps/@40.7649069,-73.9667423,3a,75y,34.04h,82.38t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1szTXJfMl67_FwgyhHs7Gh4g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 |date=May 30, 2020 }}
[https://www.google.com/maps/@40.7639559,-73.9645533,3a,75y,190.26h,86.64t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sRB5-Wv5vzH0qR_OKPls-8g!2e0!7i16384!8i8192 Third Avenue entrance from Google Maps Street View]
[https://www.google.com/maps/@40.7641934,-73.9651209,3a,75y,117.1h,90.04t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sTyk4czGxwvwR1VPpTAeaRg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192 63rd Street eastern elevator from Google Maps Street View]
[https://www.google.com/maps/@40.764629,-73.966113,3a,75y,167.89h,87.43t/data=!3m8!1e1!3m6!1s-PMCczUe3cnw%2FV4bZi6TZijI%2FAAAAAAAAJfE%2F4JB-vgdOfwwONaLbjRLW2lsmwekdZakMACLIB!2e4!3e11!6s%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2F-PMCczUe3cnw%2FV4bZi6TZijI%2FAAAAAAAAJfE%2F4JB-vgdOfwwONaLbjRLW2lsmwekdZakMACLIB%2Fw203-h100-p-k-no%2F!7i9728!8i4864 Upper platform under construction from Google Maps Street View]
[https://www.google.com/maps/@40.7649803,-73.9661942,3a,75y,192.91h,86.41t/data=!3m8!1e1!3m6!1s-KvUJfaPNjh4%2FWHBrhuXeloI%2FAAAAAAAAZM0%2F1QqsxcTakicnE4dkGyCGTZGG-9D3kaObgCLIB!2e4!3e11!6s%2F%2Flh6.googleusercontent.com%2F-KvUJfaPNjh4%2FWHBrhuXeloI%2FAAAAAAAAZM0%2F1QqsxcTakicnE4dkGyCGTZGG-9D3kaObgCLIB%2Fw203-h100-k-no-pi-0-ya206-ro0-fo100%2F!7i7168!8i3584 Upper platform already open from Google Maps Street View]
[https://www.google.com/maps/@40.7630081,-73.9671986,3a,75y,355.48h,82.91t/data=!3m8!1e1!3m6!1s-lyuIucieenU%2FWGbalubByaI%2FAAAAAAAA2jA%2F5uBqWyt45HAJCDua9AHGGluSuyz0l9HOACLIB!2e4!3e11!6s%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2F-lyuIucieenU%2FWGbalubByaI%2FAAAAAAAA2jA%2F5uBqWyt45HAJCDua9AHGGluSuyz0l9HOACLIB%2Fw203-h100-k-no-pi-0-ya86.385254-ro-0-fo100%2F!7i11264!8i3556 Third Avenue mezzanine from Google Maps Street View] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200530192157/https://www.google.com/maps/@40.7630081,-73.9671986,3a,75y,355.48h,82.91t/data=!3m8!1e1!3m6!1s-lyuIucieenU%2FWGbalubByaI%2FAAAAAAAA2jA%2F5uBqWyt45HAJCDua9AHGGluSuyz0l9HOACLIB!2e4!3e11!6s%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2F-lyuIucieenU%2FWGbalubByaI%2FAAAAAAAA2jA%2F5uBqWyt45HAJCDua9AHGGluSuyz0l9HOACLIB%2Fw203-h100-k-no-pi-0-ya86.385254-ro-0-fo100%2F!7i11264!8i3556 |date=May 30, 2020 }}
[https://www.google.com/maps/@40.7652206,-73.9671249,3a,75y,171h,90t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1s-LeUVIMYi2K0%2FWVagBRAg8xI%2FAAAAAAAAvIs%2FNR8d5vz9ZfoHlA8klGhN8yPyETH1UeWfQCLIBGAYYCw!2e4!6s%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2F-LeUVIMYi2K0%2FWVagBRAg8xI%2FAAAAAAAAvIs%2FNR8d5vz9ZfoHlA8klGhN8yPyETH1UeWfQCLIBGAYYCw%2Fw203-h100-p-k-no%2F!7i8704!8i4352 Intermediate level from Google Maps Street View]