Union Turnpike (New York)
Union Turnpike is a thoroughfare stretching across central and eastern Queens in New York City. It runs from Myrtle Avenue in Glendale to Marcus Avenue in North New Hyde Park, about a mile into Nassau County, New York. Initially designed as a toll road, it takes a straight-arrow path from Kew Gardens Hills towards Glen Oaks and Floral Park on the Queens-Nassau border. At the time, Union Turnpike traveled through relatively undeveloped areas, serving as a border between the towns of Flushing and Jamaica. Though both towns were absorbed into New York City in 1898, the division is evident today in the addresses. Buildings on the north side begin with a 113- ZIP code, indicating Flushing, and buildings to the south begin with a 114-.
Union Turnpike from New Hyde Park to Woodhaven, Queens symbolizes the Union Racetrack that was once the famous attraction for residents in Queens.
Prior to the construction of Grand Central Parkway in the 1930s, Union Turnpike was heavily used, and developed businesses throughout its length. Among the landmarks found along the turnpike are Forest Park, Queens Borough Hall, St. John's University, and Creedmoor Psychiatric Center. The turnpike crosses into Nassau County at the city's easternmost point on Langdale Street, two blocks past the city's highest-numbered street (271st Street). North of the turnpike at this point is Glen Oaks and south of it is Floral Park, both sharing the same ZIP code (11004). It then enters the hamlet of of North New Hyde Park.
With the exception of a section in Glendale, most of Union Turnpike consists of four traffic lanes divided by a narrow concrete median. The Glendale section contains a wide mall with trees, and in Kew Gardens, the turnpike flanks the Jackie Robinson Parkway rising dramatically above the Long Island Rail Road, before dipping below Queens Boulevard. Though it appears to be a service road for the parkway, it does not function as such. There is no direct access with the parkway (there is, however, partial access to the Grand Central Parkway.) In fact, this section has its own full diamond interchange with Queens Boulevard.
Between Queens Boulevard in Kew Gardens and the city line, the Q46 bus line travels along Union Turnpike. The QM1 and QM1A express routes also run along this section. The Q23 terminates on Union Turnpike near Woodhaven Boulevard in Forest Hills.