The Broadway Bridge is a unique vertical-lift bridge in New York City that spans the Harlem River, connecting the neighborhoods of Inwood in Manhattan and Marble Hill in the Bronx. Located at the northernmost tip of Manhattan, the bridge is a crucial link in the city’s transportation network, carrying the Broadway thoroughfare along with subway, pedestrian, and vehicle traffic. Known for its lift mechanism and strategic importance, the Broadway Bridge is both a transportation landmark and an engineering marvel.
Here’s your ultimate guide to the Broadway Bridge.
Overview of the Broadway Bridge
- Location: Connects West 220th Street in Inwood, Manhattan with Marble Hill in the Bronx.
- Bridge Type: Vertical-lift bridge; the central span lifts vertically to allow boats to pass along the Harlem River.
- Length: Approximately 558 feet (170 meters).
- Built: Originally constructed in 1895 and replaced with the current bridge in 1960.
- Managed By: New York City Department of Transportation.
- Traffic: Carries Broadway (U.S. Route 9), along with subway tracks, pedestrians, and vehicle lanes.
History of the Broadway Bridge
The original Broadway Bridge was built in 1895 as a swing bridge to accommodate the increased demand for transportation between Manhattan and the Bronx. At the time, it was a crucial link for the growing city, enabling seamless movement for pedestrians, horse-drawn carriages, and later, automobiles.
- Original Swing Bridge: The original structure operated as a swing bridge, pivoting horizontally to allow river traffic to pass. This bridge was essential to connecting the expanding neighborhoods of upper Manhattan and the Bronx.
- Modern Replacement in 1960: The current vertical-lift bridge replaced the original in 1960. It was designed with a lift mechanism to accommodate taller ships on the Harlem River while ensuring minimal disruption for vehicles and trains crossing above.
Design and Engineering of the Broadway Bridge
The Broadway Bridge is a vertical-lift bridge, a unique type of movable bridge where the central span lifts vertically between towers to allow vessels to pass along the river.
Key Engineering Features
- Vertical-Lift Mechanism: The bridge’s central section rises vertically, using a counterweight system housed in the two towers on either end. This design allows large vessels to pass while minimizing disruption to the bridge’s surface traffic.
- Steel Truss Structure: The bridge is built using a steel truss structure, providing the necessary strength and durability to support vehicular, subway, and pedestrian traffic.
- Dual Use: The bridge carries both vehicle lanes and subway tracks. The 1 train on the IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line crosses the bridge, making it a rare example of a bridge that supports heavy rail transit alongside regular traffic.
Construction and Design Updates
- In 1960, the new Broadway Bridge was constructed to replace the original swing bridge, allowing for heavier traffic and accommodating taller ships. Since then, the bridge has received several maintenance upgrades to keep it functional and safe for New York City’s growing transportation needs.
Pedestrian and Cyclist Access
The Broadway Bridge includes dedicated sidewalks on both sides, providing safe passage for pedestrians and cyclists. The bridge offers unique views of the Harlem River, nearby parks, and surrounding cityscape, making it a scenic spot for a stroll or bike ride.
- Sidewalk Access: Each side of the bridge has a dedicated sidewalk separated from vehicle lanes, ensuring safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Scenic Views: The elevated views of the Harlem River and surrounding neighborhoods make it a pleasant route for those exploring northern Manhattan and the Bronx on foot or by bike.
Nearby Attractions
The Broadway Bridge connects two diverse neighborhoods—Inwood in Manhattan and Marble Hill in the Bronx—each with its own attractions, parks, and historic sites.
In Inwood, Manhattan
- Inwood Hill Park: A large park near the bridge, known for its old-growth forest, hiking trails, and scenic views of the Hudson and Harlem Rivers. It’s one of the best places in Manhattan for outdoor activities and birdwatching.
- Dyckman Farmhouse Museum: Manhattan’s oldest remaining farmhouse, this museum offers a look at colonial-era New York and the Dutch heritage of the area.
- Fort Tryon Park: A short distance south of the bridge, this park is home to The Met Cloisters, which houses an impressive collection of medieval art and architecture.
In Marble Hill, Bronx
- Marble Hill Playground: A local playground with recreational facilities, ideal for families and kids.
- Van Cortlandt Park: One of New York City’s largest parks, located a short distance north of Marble Hill. The park features hiking trails, a golf course, sports fields, and the historic Van Cortlandt House Museum.
- Bronx Community College: Located nearby, this campus is home to the Hall of Fame for Great Americans, a scenic colonnade honoring influential figures in American history.
Getting to the Broadway Bridge
The Broadway Bridge is accessible via public transportation, bike, or on foot, making it easy to reach from both Manhattan and the Bronx.
Subway Lines
- 1 Train: The 1 train crosses the Broadway Bridge, with stops at 215th Street on the Manhattan side and 225th Street on the Bronx side. It’s the only subway line in the city that crosses this bridge.
Bus Routes
Several MTA bus routes serve the area around the Broadway Bridge, including:
- Bx7: Travels along Broadway, connecting parts of the Bronx and Manhattan.
- Bx20: Serves the Inwood and Marble Hill neighborhoods.
Why Visit the Broadway Bridge
Engineering Marvel and Unique Design
As a vertical-lift bridge that carries both subway and vehicle traffic, the Broadway Bridge is an impressive example of bridge engineering. Its lift mechanism is a fascinating sight, especially when raised to allow boats to pass along the Harlem River.
Scenic Views and Photography Opportunities
The bridge’s elevated views of the Harlem River and nearby neighborhoods make it a great spot for photography, whether you’re capturing the river, the surrounding parks, or the unique bridge structure itself.
Convenient Link Between Manhattan and the Bronx
The Broadway Bridge provides a vital connection for commuters, pedestrians, and cyclists traveling between Manhattan and the Bronx. Its proximity to parks, historic sites, and neighborhoods makes it a convenient route for exploring northern Manhattan and the Bronx.
Fun Facts about the Broadway Bridge
- Dual Purpose: The Broadway Bridge is one of the few bridges in New York that carries both subway tracks and regular traffic, making it unique in the city’s infrastructure.
- Historic Landmark: The original swing bridge that occupied this location dates back to 1895, showcasing over a century of history in New York’s bridge design.
- Marble Hill’s Odd Geography: Although located in the Bronx, Marble Hill was historically part of Manhattan and is now isolated on the Bronx side of the Harlem River due to a change in the river’s course.
Tips for Visiting the Broadway Bridge
- Best Time for Photos: Early morning and sunset provide the best lighting for photography, capturing both the bridge’s architecture and scenic river views.
- Combine with a Park Visit: Plan a visit to Inwood Hill Park or Van Cortlandt Park, both located near the bridge, to make a day of exploring Upper Manhattan and the Bronx.
- Watch the Lift in Action: If you’re lucky, you may get to see the bridge’s lift mechanism in action, as it occasionally raises to allow river traffic to pass. This is a unique sight, and it’s a reminder of the bridge’s original function as a movable structure.
Conclusion
The Broadway Bridge is more than just a crossing over the Harlem River—it’s a vital transportation link, an engineering landmark, and a gateway between two historic New York City neighborhoods. Its vertical-lift design, dual purpose as a subway and vehicle bridge, and scenic views make it an interesting destination for commuters, tourists, and locals alike. Whether you’re exploring the nearby parks, marveling at its engineering, or enjoying the views of the Harlem River, the Broadway Bridge offers a unique glimpse into New York’s infrastructure and history.
