The Henry Hudson Bridge is a prominent steel arch toll bridge in New York City, connecting the Spuyten Duyvil neighborhood in the Bronx to Inwood in Manhattan. Spanning the Harlem River, it carries the Henry Hudson Parkway and offers scenic views of the surrounding parks and waterfront. Opened in 1936 and named after the famous explorer Henry Hudson, this bridge is part of New York’s extensive parkway system and serves as a crucial link between Manhattan and the Bronx, as well as a popular route for commuters.
Here’s your ultimate guide to the Henry Hudson Bridge.
Overview of the Henry Hudson Bridge
- Location: Spans the Harlem River between Spuyten Duyvil in the Bronx and Inwood in Manhattan.
- Bridge Type: Steel arch bridge.
- Length: Approximately 2,000 feet (610 meters).
- Opened: December 12, 1936.
- Managed By: MTA Bridges and Tunnels.
- Traffic: Carries the Henry Hudson Parkway (NY-9A) with six lanes of traffic.
History of the Henry Hudson Bridge
The Henry Hudson Bridge was commissioned as part of the Henry Hudson Parkway, a scenic roadway designed to provide a direct connection from Manhattan to Westchester County while preserving views of the Hudson River. The bridge’s construction was overseen by Robert Moses, New York’s master planner, and was completed in 1936.
- Designed for Scenic Value: From its inception, the bridge was designed with aesthetics in mind to blend into the surrounding natural landscape, including Inwood Hill Park and the Harlem River.
- Construction and Expansion: Initially, the bridge had only a single deck with three lanes. Due to increasing traffic, a second lower deck was added in 1938, just two years after its opening, doubling its capacity.
- Named for an Explorer: The bridge is named after Henry Hudson, the English explorer who navigated the Hudson River in 1609. His legacy and exploration of the area inspired the name for both the bridge and the parkway.
Design and Engineering of the Henry Hudson Bridge
The Henry Hudson Bridge is a steel arch bridge that combines structural strength with a visually appealing design that complements its natural surroundings.
Key Engineering Features
- Double-Decked Design: The bridge has two decks, with three lanes on each deck, providing six lanes of traffic. This structure allows it to accommodate high volumes of vehicles while maintaining an open, airy design.
- Steel Arch Span: The main arch spans 840 feet across the Harlem River, supported by two stone towers on each side. The arch’s graceful, curved shape adds to the bridge’s scenic appeal.
- Height and Scenic Views: The bridge sits 142 feet above the river, offering drivers sweeping views of the Hudson and Harlem Rivers, the Palisades, and the nearby green spaces.
Architectural Style
- The bridge’s understated steel structure and natural stone towers were designed to harmonize with the nearby parks, creating a seamless blend between infrastructure and nature. Its clean, open design exemplifies the elegance and functionality of New York’s parkway bridges.
Tolling and Traffic
The Henry Hudson Bridge is a toll bridge, with tolls collected only for southbound traffic entering Manhattan.
- Tolling System: The bridge uses Open Road Tolling (ORT), meaning there are no toll booths. Tolls are collected electronically via E-ZPass, or bills are sent by mail for vehicles without E-ZPass.
- Toll Rates: As of 2023, tolls for passenger vehicles are $7.75 without E-ZPass and $3.00 to $6.55 with E-ZPass, depending on the commuter plan and time of day.
- Vehicle Restrictions: Since the bridge is part of the parkway system, large trucks and commercial vehicles are prohibited from using the bridge, maintaining its scenic and light traffic profile.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Access
The Henry Hudson Bridge does not have designated pedestrian or bike lanes, as it primarily serves as a vehicular bridge for commuters. However, pedestrians and cyclists can cross nearby bridges such as the Broadway Bridge to the east or the George Washington Bridge further south for crossings into the Bronx or Manhattan.
Nearby Attractions and Things to Do
The Henry Hudson Bridge is surrounded by parks, natural areas, and historic neighborhoods on both the Bronx and Manhattan sides, making it a scenic area for exploration.
In Inwood, Manhattan
- Inwood Hill Park: Located directly below the bridge, this park offers trails, historic sites, and views of the Harlem and Hudson Rivers. It’s one of Manhattan’s last remaining natural forests and provides a peaceful escape for hiking and birdwatching.
- Dyckman Farmhouse Museum: A short distance from the bridge, this 18th-century farmhouse is the oldest remaining farmhouse in Manhattan, offering a glimpse into the city’s colonial past.
- Fort Tryon Park: Just south of Inwood, Fort Tryon Park is home to The Met Cloisters, a museum dedicated to medieval European art and architecture, along with gardens and scenic river views.
In Spuyten Duyvil, the Bronx
- Spuyten Duyvil Shorefront Park: A small park on the Bronx side offering river views and a quiet spot for relaxation.
- Riverdale Park: A larger park with walking trails, picnic areas, and scenic overlooks along the Hudson River, ideal for outdoor activities and enjoying the views.
- Wave Hill: Located a bit further north in Riverdale, Wave Hill is a public garden and cultural center featuring beautifully maintained gardens, greenhouses, and seasonal art exhibitions.
Getting to the Henry Hudson Bridge
The Henry Hudson Bridge is accessible by vehicle, and nearby public transit options make it easy to reach surrounding neighborhoods for those exploring the area.
By Subway (Manhattan Side)
- 1 Train: Stops at 215th Street in Inwood, within walking distance of Inwood Hill Park and views of the bridge.
By Metro-North Railroad (Bronx Side)
- Hudson Line: The Spuyten Duyvil station on the Metro-North Hudson Line is close to the bridge, providing access to the Bronx side for commuters and tourists.
By Car
- The Henry Hudson Bridge is part of the Henry Hudson Parkway, accessible from points throughout Manhattan and the Bronx. Drivers should note that this is a toll bridge with electronic tolling only.
Why Visit the Henry Hudson Bridge Area
Scenic Views and Natural Surroundings
The Henry Hudson Bridge is located in a scenic area, surrounded by parks and waterfront views. It’s an excellent spot for anyone looking to experience New York’s natural beauty, with access to Inwood Hill Park and views of the Hudson River.
Architectural and Engineering Significance
The bridge’s double-decked steel arch design represents a classic example of early 20th-century parkway bridge construction, blending aesthetics with function. For those interested in engineering or architecture, the bridge’s form and integration with the parkway make it a noteworthy visit.
Easy Access to Historical and Cultural Sites
With attractions like the Dyckman Farmhouse Museum, Wave Hill, and The Met Cloisters nearby, the bridge area offers an excellent mix of historical, cultural, and natural experiences.
Fun Facts about the Henry Hudson Bridge
- Record-Breaking Arch: At the time of its completion, the Henry Hudson Bridge’s steel arch was the longest in the world, a title it held briefly until other bridges surpassed it.
- Named for an Explorer: The bridge and parkway are named after Henry Hudson, the English explorer who famously sailed up the river that now bears his name in 1609.
- Robert Moses Vision: The bridge was part of Robert Moses’ vision to create scenic parkways that would connect New York City with the surrounding regions while preserving natural beauty along the route.
Tips for Visiting the Henry Hudson Bridge Area
- Best Times for Photos: Early mornings and late afternoons offer soft lighting and quieter conditions, perfect for photographing the bridge and surrounding natural areas.
- Explore Nearby Parks: Plan to spend time in Inwood Hill Park or Wave Hill to experience the local parks, which provide river views, trails, and outdoor activities.
- Travel Smart with E-ZPass: If you’re driving, using an E-ZPass will save you time and money on tolls, especially during peak hours.
Conclusion
The Henry Hudson Bridge is more than just a vital transportation link—it’s a scenic gateway between Manhattan and the Bronx that celebrates New York’s natural beauty and innovative infrastructure. With its double-decked steel arch, picturesque location over the Harlem River, and proximity to parks and cultural sites, the bridge area is a wonderful destination for those interested in exploring New York’s history, architecture, and green spaces. Whether you’re driving across it, viewing it from Inwood Hill Park, or exploring nearby attractions, the Henry Hudson Bridge area offers a peaceful escape and a unique perspective on the city.
