Visually, the Henry Hudson Bridge is striking. Its sweeping steel arch and elevated perch over Spuyten Duyvil Creek make it a dramatic landmark. But driving it, especially southbound into the Bronx on the lower deck, felt surprisingly dull. The view is limited, the ride uneventful, and the sense of grandeur fades once you're beneath the upper span. The bridge connects northern Manhattan's Inwood Hill Park with the Bronx's Spuyten Duyvil neighborhood, serving as both a scenic gateway and a utilitarian link in the Henry Hudson Parkway system.
The bridge officially opened on December 12, 1936, and was a marvel of its time. Upon completion, it held the distinction of being the longest plate girder arch and fixed arch bridge in the world, boasting a main span of 841 feet and stretching a total of 2,208 feet across the waterway. Its design reflected the bold ambitions of New Deal-era infrastructure - elegant, efficient, and built to last.
Originally constructed with a single deck, the bridge was engineered with future expansion in mind. That foresight paid off quickly: just 18 months later, a second level was added to accommodate growing traffic. The new upper deck began carrying northbound vehicles, while the original lower deck was reassigned for southbound use. This split-level configuration remains in place today.
As for tolls... yes, there is one, but only for those heading southbound into Manhattan. Northbound drivers into the Bronx cross for free, a quirk that feels like a small reward for leaving the...
Read moreThe Henry Hudson Bridge:
Construction Started and Opening Date: 1935 and December 12, 1936. Connection: Connects the Spuyten Duyvil neighborhood in the Bronx with the northern tip of Manhattan over the Spuyten Duyvil Creek. Length: 2,540 feet (774 meters). Pedestrian Walkways: Includes pedestrian walkways are available. Main Material: Steel. Type of Bridge: Steel arch bridge. Owner and Fees: Owned by the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority (MTA Bridges and Tunnels). Updated toll rates for one-way trips are as follows: E-ZPass (NYCSC): $3.18 Mid-Tier (NYCSC): $5.04 Tolls by Mail / Non-NYCSC E-ZPass: $8.25
No toll for pedestrians...
Read moreVERY NICE BRIDGE FROM WEST SIDE MANHATTAN TO BRONX RIVERDALE . THIS BRIDGE IS NEXT TO HISTORY ,ON MANHATTAN SIDE IS A THE ONLY UNTOUCHED MOUNTAINOUS HILL MILLIONS YEARS OLD THATS HOW MANHATTAN LOOKED ALOT STREAMS, MOUNTAINS ON THIS VERY MOUNTAIN THERES CAVES UNTOUCHED THAT THE INDIANS WHO LIVED HERE LEFT. SUMMER TIME THERES TOURS WITH PARK DEPT. SMALL ABOUT 2 n half FEET WIDE TO CRAWL IN N SLEEP COVER ENTRANCE WITH HIDE THEY DID. ALSO WAY BEFORE THIS BEAUTIFUL BRIDGE 400 YEARS AGO ON THE TOP OF MOUNTAIN THE INDIANS SAW ON MANHATTAN SIDE BIG SHIPS THEY NEVER EVEN SEEN" HENRY HUDSON " COMING UP TO EXPLORE THIS...
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