Willis Avenue Bridge

21 Bridges grossed $28.5 million in the United States and Canada, and $21.4 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $49.9 million, against a production budget of $33 million.

Andre Davis is a successful NYPD Detective like his father, who was murdered on duty when Davis was 13. Struggling with his father’s legacy, Davis has earned a reputation for killing several criminals over the years, although he claims they were all in self-defense and is uncomfortable with the label.In the United States and Canada, the film was released alongside A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood and Frozen II, and was projected to gross $10–12 million from 2,655 theaters in its opening weekend. The film made $3.3 million on its first day, including $770,000 from Thursday night previews. It went on to debut to $9.3 million, finishing fourth at the box office. The film fell 37% in its second weekend, making $5.8 million and finishing sixth.

On July 11, 2018, it was announced that Chadwick Boseman would star in the film, then known under the title 17 Bridges, with Brian Kirk directing. J. K. Simmons, Sienna Miller and Taylor Kitsch were cast in September. Chris Pratt, Andrew Koji, Will Yun Lee, and Lewis Tan were also considered for roles. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 54% based on 138 reviews, with an average score of 5.5/10. The website’s critics consensus reads, “21 Bridges covers its beat competently enough, but given its impressive cast, this cop thriller should be more arresting than it is.” On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 51 out of 100, based on 32 critics, indicating “mixed or average reviews”. Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of “B+” on an A+ to F scale, while those at PostTrak gave it an average 4 out of 5 stars, with 57% saying they would definitely recommend it. Davis and Burns catch up to Michael and Ray; after accidentally killing a civilian, Ray is fatally wounded by Davis. Michael holds Burns at gunpoint, telling Davis about the drives and how suspicious everything is, before escaping. Burns scolds Davis for letting Michael escape despite Davis’ reputation. In a hotel room, Michael unlocks the drives, realizing that McKenna’s precinct was involved in trafficking the drugs from the winery and earning profits for it, and that some of the cops he and Ray had killed in the shootout had been corrupt. After another chase where Michael abandons his money, Davis manages to corner him on a subway train and convinces him to surrender, promising to keep him alive. Burns, who has also boarded the train, suddenly shoots Michael, claiming when he berates her that she thought Michael was still holding Davis at gunpoint. Michael secretly gives Davis the drives and password before dying. As the police congratulate the two for their efforts, Davis discovers that Burns had contacted Kelly before Adi’s apartment was raided.Adi, a money launderer, gives Michael and Ray new identities and tells them to depart for Miami the next morning. However, before he can secure their money in an offshore account, a team of NYPD officers led by Lieutenant Kelly manages to locate and raid his apartment. Adi is mortally wounded but gives Michael two flash drives and their password.

As Ray and Michael go with their liaison, Bush, to meet their buyer, Hawk, who gives them $1 million, Davis and Burns manage to identify all three. Bush is soon gunned down by Butchco and Dugan in a nightclub. After catching Butchco planting his backup sidearm on Bush’s body and briefly scuffling with him, Davis becomes more suspicious of his colleagues.21 Bridges is a 2019 American action thriller film directed by Brian Kirk and written by Adam Mervis and Matthew Michael Carnahan, based on a story by Mervis. The film stars Chadwick Boseman as an NYPD Detective who shuts down the 21 river crossings of Manhattan to find two suspected cop killers, portrayed by Stephan James and Taylor Kitsch. Sienna Miller, Keith David and J. K. Simmons appear in supporting roles. The film was produced by brothers Joe and Anthony Russo, Mike Larocca, Robert Simonds, Gigi Pritzker, Boseman (in his only producing credit) and Logan Coles.

The project was announced as 17 Bridges in July 2018. Principal photography began on September 24, 2018 in New York City, primarily Brooklyn, and also took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Several members of the cast joined the film in October 2018, including James and David.The film was released in digital download on February 4, 2020 and also released on DVD and Blu-ray on February 18, 2020. Over its first two weeks of release the film totaled $3.2 million in sales.

21 Bridges was theatrically released in the United States on November 22, 2019, by STXfilms. It received mixed reviews from critics and grossed $49 million worldwide on a $33 million production budget.Filming began on September 24, with production occurring between New York City and Philadelphia. Keith David, Morocco Omari, Stephan James and Jamie Neumann joined in October 2018. Sienna Miller would later reveal just after his death that Boseman donated part of his salary to her in order to have her fairly compensated when STX did not meet her requested pay.

One night, Michael Trujillo and Ray Jackson, two small-time criminals and ex-military soldiers, attempt to steal 30 kilograms of cocaine from a wine shop in Brooklyn. They find three hundred instead, and when a group of officers from the NYPD’s 85th Precinct arrives, Ray guns them down in a shootout, killing seven and wounding another, who later dies in the hospital. After they escape into Manhattan with 50 kilograms, Michael chastises Ray for putting them in jeopardy by killing cops. Assigned to the case, Davis and NYPD Narcotics Detective Frankie Burns come into conflict with Sgt. Butchco and Sgt. Dugan, who attempt to allow FBI Special Agents to take it over. Reasoning that the criminals would have to sell the cocaine in Manhattan before escaping the state, Davis secures the reluctant approval of the Deputy Mayor, the FBI, and the precinct’s head, Captain McKenna, for Manhattan Island to be locked down until 5 a.m.The next morning, McKenna returns home to find Davis holding him at gunpoint, having accessed the drives. McKenna explains that the officers went into drug trafficking because they were struggling to survive on a measly pay. Davis, refusing to walk away, kills the arriving Butchco, Dugan and Kelly – who were all on McKenna’s payroll – then McKenna, who refuses to surrender. Burns, whom Davis deduced was also allied with McKenna, appears from behind and holds Davis at gunpoint, but surrenders after Davis reveals that he had already leaked the information online, exposing all the corrupt cops in New York, and reasons that her daughter would live without her mother should she get a life sentence for killing him.Just upstream, the Third Avenue Bridge carries southbound traffic across the Harlem River from the Bronx to Manhattan as the other side of a one-way pair. That bridge was replaced in 2004.The Department of Transportation opted to construct a new structure to the south of the existing bridge at a projected cost of $417 million. On March 8, 2007, when bidding for construction was opened, of the two bids offered, the lowest came in at $612 million. Iris Weinshall, the department commissioner, said that the city had to go forward with the project because maintenance of the existing bridge was too expensive and the design of the ramps contributed to frequent accidents. This was the most costly bridge construction project by the New York City Department of Transportation. Weinshall expected the project to last five years with construction beginning around the end of 2007.

Due to its poor condition, the bridge was replaced starting in 2007 and converted to pedestrian-only traffic for three years, and then was dismantled once a sidewalk was put in on the new bridge.

The Willis Avenue Bridge is a swing bridge that carries road traffic northbound (and bicycles and pedestrians both ways) over the Harlem River between the New York City boroughs of Manhattan and the Bronx, United States. It connects First Avenue in Manhattan with Willis Avenue in the Bronx. The New York City Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining and operating the bridge.

The bridge opened in 1901, at an original construction cost of $1,640,523.11 and a land cost of $803,988.37. It consisted of a swing span, and a fixed truss span. Major reinforcing work was done in 1916. However, in 1941, the bridge failed monthly inspection and therefore was converted to one-way operation northbound on August 5, 1941 on the same day the Third Avenue Bridge was similarly converted to one-way southbound.

In a famous publicity photo for the film Midnight Cowboy, Joe Buck and Ratso Rizzo (Jon Voight and Dustin Hoffman) are seen walking on the old Willis Avenue Bridge.The replacement bridge was constructed at Port of Coeymans, 10 miles south of Albany. On July 13, 2010, the bridge was shipped down the Hudson on two barges that were welded together. The new bridge is 350 feet long, 65 feet high and 77 feet wide; it required three tugboats to propel it. The sight of the floating bridge caused a stir among onlookers all along the Hudson. After a stay at Port Jersey in Jersey City it was towed up the East River to its destination in the morning on July 26. Motor traffic was shifted to the new bridge on October 2, 2010, though the walkway of the old bridge continued to serve pedestrians and cyclists for a few weeks.

UrbanTech was contracted with Kiewit-Weeks JV to provide construction engineering services, notably the float-in procedure of the new 350 feet steel truss swing span and the float-out sequences of the existing bridge span. Detailed finite element analysis model was constructed to predict the structural behavior of the bridge under dynamic wind loads, wave loads, collision loads, and ballasting loads during the transportation of the bridge on barge. The results of these analyses were integral in determining barge stability, construction sequences, feasibility of means and methods, and cost effectiveness of construction procedures.Additionally, UrbanTech developed an in-depth finite element model of the Willis Avenue Bridge swing span for geometric control, including camber design, truss erection sequences, and monitoring and testing of the bridge reactions to the end machinery. UrbanTech also designed the sea-fastening system, erection falsework, and temporary loop tie-in.

The replacement of the Willis Avenue Bridge was part of the Improvement of East River Bridges project from 2000-2012, along with 145th Street Bridge and Third Avenue Bridge. Due to the East Harlem River’s strategic importance as a vital navigation connection to the ocean and in land shipping traffic, an offline replacement scheme was proposed for the main and approach span to keep the existing bridge in service while constructing the new bridge to the south.

Past presentations: Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) Interim Repairs – presented to community meeting organized by Assembly Member Carroll alongside Councilmembers Shahana Hanif and Rita Joseph on September 22nd, 2022 (pdf) Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) – Interim Repairs (pdf)

NYC DOT owns, operates, and maintains 789 bridges and tunnels throughout New York, including the Brooklyn, Ed Koch Queensboro, Manhattan and Williamsburg Bridges, 24 movable bridges, and four tunnels. There are no tolls on bridges operated by NYC DOT. Some bridges in New York City are operated by other agencies.Ten bridges in New York City had been awarded some degree of landmark status, including seven that under DOT’s jurisdiction: the Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queensboro, Washington, University Heights, Carroll Street and Macombs Dam Bridges. The three landmarked bridges not operated by DOT are the George Washington Bridge (Port Authority), the High Bridge (NYC Department of Parks & Recreation), and Hell Gate Bridge (Amtrak).

DOT publishes an annual Bridge and Tunnel Condition Report that describes the recent and planned maintenance and capital projects on DOT bridges. Read more DOT bridge publications in the DOT Library

The Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge is the busiest DOT bridge—on an average weekday in 2010, 178,000 vehicles crossed it. The next most-used DOT bridge was the Mill Basin Bridge, with 141,000 crossings. The Brooklyn Bridge had 124,000 crossings, the Williamsburg Bridge had 111,000 crossings and the Manhattan Bridge saw 75,000 crossings by vehicles on the average weekday. The quietest DOT-operated bridge was the historic Carroll Street Bridge, with 1,000 crossingsThe MTA operates bridges and tunnels on the Metro-North Railroad, Long Island Railroad, and subway systems. MTA Bridges and Tunnels operates the following roadway bridges and tunnels:

NYC DOT plans to rehabilitate John Finley Walk, the promenade above the FDR Drive between E. 81st and E. 90th streets. The project, which is being managed by NYC DOT on behalf of NYC Parks, will implement structural repairs to the underside of the deck, repair walls along the roadway, and replace concrete girders. It will also make important upgrades, eliminating uneven surfaces, improving drainage, replacing the pedestrian railings, and replacing street lighting and benches along the entire span. The $80 million project will bring needed state of good repair improvements to the 1930s top-level structure. John Finley Walk, Promenade over FDR Drive – presented to Manhattan Community Board 8 Transportation and Parks Committees in June 2021 (pdf)

This project is for the rehabilitation, and/or replacement of approximately 1.5 miles of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE)/I-278 in the Borough of Brooklyn, New York, with a significant portion of its length supported by 21 bridges, including a unique 0.4-mile long triple-cantilever structure. This segment of the BQE is a critical link of I-278, which is the sole interstate highway in Brooklyn connecting Brooklyn with Queens, the Bronx, and New England to the North/East, and Staten Island and New Jersey to the South/West. The Project extends between Sands Street on the east and Atlantic Avenue on the west including the entire Atlantic Avenue interchange in the Borough of Brooklyn, New York.By the early 2000s, the Willis Avenue Bridge exhibited the effects of age, weather and the continual, daily usage by motor vehicles. As part of a $612 million project, DOT completely replaced the bridge, including the FDR Drive approach ramp and the ramp onto Bruckner Boulevard in 2010. The project is ongoing, as DOT completes reconstruction work on surrounding ramps and approaches. The project is a major component of DOT’s long range Harlem River Bridges program, which has so far reconstructed or replaced the Macombs Dam, Third Avenue, Madison Avenue, 145th Street and University Heights Bridges. By the turn of the 20th century, intensified manufacturing development in the southern Bronx had rendered the Third Avenue Bridge inadequate for traffic demand. In 1894 the State Legislature authorized a new bridge to be built in the same location where a ferry ran in the 17th century. After a delay due to a right-of-way conflict with the New Haven Railroad, the bridge opened on August 22, 1901, at a cost of $2,444,511. Significant work to strengthen the structure was performed in 1916, when the Union Railway Company routed a trolley line across the bridge. On July 12, 2010 the swing span was loaded onto barges and began a 135 nautical mile journey to NY Harbor passing underneath 14 bridges. On July 26, the bridge traveled on barges to its permanent location along the East River. The bridge is 350 feet long and weighs 2,400 tons. Read the press release about the bridge’s arrival in New York City Read the Mayor’s press release about the bridge’s installation in the BronxThe new Willis Avenue Bridge was built to current engineering design standards and features a direct connection from the FDR to the northbound Major Deegan Expressway in the Bronx. It has wider lanes than the old bridge, and a combined pedestrian/bicycle pathway along its north side. A symbolic portion of the original Willis Avenue Bridge will be retained as a monument in Harlem River Park.

The bridge’s steel members were manufactured in Wisconsin, and the bridge itself was assembled in Coeymans, New York. This work is part of more than $5 billion in bridge investments made by the Bloomberg Administration since 2002, which includes rehabilitation and repainting projects on all of the City-owned East River bridges. Download the project overview (en Español)These images show the bridge being towed up the East River on July 26. For larger versions of these images, please see DOT’s Willis Avenue Bridge photoset.

As a subconsultant, EnTech provided the resident engineer, chief inspector, inspectors, office engineers, environmental engineers and site safety managers.The iconic Brooklyn Bridge connects Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn Heights. Known for its stone arches, the Brooklyn Bridge supports six lanes of vehicles (no trucks) and a shared pedestrian and bicycle path. As of 2018, an average of over 116,000 vehicles, 30,000 pedestrians and 3,000 cyclists travel over the Brooklyn Bridge each day.

The Brooklyn Bridge was designed by John A. Roebling. Construction began in 1869 and was completed in 1883. At the time, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. The Brooklyn Bridge connects the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn by spanning the East River.Construction Project Contact: Please contact Anita Navalurkar, the Brooklyn Bridge Community Liaison, with questions about the Brooklyn Bridge Rehabilitation project at 347-647-0876 or [email protected].

Between 1944 and 1954, a comprehensive reconstruction took place. The inner and outer trusses were strengthened, new horizontal stays were installed between the four main cables, the railroad and trolley tracks were removed, the roadways were widened from two lanes to three lanes, and new approach ramps were constructed. Additional approach ramps to the FDR Drive were opened to traffic in 1969.The Brooklyn Bridge is continuously maintained in a State of Good Repair through capital projects and routine, in-house repairs to improve its components as they withstand weather conditions and vehicular traffic.In September 2021, a two-way protected bike lane opened along the Brooklyn Bridge, repurposing one lane of vehicular traffic to accommodate the rise of cycling in NYC.

Because of the elevation of the span above the East River and the relatively low-lying shores, the rest of the bridge, sloping down to ground level, extends quite far inland on both sides of the river.These are observations from the boating community. Waterway Guide information is verified regularly and all efforts will be made to validate any new updates submitted here. Thank you for taking the time to share comments about your experience.Waterway Guide reserves the option of editing reviews and comments for grammar, clarity and the removal of defamatory or potentially slanderous language. When appropriate, reviews are forwarded to businesses for response prior to being made public. We will make every effort to be objective and impartial when posting reviews, but do not publicize details of disputes between parties.Mariners should monitor marine radio channel 16 for news from the U.S. Coast Guard on special circumstances affecting the operation of movable bridges. If you’d like to request a bridge opening for a vessel, you have three options. You can call the DOT Bridge Operator on marine radio channel 13, the DOT Bridge Operations Office at 212-839-3740, or the DOT Communications Center at 718-433-3340.

STV, in joint venture, provided resident engineering inspection services for the $640 million replacement of the Willis Avenue Movable Bridge over the Harlem River. The project included the replacement of swing- and fixed-spans over the river, two approach viaducts and new interchanges with I-87, the Major Deegan Expressway and Harlem River Drive.

H&H project work included an NYCDOT Bridge Reconstruction Project Report and preliminary design, a DR/EIS necessary for state/federal funding, and final design. The design incorporated a new 345-foot-long through-truss-type swing span, steel box girder spans over an active rail yard, curved girders, and other structure-types necessary to stage construction and maintain traffic including 72,000 vehicles per day on the mainline bridge. Included in the design is a new combined bikeway/walkway facility provided to connect adjoining parks and an NYC bike route in Manhattan and the Bronx. Extensive community participation and agency coordination was required as was permitting from many city, state, and federal agencies. H&H provided seismic analysis studies; complex geometry; traffic impact for approach streets; environmental impact statements; mitigation of impacts on historic structures; and in-house structural, mechanical, and electrical design.

And lucky for you, I’ve crossed the bridge many times … both when I lived in NYC and since moving away. I’m sharing everything you need to know about walking across this beautiful bridge … from how to access the pedestrian walkway to picking the best time to visit (and avoid those crowds), plus so much more.There are many places to rent bikes near the bridge or you could use a Citi Bike. A Citi Bike day pass is a bargain at $15 … just keep in mind that you have to return the bike within 30 minutes (or be charged $4 for each extra 15 minutes). Even if you lived in NYC your whole life, you’d be hard pressed to see it all. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun attempting to check all those sights off your bucket list! Whether you’re visiting the city or you live there, walking across this iconic bridge is one of the best things to do in NYC. It’s fun, free, and the perfect way to enjoy breathtaking skyline and river views!

The pedestrian entrance for the Brooklyn Bridge walk in Manhattan is located just across Centre Street, by City Hall. I created a free Google Map to help you find it.Not surprisingly, the bridge has a fascinating history. So before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to cross the bridge, I though you’d enjoy learning a few Brooklyn Bridge facts.First of all, if you enjoy photography, you’re going to love capturing the bridge. From the sweeping cables to the soaring towers with their Gothic arches, you’ll find many amazing photo opps. And then there’s the scenery surrounding the bridge … wow!Like many popular New York activities, crossing the Brooklyn Bridge on foot can be alternately exciting (the jaw-dropping views) and aggravating (the crowds).

Hi, Julaine! You have tons of options for eating on the Brooklyn side. For a casual meal in DUMBO, some of the places I like near the bridge are Bluestone Lane, Shake Shack, Grimaldi’s, and Time Out Market which has a bit of everything. For a more special meal, try River Cafe, which is located right on the water. Also, in regard to your other comment, I’ve walked the bridge in both directions multiple times. It’s great either way! If you want nonstop Manhattan skyline views, make the walk from Brooklyn. If you’re planning a sunrise walk, walk toward Brooklyn… Read more »

The walk is about 1.3 miles long (one way). It should take you about 60 minutes at a leisurely pace (again, one way), giving you time to take in the views and snap some photos. At a brisk pace, you’re looking at 20 to 25 minutes.There are many different tour opportunities, from a Secrets of the Brooklyn Bridge group tour to private tours of the Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO (a Brooklyn neighborhood). You can also sign up for bike tours! There are a few things that might slow you down. First, the bridge gets very crowded. If you’re walking across it at a peak time, you’ll only be able to walk as fast as the crowd. You may also take longer if you take tons of photos (that’s me!), are traveling with kids, or a have any mobility issues. Such a great guide! You know, lots of people don’t realize that in addition to walking the Brooklyn Bridge, you can walk the Manhattan Bridge too. I love both. Thanks so much for such a great resource!You absolutely can bike over the bridge, and as of September 2021, there is a dedicated bike lane. However, it’s located on the car level of the bridge (below the pedestrian walkway), so if you’re going for the views, it’s better to just walk.Sooo much … it’s honestly quite hard to narrow it all down. I’ve already shared some of my favorite activities above (under what to do after crossing the bridge), but here are a few other ideas:

Ginnie is the writer, photographer, and chief content creator behind Hello Little Home. She loves trying new things (whether that’s creating delicious vegetarian recipes, exploring a new city, trying a fun DIY project, or sharing a pretty makeup look), and she hopes to inspire you to do the same! Read more about Ginnie here.My favorite time to do this walk is at sunrise. I’ve only done this once (I’m not a morning person), but there was no crowd. And the morning light is beautiful (makes for great photos).

Walking the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the best and most popular tourist activities in NYC! Add it to your bucket list, then check out this Brooklyn Bridge guide … it covers everything you need to know to plan an amazing walk. I’m not going to lie … the bridge isn’t exactly a hidden treasure, and it gets freaking crowded. Like hard to walk, I’m going to break that selfie-stick if you don’t move, why did I do this anyway?!? crowded. We’ve also stayed at the Hotel Indigo Brooklyn, which is located within walking distance of the Tillary Street entrance to the bridge. If you’ll be spending a lot of time in Brooklyn, this hotel would be an excellent option.Washington Street Stairs: This is my favorite way enter the bridge in Brooklyn, but it’s a little hidden (pinpoint it on the map). When you get to the top of the stairs, make sure to watch out for fast-moving bicyclists. Then veer left to stay on the pedestrian side of the path. Nearby subways stops include:

On our last NYC trip, we stayed at the Hotel Indigo Lower East Side in Manhattan. While not located right by the bridge, it’s close, reasonably priced, hip, and the neighborhood can’t be beat!I’ve done the walk both ways though, and either direction is great … so don’t feel like you’re missing out if you begin in Manhattan. I mean, it’s not like you can’t turn around to look at the city skyline behind you, right?Keep the weather in mind, too. It gets hot in summer, and there’s almost no shade to speak of. In winter, it’s probably going to be cold and gusty, and there’s no where to warm up.There’s really no bad time to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, unless you can’t stand crowds, that is. In which case, you’ll want to go very early or late. I’m so glad the guide was helpful, Melissa! Sounds like you had an awesome walk. I have to agree that sunrise is my favorite time to go, too … if I can drag myself out of bed! 😉 Tillary Street and Adams Street: Starting here with lengthen your walk, but it’s ideal if you are starting from Downtown Brooklyn, pushing a stroller, or have a disability that prevents you from climbing stairs. Nearby subway stops include:If you want stay near the bridge, you’ll find plenty of options. The New York Marriott Brooklyn Bridge is located a couple blocks from Brooklyn’s Tillary Street entrance. In Manhattan, The Beekman is a beautiful, upscale hotel located near the bridge.

You can access the pedestrian walkway from Manhattan or Brooklyn. For the best views of Manhattan, start in Brooklyn … that way, you’ll be facing that show-stopping skyline throughout your walk.

Thanks, Viktoria! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. The Manhattan Bridge is actually my fave to walk … I’m working on guides for walking the Manhattan and Williamsburg Bridges. 🙂NYC’s oldest standing bridge opened in 1848 as part of the Croton Aqueduct system, which carried water from the Croton River down to Manhattan; the walkway across the Harlem River was completed in 1864. Although the bridge fell into disrepair, leading to its closure in the 1970s, the bridge and neighboring parks were restored to their 19-century glory and re-opened to the public in 2015. Today, it’s easy to imagine Victorian-era sightseers strolling along the esplanade (illustrations on historical plaques embedded in the walkway help provide a little visual assist). Take photos of the picturesque water tower in Highbridge Park, installed in 1872; in 1958, a five-octave carillon was added, part of a refurb financed by department store magnate B. Altman. Comfortably wide on-ramps and zero car traffic make this a particularly wheelchair-accessible bridge.

The Williamsburg bridge should be required walking for art-lovers–graffiti is underfoot and splashed on walls; murals greet you on the Brooklyn side; unexpected artistic displays pop up where you least expect, such as intertwined on chain-metal fencing. This suspension bridge opened in 1903, one of the last bridges designed to convey horse and carriage and, later, trolleys. It’s now one of the busiest bridges for car traffic and has separate lanes for pedestrians and cyclists.We suggest the Harlem River Lift Bridge (meaning the flat expanse can lift straight up to allow boats to pass underneath). Embarking at 2nd Ave and 125th Street means pleasant views of the Harlem River, parkland on Randall’s Island, and Astoria off in the distance. When the bridge drops off on Randall’s Island, you can decide whether to relax there for a while or continue on via the Randalls Island Connector (to Port Morris, Bronx) or the East River Suspension Bridge (the longest part, which connects to Astoria, Queens).

Built in 1955, this bridge is the only way to drive onto Roosevelt Island and includes a pedestrian sidewalk (the tram overhead is another option). The vertical lift bridge has kind of an industrial mood, thanks to the faded red paint and power-plant views on the Queens side. Wave hello to Big Allis, the four red-and-white candy-cane-striped smoke stacks rising from the Ravenswood Generating Station, a local landmark.

An alternative: walk across one of the dozens of NYC’s pedestrian bridges, which charge no fee (even those that charge tolls to vehicles), are entirely open-air (ideal for the COVID-cautious), and offer some of the most spectacular water and city views. Plus, many of these pedestrian bridges are historic, dating back decades or even centuries, with period details best appreciated up close.Opened in 1954, this drawbridge was named for Casimir Pulaski, a Polish-born Revolutionary War hero who fought alongside George Washington, a nod to Greenpoint’s large Polish population. (More recently, Pulaski has made headlines amid speculation that the cavalry leader may have been female or intersex.) Those walking the bridge over Newton Creek and the Long Island Expressway may notice that it’s painted “Pulaski Red” (one of several official bridge-paint colors used by the Department of Transportation; see also George Washington Bridge Gray and Brooklyn Bridge Tan), as is detailing on the art deco-inspired watchtower at the center of the bridge. The area around the outlook building is the best spot to linger for photos or to gaze at the boats bobbing in Newtown Creek, a reminder of NYC’s maritime history.

New York City has fabulous views, but many are only seen from skyscraper rooftops, restaurant terraces, or well-worn tourist attractions. In other words, they can all come with hefty entrance fees.Built in 1909, this suspension bridge offers a utilitarian walk across the East River. The dedicated pedestrian walkway is nice, but movement from the subway and car traffic may encourage you to hurry along between glimpses of the Statue of Liberty, New York Harbor, and Brooklyn Bridge. Frankly, the bridge is best appreciated from a distance: admire the Manhattan entrance, with its elaborate stone portal and sprawling plaza, designed by Carrère and Hastings, the architectural team who also designed the main branch of the New York Public Library. From Brooklyn, you’ll have a better vantage point to enjoy the ornamented towers and graceful sweep of the bridge.

Crossing the Hudson River between New York and New Jersey, the mighty GW first opened to traffic in 1931. Since then, it’s expanded to become a double-decker suspension bridge (the lower deck opened in the early 1960s) and is one of the busiest bridges in the world. It’s challenging to walk if only because until an anticipated bike lane is completed in 2025(!), the walkway on the south side of the bridge must accommodate both pedestrians and bikers. Look over your shoulder to avoid bicycles coming up behind you. There are a couple of spots with extra space to stop for a breather and take photos of the cliffs of the Palisades on the Jersey side or clear down the west side of Manhattan.