Queensboro Bridge

The Queensboro Bridge is a steel cantilever structure crossing the East River between Manhattan and Queens. The span stretches across two levels with five traffic lanes on each side and also carries pedestrian and bicycle paths along the upper roadway level.

The crossing opened on March 30, 1909, and was the longest cantilever span in the world at that time. Henry Hornbostel designed the Beaux-Arts facades while Gustav Lindenthal led the engineering execution.

Locals often call it the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge, named after the former mayor who commuted across it daily. The name was added officially in 2011, though most residents simply say Queensboro.

Pedestrians and cyclists use the paths on the upper level, starting from 60th Street in Manhattan. The access remains open around the clock and offers clear views of the river and surrounding neighborhoods.

Roosevelt Island sits directly beneath the middle span and was accessible through an elevator inside the tower until 1955. That access no longer exists, but the island remains connected through a separate aerial tram and subway line.

Location: Manhattan

Location: Queens

Inception: January 1, 1909

Architects: Henry Hornbostel

Official opening: March 30, 1909

Architectural style: Beaux-Arts

Height: 105 m

Length: 1,135 m

Made from material: steel

GPS coordinates: 40.75694,-73.95472

Latest update: December 12, 2025 22:05