Broadway Bridge, Vertical lift bridge in Manhattan, US
The Broadway Bridge is a vertical-lift bridge in Manhattan with two decks, where the upper level carries the IRT Broadway-Seventh Avenue Line subway and the lower level accommodates US Route 9. The steel structure spans the Harlem River Ship Canal with a truss design.
The structure was completed in 1962, replacing two earlier swing bridges that had served the area since the Harlem River Ship Canal was created. This upgrade became necessary to handle growing traffic and new subway infrastructure demands.
It links Inwood on Manhattan Island with Marble Hill on the mainland, serving as a daily crossing for residents who move between these two distinct neighborhoods. The bridge shapes how people experience the geography of upper Manhattan, bringing together two separate communities.
The lift mechanism raises the bridge to about 136 feet to allow large vessels passage through the shipping canal. Pedestrians and cyclists can cross at any time, while vehicles travel freely across both decks during normal operating hours.
The main span weighs around 2,500 tons and uses an intricate system of wire ropes and electrical motors to lift the bridge while keeping it perfectly level. This engineering feat allows traffic on both decks to remain virtually uninterrupted when vessels pass below.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
