Smith Point Bridge, Drawbridge at Smith Point, New York
Smith Point Bridge is a steel bascule bridge that crosses a water passage connecting Long Island to Fire Island. The structure has two traffic lanes and features a hinged design that opens for boat traffic.
The bridge opened in 1959 and replaced earlier wooden structures that had served the route since 1916. Those earlier versions regularly suffered damage from winter weather and could no longer handle traffic demands.
The bridge takes its name from William 'Tangier' Smith, a 17th-century property owner who held substantial land in this coastal region. This reflects how early European settlers shaped the identity of Long Island communities.
Vehicle access is well-maintained, and crossing is straightforward along the William Floyd Parkway route. Visitors should note that heavy vehicles face weight restrictions and daytime hours offer the clearest visibility for the drive.
A replacement bridge was approved in 2019 and will offer significantly greater clearance height for boats. This project demonstrates how decades-old infrastructure in the region is being modernized to better serve maritime traffic.
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