Wards Island Bridge, Vertical lift bridge between Manhattan and Wards Island, United States
Wards Island Bridge is a vertical-lift bridge made of steel that connects East Harlem in Manhattan with the southwestern part of Wards Island across the Harlem River. The structure comprises multiple steel beam sections with a central movable span that rises to allow boat traffic through the waterway.
Construction of the bridge began in 1949 under engineer Othmar Ammann's design and was officially inaugurated on May 18, 1951. It replaced an earlier wooden drawbridge that stood further north near 114th Street.
The structure transformed access to Wards Island's public parks and recreational spaces, replacing an earlier wooden drawbridge that existed near 114th Street.
The bridge is open year-round to pedestrians and cyclists, offering direct access from Manhattan's 103rd Street. After renovations in 2012, it provides a reliable and safe crossing with consistent conditions throughout the seasons.
The lift mechanism under the bridge deck operates independently and allows vessels to pass without prior notice to pedestrians. This feature makes it the only direct pedestrian connection to Wards Island with active bridge-lifting capability.
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