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Highbridge Park > High Bridge PlaNYC Project

High Bridge

Image of The High Bridge
Image of The High Bridge
Image of The High Bridge

PlaNYC Project Overview

The High Bridge is the oldest remaining bridge in New York City. The bridge spans the Harlem River, connecting the neighborhoods of Highbridge in the Bronx and Washington Heights in Manhattan. First opened in 1848 as part of the Old Croton Aqueduct, the 1200–foot–long, 116-foot-tall High Bridge walkway first brought fresh water to New York City from Westchester County and fueled the city’s northward expansion. It was closed to regular public use around 1970. 

By 2013, the bridge will be rehabilitated and reopened for pedestrians and bicyclists thanks in large part to $50 million in funding from Mayor Bloomberg’s PlaNYC initiative. Additional funding from Congressman José E. Serrano was critical as well to move the $62 million project forward.  The reopened High Bridge will be an essential link in New York City’s expanding waterfront Greenway. It will allow Bronx residents to reach the Highbridge Pool and Recreation Center, and Manhattan residents to reach the Harlem River waterfront. Planned improvements will make the bridge more accessible and safe.  The rehabilitation will follow historic preservation principles to restore the architectural details of this landmarked structure for public enjoyment.

Schedule

Spring 2010–Fall 2011: Preparation of design documents and public meetings.
Spring 2012–Fall 2013: Rehabilitation of the High Bridge for public use

Project Updates

Spring 2012

The Parks Department, together with the New York City Department of Design and Construction and a team of consultants led by Lichtenstein Consulting Engineers, P.C., have completed the design for restoration of the High Bridge. Bridge construction is anticipated to start in Spring 2012.

The High Bridge design has been approved by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. Download the Presentation Boards (PDF, 7.9 MB) shown at the public hearing in April 2011.

PlaNYC High Bridge Fact Sheet (PDF, 315 KB). 

Download the Schematic Design (PDF, 1.7 MB) presented to the Parks Committees of Community Boards 4 and 12.

Feedback

What activities or features are important to you? Send your comments to the PlaNYC High Bridge project team.

PlaNYC High Bridge Community Survey

Download the results of the PlaNYC High Bridge Community Survey. (PDF, 405 KB)

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