Manhattan Suspension Bridge - one of the symbols of New York

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

New York has a large number of world-famous bridges. But, of course, the most beautiful are the hanging ones. One of them will be discussed in our article.

Manhattan Bridge Construction

Connecting two districts of the metropolis (Brooklyn and Manhattan) suspension bridge crosses the East River.

The main reason for the construction of the legendary structure was the huge load on the Brooklyn Bridge. Constant traffic jams interfered with normal traffic, and the city had an urgent need for the construction of a suspended structure, which began in March 1909. And on December 31, the Manhattan Bridge, 2089 meters long, was commissioned.

Sample for other hanging structures

Despite such a short construction time, the impressive scale structure was built using new technologies, and is still a model for hanging structures with huge spans.

Modern design makes the bridge stand out against the backdropthe strait and the luxurious skyscrapers of New York.

Design tiers

Having two levels, the Manhattan Bridge has long been a favorite place for walking in the heart of America. On the upper tier there are four lanes for the movement of cars.

The lower one is used for the passage of freight transport, in addition, there are railway tracks for the city metro, which transports a huge number of people every day. The bridge has meshed pedestrian and bicycle paths.

Scenic Views

A picturesque panorama of the "Big Apple" opens from any part of the hanging structure, and at night the city is illuminated by colored lights reflected in the water, which makes the walks especially romantic and mysterious. At night, the footpaths are not closed, and couples from all over the world tend to hang small locks, symbolizing fidelity, on the protective netting of the monumental masterpiece.

Baroque arch

It is impossible not to talk about the main difference between the unique piece of architecture and its neighbors - an impressive arch with colonnades at the entrance, made in the Baroque style. A peculiar gate to the Manhattan Bridge was created a few years after its opening. The famous sculptor Heber designed a panel with two figures representing the spirit of trade and industry.

At the top of the newly reconstructed arch is a composition depicting a huntIndians on a bison, made by an American author. And on the reverse side were stone statues of two women, symbolizing Manhattan and Brooklyn, which are connected by a bridge. A few decades later, the statues were moved to the museum to expand the space.

Such luxuriously designed portals make the Manhattan Bridge one of the most aesthetically pleasing transportation structures. Interestingly, the area in front of the arch completely repeats the outlines of the Roman St. Peter's Square.

Repair work

There were fluctuations during the passage of trains, which became more noticeable every day. The country's transport department acknowledged the problem, after which it was decided that extensive repairs began in 1984 and lasted more than a decade.

Metro movement on the lower tier was restricted. Four lanes of railway tracks were gradually closed for restoration work, and the number of passing trains was significantly reduced. It was only in 2004 that all four subway lines were reactivated.

Video causing public concern

And recently, an amateur video filmed by a local artist for a creative project has sparked discussion among Americans. Everyone saw how the Manhattan Bridge, which immediately hit the front pages of the media, vibrates strongly from the cars and trains passing on it.

Concerned residents cut off the phone of the Department of Transportation to find out the real state of affairs. The government department issued an official statement in whichit was said that such a swing, not exceeding forty centimeters, was provided for by the suspension structure of the bridge itself. For more than a hundred years, the structure has been raised and lowered thanks to special flexible cables, and after the repairs carried out to improve the safety of passengers, the citizens of the country have nothing to fear.

Popular Bridge

Every day, more than 75,000 cars, 320,000 subway passengers and about 3,000 pedestrians and cyclists cross the Manhattan Bridge in New York.

The famous hanging structure has been repeatedly used as a set in popular Hollywood films such as "King Kong", "Once Upon a Time in America", "Independence Day", "I Am Legend", "Panic in New York".

National masterpiece

In October 2009, mass events were held to celebrate the centenary of the bridge. Exhibitions dedicated to the history of the construction of the structure opened in the city, and in the evenings the sky was lit up with flashing colored fireworks.

In the same year, the Manhattan Suspension Bridge, whose photo is often found on the pages of world publications dedicated to architecture, was recognized as a national masterpiece of America.

The favorite place of all residents and guests of the city amazes with its majesty and power, and the unique panorama from the bridge fascinates with its magnificent view. The man-made architectural work is fabulously beautiful and incredibly decorates the metropolis.