Viewing NYC Articles Categorized Under Bridges

[VIDEO] How the Brooklyn Bridge Was Built – The Impossible Engineering of the 1800s

2026-06-29T12:00:00-04:00

This documentary delves into the arduous 14-year construction of the Brooklyn Bridge, a monumental feat of 19th-century engineering that reshaped New York forever. From the innovative caisson technology used to lay foundations deep beneath the East River to the precise spinning of thousands of miles of wire into mighty cables, the video highlights the incredible dedication and sacrifice involved, including 27 deaths. It showcases the vision of designer John Roebling and the perseverance of his son Washington Roebling and daughter-in-law Emily Roebling, who defied expectations to complete what many called impossible. The bridge's opening in 1883 was celebrated as engineering's greatest triumph, becoming a lasting symbol of human determination and ingenuity, whose design principles continue to influence suspension bridges worldwide.

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[WATCH] Why New York Wanted to Tear Down the Manhattan Bridge

2026-06-24T12:00:00-04:00

The video delves into the contentious history of the Manhattan Bridge, a vital New York City crossing that, for decades, faced public and political debate over its very existence. Built after the successful Brooklyn Bridge and Williamsburg Bridge proved the East River could be conquered, the Manhattan Bridge's design, which heavily favored rail traffic on its outer edges, subjected it to constant uneven stress and structural fatigue. Critics frequently warned of its long-term problems, suggesting tunnels as a safer alternative to surface bridges. Despite the inherent challenges and the need for frequent, disruptive emergency repairs, the city eventually committed to an expensive, multi-year rehabilitation project to stabilize the indispensable structure, acknowledging that New York could no longer function without it. Today, the Manhattan Bridge stands as a permanent fixture, its turbulent past largely forgotten.

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[VIDEO] Every Way the Brooklyn Bridge Has Changed Over Time

2026-05-30T12:00:00-04:00

The Brooklyn Bridge, an engineering marvel opened in 1883, has profoundly shaped New York City's growth and identity over 140 years. Initially hailed as the longest suspension bridge and tallest structure in the Western Hemisphere, its construction was fraught with challenges like the "bends" and personal tragedies for its designers, John Roebling, Washington Roebling, and Emily Warren Roebling. After a public stampede caused initial distrust, P.T. Barnum famously paraded 21 elephants across to prove its strength. The bridge revolutionized commuting, linking Brooklyn (then its own city) to Manhattan and accelerating urban development, eventually leading to Brooklyn's consolidation into Greater New York. Over decades, its use adapted from trolleys, horses, and pedestrians to cars dominating its lanes by the 1950s, replacing train tracks. Today, areas like Brooklyn Bridge Park and the former industrial waterfront of DUMBO have transformed into vibrant residential and commercial spaces. On the Manhattan side, the Brooklyn Banks became an iconic skateboarding spot due to the unique structures formed by the FDR Drive ramps. The bridge's cultural significance was cemented globally during its 1983 centennial celebration, an event marked by massive crowds and fireworks. Today, the Brooklyn Bridge continues to adapt, with dedicated pedestrian and bike paths reflecting modern usage, remaining a global symbol and a vital link for millions.

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[REPOST] Vintage Photograph Shows Lower Manhattan as Seen From Atop the Brooklyn Bridge Tower Circa 1905

2026-03-05T12:00:00-05:00

The Brooklyn Bridge was built in 1883 to connect the City of New York with the City of Brooklyn by spanning the East River. It was the first steel-wire suspension bridge constructed, and the longest suspension bridge in the world for several years.

In this interesting vintage photograph from around 1905, view Lower Manhattan looking down from atop one of the famous Brooklyn Bridge Towers.

This unusual view was taken from the top of the New York tower of the Brooklyn Bridge around 1905. Lower Manhattan is in transition from low rise buildings to the ever increasing number of skyscrapers dotting the landscape.

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[VIDEO] LookDownSeason, a Unique Time Lapse Film Showing Well-Known New York City Intersections From Above

2026-03-03T12:00:00-05:00

Brooklyn-based photographer Victor Thomas (previously) is an urban explorer and Instagrammer in New York City that scales buildings, rooftops, and bridges to get the perfect aerial view. In this unique time lapse video from Thomas, watch as he captures well-known intersections in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens, all from above in a mesmerizing time lapse. Check out his Instagram @vic.invades for more of Thomas' urban exploration photos and videos.

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[WATCH] Why NYC Skybridges Should Move

2026-02-21T12:00:00-05:00

New York City's landscape is constantly evolving, pushing architectural boundaries to create innovative solutions for its dense urban environment. The American Copper Building stands as a testament to this, with its two leaning towers connected by a remarkable skybridge. This unique design was born out of New York's strict zoning laws and limited land, compelling architects to devise a structure that appears as one unified building with shared amenities, including a pool. The engineering feat allows the towers to sway independently while the bridge slides on Teflon plates, ensuring its safety even in hurricane-force winds. This building not only reintroduces the concept of skybridges to New York but also showcases how creative design can transform urban challenges into iconic architectural statements.

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This Vintage Photograph Shows a Crowded Queensboro Bridge Pedestrian Walkway in 1909

2025-10-18T12:00:00-04:00

Opened in 1909, the Queensboro Bridge is a large steel cantilevered-truss bridge spanning the East River between the boroughs of Manhattan and Queens, directly over Roosevelt Island. Carrying cars, buses, and pedestrians with two layers of road, the bridge is one of the busiest in the City. Captured by famous photographer Eugene de Salignac, this vintage photograph shows crowded pedestrian walkway over the bridge the year in opened to the public.

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[VIDEO] Split Screen Video Shows Vintage New York Side By Side With Modern Day

2024-12-07T12:00:00-05:00

This fantastic video from The New Yorker combines old footage of New York City taken over the past 80 years and combines it with the modern day counterpart, side by side on a split screen. Most of the footage was captured by vehicle, so you can dynamically compare both eras with ease. In its nearly 9-minutes, the video travels all around Manhattan, as well as parts of Brooklyn and Queens, and most of the Lower Manhattan bridges as well.

A split-screen tour of the same streets in New York City, from the nineteen-thirties and today.

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[VIDEO] NY High, a Gorgeous Aerial Video Over Manhattan Bridge and East River During Sunset

2024-10-12T12:00:00-04:00

Brooklyn cinematographer and editor Taylor Morgan recently went out to Brooklyn Bridge Park just North of the Manhattan Bridge and spent the afternoon capturing some amazing sunset footage of it all.

A quick afternoon flight with my trusty DJI Phantom 3 Professional while the sun sets over the New York skyline.

NY High is also available in stunning 4k over on YouTube.

The song featured in the video is Blockhead — "Triptych, Pt. 3"

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[WATCH] New York City Views from D Train across Manhattan Bridge

2024-10-07T12:00:00-04:00

Youtube channel Urbanist: Exploring Cities recently published this great video showing the incredible cityscape views you can get while crossing the Manhattan Bridge for the low price of $2.90 on the New York City subway's D Train. Check it out!

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