“Imagine a bridge that does more than connect land. It connects history, people, and the flow of life itself.” That’s the Pelham Bridge for you. Located in the Bronx, this bascule bridge carries Shore Road over the Hutchinson River. You will also find a walkway for pedestrians on its downstream side.
The Pelham Bridge goes by a few names. Some call it the Pelham Bay Bridge. But whatever name you use, it’s a vital crossing point in New York City.
Did you know that the Pelham Bridge opens frequently for boats? In 2014, it opened 724 times. It sees more watercraft traffic than any other drawbridge in the city.
The story of the Pelham Bridge stretches back over two centuries. The first bridge at this site was a stone structure. Built in 1815, it sadly succumbed to a storm in 1816. For eighteen years, the crossing remained unbridged.
The current Pelham Bridge replaced an older one. The old bridge was expensive to maintain. To save money, the new bridge opened to traffic on October 15, 1908. However, it was not fully completed at that time.
Construction wasn’t without its challenges. The water main for City Island and Pelham Bay Park had to be interrupted. The city arranged for water to be supplied from New Rochelle. This cost the city $5,323.93. The bridge was finally completed on February 17, 1909. The total cost was $605,274.06. The Pelham Bridge was reconstructed in 1985.
The Pelham Bridge’s centennial was celebrated on October 28, 2008.
The Pelham Bay Bridge connects parts of Pelham Bay Park. It also provides a route for residents and visitors of City Island. They can travel to the Pelham Bay neighborhood and back.
During the Pelham Bridge’s construction, some things had to be put on hold. The water supply for City Island residents and the park east of the Hutchinson River was cut off. The city paid the New Rochelle Water Company $5,323.93 to provide temporary water.
To save money, the new Pelham Bridge opened before it was fully done. The old bridge stayed in place. The federal government said all parts of the old bridge had to be destroyed. The exception was parts that formed the approach roads.
After the main part of the Pelham Bridge was done on February 17, 1909, there was still work to do. A new contract was awarded for building the towers. It also covered installing electrical equipment and machinery. Furnishing the ornamental work was also included. This work began on October 4, 1910, and finished on December 23, 1911.
The old bridge was removed in 1911. The federal government deepened the Hutchinson River channel. They removed a ledge of rock at the site of the original bridge. Removing the old bridge cost $10,352.44.
The approaches to the Pelham Bridge were repaved with asphalt. This work cost $6,310.36. With this repaving, the Pelham Bay Bridge took on the appearance that it still has today.
As you stand here, consider the Pelham Bridge’s role. It connects not just places, but also eras. It is a testament to the city’s enduring spirit of progress and connection.