Borden Avenue Bridge

Opened on March 25 1908 the Borden Avenue Bridge is a marvel of engineering. This retractile bridge in Long Island City Queens spans Dutch Kills a tidal waterway. It’s one of only four remaining retractable bridges in the United States. Two of these amazing bridges are even in New York City. The other is the Carroll Street Bridge. The Borden Avenue Bridge is 168 feet 6 inches long and 33.8 feet wide. Its main span is 84 feet long. It retracts by sliding on rails. Imagine the spectacle of this engineering feat. The last time it was retracted to allow marine traffic was in 2005. Daily traffic on the Borden Avenue Bridge in 2016 was recorded at 14863 vehicles. Edward Abraham Byrne designed this impressive structure. The Borden Avenue Bridge has two lanes for vehicle traffic and two walkways for pedestrians. It offers a horizontal clearance of 14.9 meters. The vertical clearance varies with the tide. It’s 1.2 meters at high tide and 2.7 meters at low tide. The Borden Avenue Bridge was not always so grand. Before the current structure an iron swing bridge and even earlier wooden bridges stood in its place. These were replaced due to increased traffic volume. The cost to build the current Borden Avenue Bridge was $157606. The original design included creosote treated wood blocks and two trolley tracks in the roadway. Today the Borden Avenue Bridge stands as a testament to the ingenuity and perseverance of its designers and builders. Its unique retractable design continues to fascinate and serve the community. Look at the Borden Avenue Bridge. See the history and the community it connects. Notice the intricate details of its design. Stand here and absorb the history of this magnificent bridge. The Borden Avenue Bridge is more than just a bridge. It’s a piece of living history a vital link between communities. It’s a reminder of the innovative spirit that built this city.