Across the Flushing River stands Flushing Bridge a majestic structure. Its history stretches back to 1913 when surveying began for an IRT subway extension. World War I and post-war financial woes delayed construction until 1921. The War Department initially rejected a fixed bridge deeming it an obstruction. A tunnel was considered but deemed too expensive. A bascule bridge was the compromise.
Groundbreaking happened in 1923 with Mayor John Hylan present. Construction faced challenges. The bridge’s foundations struggled in the deep river mud. On May 14 1927 pedestrians and buses crossed the newly opened bridge. Train service however didn’t start until January 21 1928. A special train for city officials made the inaugural run from Times Square.
The final cost was $2640000 exceeding the tunnel estimate. Ironically the need for a movable bridge to keep the river open for navigation was short lived. Flushing Meadows Park’s construction in 1939 required a dam. The Long Island Railroad replaced its swing bridge with an embankment and tidal gate. Navigation essentially ended at Flushing Bridge. The bridge’s operating mechanisms were removed when the Van Wyck Expressway was built through the navigation channel in 1961.
Flushing Bridge was once the world’s largest trunnion bascule bridge. It’s a marvel of engineering. Edward A Byrne and Robert E Hawley designed it. The Arthur McMullen Company built it. The river channel is narrow only 70 feet wide. The bridge’s skew results in a 162-foot clearance between piers. The lift leaves are 153 feet long each weighing approximately 4 million pounds.
In 2010 the city announced a rehabilitation project. Years of neglect required road deck replacement. Rust repair on the steel truss was needed. Deteriorating concrete needed fixing. Sidewalks were to be widened to include bike lanes. The project faced delays. The rehabilitation was slated to start in mid 2015 but the completion date remained undetermined.
Flushing Bridge stands as a testament to engineering ingenuity and New York’s ever-changing landscape. Its transformation from a vital navigation crossing to a fixed link showcases the city’s growth. It silently bears witness to the ebb and flow of history. It links Corona and Flushing two vibrant Queens neighborhoods. It continues to serve as a vital artery connecting people and places. Today its enduring presence reminds us of the city’s resilience and its ability to adapt.