Across the waters of Mill Basin stands a magnificent structure. The Mill Basin Bridge. It’s a seven-lane fixed girder bridge. This impressive feat of engineering replaced a much older bascule bridge. That older bridge opened in 1940. It served the community for almost 80 years.
The original Mill Basin Bridge was a marvel of its time. A two-leaf bascule bridge spanning 864 feet. It allowed for the passage of ships through Mill Basin inlet. The constant opening and closing however led to traffic congestion. Especially with the increasing number of cars in the city. This eventually necessitated its replacement.
The need for a new bridge was evident. Car ownership in New York City was on the rise. The old bridge simply couldn’t handle the volume of traffic. It also suffered from significant decay. The bridge had even gotten stuck open several times. In 2002 a huge hole was found in the deck. This required emergency repairs. The old bridge had become a safety hazard.
Construction on the new Mill Basin Bridge began in 2015. The project cost a staggering $365 million. It was a joint venture between the city and the federal government. Westbound traffic switched to the new bridge in 2017. The old bridge was demolished in 2018. Its concrete towers ended up in the Atlantic Ocean. They are now part of an artificial reef.
The new Mill Basin Bridge is a testament to modern engineering. It offers improved safety features. There are wider lanes and a protected pedestrian and bicycle lane. Its fixed design eliminates delays for both vehicles and marine traffic. The bridge provides nearly twice the clearance of its predecessor. This is 60 feet above mean high water. The completion of the Mill Basin Bridge in 2019 marked a significant improvement. This is a major improvement to the area’s infrastructure. The Mill Basin Bridge continues to serve the community. It connects Brooklyn to Kennedy Airport and is part of the Belt Parkway and Jamaica Bay Greenway. It’s a modern marvel a vital link in the city’s network. The Mill Basin Bridge stands as a symbol of progress. A symbol of New York City’s enduring spirit and determination.