“Any Person Driving over this Bridge Faster than a Walk will be Subject to a Penalty of Five Dollars for Each Offence” This sign greets you at the Carroll Street Bridge in Gowanus Brooklyn. It’s a relic from the early 1800s a testament to a bygone era. The Carroll Street Bridge itself is much younger dating back to 1889.
This isn’t just any bridge. The Carroll Street Bridge is one of the last wooden bridges in New York City that allows cars to cross. It’s also the oldest of only three retractable bridges left in the entire United States. That’s why it was designated a New York City landmark in 1987 a true testament to its historical significance and unique engineering.
Imagine the Gowanus Canal in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Belgian blocks line the roads leading to this remarkable structure. The bridge stands as a sturdy sentinel amidst the raw industrial landscape. This bridge is a retractile bridge. That means it opens to allow water vessels to pass. The entire span rolls diagonally on wheels along steel rails using pulleys and wire cables. Originally powered by steam it was converted to electric power in 1907-08. The design itself isn’t just a feat of engineering but a story of compromise. An earlier design would have required acquiring private property a difficult task for the Common Council at the time. The chosen design reflects the practical considerations of the era.
The Carroll Street Bridge is a marvel of engineering. It’s 107 feet long with a steel overhead stay frame in a latticework pattern supporting steel cables. It boasts two pedestrian walkways also made of wood. The steel itself is painted a vibrant blue.
Many noteworthy individuals contributed to its creation. Robert van Buren a descendant of President Martin van Buren and Chief Engineer of the Bureau of Construction oversaw the project. Charles O H Fritzche a prominent civil engineer designed the mechanical system. A subsidiary of Cooper Hewitt & Company manufactured the steel. The bridge has had its share of challenges. In the 1980s it fell into disrepair and had to be closed. A timely rehabilitation ensured its survival for its 100th anniversary.
Today the New York City Department of Transportation NYC DOT operates this irreplaceable structure. If a ship needs to pass through two hours’ notice is required. The Carroll Street Bridge is a fascinating example of a trapezoidal retractable bridge. A testament to ingenuity and perseverance it remains a symbol of Brooklyn’s industrial past and its enduring spirit. It is one of five movable bridges on the Gowanus Canal. Kayaking offers a unique perspective. From below you can fully appreciate the intricate infrastructure of this historic bridge.