“Once a private toll road,” that’s how Metropolitan Avenue began its journey. Today we stand before the Metropolitan Avenue Bridge. It is a vital artery connecting Brooklyn and Queens. The Metropolitan Avenue Bridge carries Metropolitan Avenue and Grand Street over English Kills. English Kills is a tributary of Newtown Creek.
Back in 1813, Metropolitan Avenue was the Williamsburg and Jamaica Turnpike. The first bridge here was part of that turnpike. Imagine a time when this was a private road. People paid tolls to cross.
The original bridge was replaced in 1872. A swing bridge took its place. It also served the Broadway Ferry and Metropolitan Avenue Railroad Company. As the area grew, the bridge became inadequate. By the early 20th century, a new bridge was needed.
The current Metropolitan Avenue Bridge was built in 1931. It is a double leaf bascule bridge. Its span measures 33.8 meters. The bridge’s appearance has changed significantly since it opened.
The Metropolitan Avenue Bridge provides a channel. It has a horizontal clearance of 26.2 meters. The vertical clearance is 3.0 meters at MHW and 4.6 meters at MLW when closed. There are no height restrictions today.
The Metropolitan Avenue Bridge carries a four-lane roadway. Sidewalks are on either side. The roadway is 16.2 meters wide. The sidewalks are 1.8 meters wide.
Since 1931, the Metropolitan Avenue Bridge has seen modifications. Upgrades to the mechanical and electrical systems have occurred. The deck, bridge rail, and fenders were replaced. Stringers were replaced. New stiffeners were added in 1992.
The City acquired Metropolitan Avenue in 1872. It bought it from the Williamsburg and Jamaica Turnpike Road Company.
The Metropolitan Avenue Bridge is the only bridge over English Kills. Its location is between Vandervoort and Varick Avenues. It is in the East Williamsburg section of Brooklyn.
The Metropolitan Avenue Bridge has a rich history. It has adapted to the changing needs of New York City. From a toll road to a modern bridge, it has served its community well. The bridge stands as a testament to the city’s growth.