Spuyten Duyvil Bridge

Who would think a bridge could have such a dramatic name? The Spuyten Duyvil Bridge, spanning the waters between Manhattan and the Bronx, carries a name that translates to “Spouting Devil.” This moniker speaks to the turbulent currents where the Spuyten Duyvil Creek converges with the Hudson River. The Spuyten Duyvil Bridge isn’t just a steel giant; it’s a vital artery for Amtrak’s Empire Connection. Around 30 trains a day rumble across this single-track marvel, a far cry from its two-track heyday. And over 1,000 times a year, the bridge performs a graceful pirouette, swinging open to allow Circle Line cruises and recreational boats to pass. This swing bridge, designed by Robert Giles, was completed in 1900. It replaced an earlier iron bridge, which itself had superseded a wooden drawbridge from 1849. This 1900 iteration boasts a 290-foot swing span, part of its total 610-foot length. The Spuyten Duyvil Bridge has witnessed history unfold beneath its steel girders. Originally part of the New York Central Railroad’s West Side Line, the bridge saw bustling freight and passenger traffic. After merging with another railroad, trains began bypassing it in favor of Grand Central Terminal. Usage dipped after World War II, though a 1963 upgrade swapped the steam-powered swing mechanism for a modern electric motor. A boating mishap in 1966 left the bridge stuck open for two weeks. In 1982, train service ceased entirely, and another collision the following year rendered the bridge immobile. Following a revival in the late 1980s, the Spuyten Duyvil Bridge was reopened for passenger service in 1991 as part of Amtrak’s Empire Connection. This revitalized West Side Line now linked directly to Penn Station. Even in recent times, the Spuyten Duyvil Bridge has demanded attention. In June 2018, one of the world’s largest floating cranes, the Left Coast Lifter, carefully hoisted the bridge’s massive 1.6-million-pound spans onto a barge for repairs. Hurricane Sandy and years of wear and tear had taken their toll. During the repairs, Amtrak trains detoured to Grand Central Terminal, echoing the route changes of decades past. The Spuyten Duyvil Bridge has certainly seen its share of drama. An 80-year-old woman accidentally drove onto the bridge in 2004 and was hit by an Amtrak train. She miraculously survived with only minor injuries. A fire in 2010 halted train traffic. And in 2016, yet another boat struck the bridge, causing delays while inspections were conducted. The Spuyten Duyvil Bridge stands as a testament to engineering ingenuity and a silent observer of New York City’s ever-changing landscape.