Third Avenue Bridge Page

Like many of the other small bridges, there are so many details involved with this swing bridge…too many/too much to mention here. You know, the usual politics and such involved in the building of the bridge.

Well what I can say is that this is probably the bridge I’ve crossed over the most. Being situated in the Bronx and constantly finding myself in Manhattan if not for work then for play.

What I always remembers is that this bridge has always been open for thoroughfare, but always under some sort of construction. ‘And, everyone crosses it like a madman!…….yours truly included!…..It’s as if there were this unnerving yearning to get to the other side!

The bridge’s ends are at: 129th St./3rd Ave in Manhattan & Bruckner Boulevard in The Bronx.

Construction Duration: 1893-1898
Total Length (including approaches): 2,800 feet
Width: 86 feet
# of Traffic Lanes: 4
Steel used in Construction: 6,165 tons
Cost to build: $4 million
Clearance above water: 24 feet