City Island Bridge - Definition and Overview

The City Island Bridge is a fixed bridge in the Bronx, New York City. It is the only connection between City Island and the mainland, crossing what's locally known as the "City Island Channel".

The bridge consists of 2 traffic lanes (one in each direction) and a central lane reserved for fire and emergency vehicles. It is of steel construction, with much fancy and ornate wrought iron decoration done in Victorian style. Originally constructed as a turntable bridge crossing the Harlem River, it was moved to City Island in 1901 to replace an existing wooden bridge.

As of January 2005, the bridge is scheduled for demolition and is to be replaced by a cable stayed bridge after a temporary bridge is built next to it. There is a small movement on City Island to keep and repair the present historic and ornate bridge, but the city appears determined to go ahead with their plans for scrapping and replacing it.

On the east (City Island) side of the bridge is a small park with benches and a great view of the Manhattan skyline. The west side of the bridge is on Rodman's Neck. Fishing is forbidden from the bridge, and it is fenced off for safety.

External links

• Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg announces plan for new City Island Bridge (http://www.nyc.gov/html/om/html/2003b/pr236-03.html) - press release (August 20, 2003)