Macombs Dam Bridge

Macombs Dam Bridge is a swing bridge that spans the Harlem River in New York City, connecting the boroughs of Manhattan and the Bronx near Yankee Stadium. It is the third-oldest bridge in New York City and was designated an official landmark in January 1992. The bridge is operated and maintained by the New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT).

Macombs Dam Bridge

Crosses                      Harlem River

Locale                       Manhattan and the Bronx, in New York City

Design                       Swing bridge

Longest span            408 feet (124 m)

Total length              2,540 feet (770 m)

Opening date           May 1, 1895

The bridge is located 3.2 miles (5.1 km) from the mouth of the Harlem River. Its total length is 2,540 feet (770 m). The main swing span is 408 feet (124 m) long and provides two shipping channels with 150 feet (46 m) of horizontal clearance. When closed the bridge provides 25 feet of vertical clearance. The total cost of construction was $1.3 million and the bridge opened on May 1, 1895. The designer was Alfred Pancoast Boller. This bridge is the most recent of several bridges in the area, the first of which (along with the since-demolished lock-and-dam system) opened in 1814. Immediately to the north of the bridge was another swing bridge along which the now-demolished 9th Avenue El reached the Bronx (and the IRT Jerome Avenue Line). The bridge was demolished sometime after this section of the 9th Avenue El ceased operation in 1958. In 1999, the NYCDOT began a $145 million renovation of the bridge. For 2005, the New York City Department of Transportation, which operates and maintains the bridge, reported annual average daily traffic volume in both directions of 40112; having reached a peak AADT of 55,609 in 1957.