The Manhattan Suspension Bridge is one of the symbols of New York

In New York there is a large number of bridges known to the whole world. But, of course, the most beautiful are the hanging ones. One of them will be discussed in our article.

Manhattan Bridge: construction

Connecting the two metropolitan areas (Brooklyn and Manhattan), the suspension bridge crosses the East River Strait.

The main reason for the erection of the legendary building was a huge load on the Brooklyn Bridge. Constant traffic jams prevented normal traffic, and the city had an urgent need to build a suspended structure, which began in March 1909. And on December 31, the Manhattan Bridge, 2089 meters long, was put into operation.

A sample for other suspended structures

Despite such a short construction time, the impressive construction was erected with the use of new technologies, and so far it is a model for hanging structures with huge spans.

Thanks to modern design, the bridge looks beautiful against the background of the strait and the luxurious skyscrapers of New York.

Structure Tiers

Having two levels Manhattan Bridge has long been a favorite place for walks of the inhabitants of the heart of America. On the upper tier there are four lanes for moving cars.

The lower one is used for transportation of trucks, in addition, there are railroad tracks for the city's metro, carrying a huge number of people every day. On the bridge there are pedestrian and bicycle paths guarded by a grid.

Opening picturesque views

From any part of the suspended structure a picturesque panorama of the "Big Apple" opens, and in the dark the city is highlighted by colored lights reflecting in the water, which makes walks especially romantic and mysterious. At night, pedestrian paths do not close, and lovers from all over the world seek to hang small locks, symbolizing fidelity, on the protective grid of the monumental masterpiece.

Arch in the Baroque style

It is impossible not to tell about the main difference of the unique work of architecture from its neighbors - an imposing arch with colonnades at the entrance, made in the Baroque style. The original gateway to the Manhattan Bridge was created several years after its discovery. The famous sculptor Heber was engaged in the development of a panel with two figures embodying the spirit of trade and industry.

In the upper part of the recently reconstructed arch there is a composition depicting the hunting of Indians for bison, performed by an American author. And on the other side were stone statues of two women, symbolizing Manhattan and Brooklyn, which connects the bridge. In a few decades, the statues were moved to the museum to expand the space.

Such luxuriously designed portals make the Manhattan Bridge one of the most aesthetically pleasing transport structures. It is interesting that the area in front of the arch completely repeats the outlines of the Roman square of St. Peter.

Repair work

When the trains were passing, there were fluctuations that became more noticeable every day. The transport department of the country recognized the problem, after which it was decided to do extensive repairs, which began in 1984 and lasted more than ten years.

The metro traffic on the lower tier was limited. Four lanes of railway tracks were gradually closed for rehabilitation work, and the number of passing trains was significantly reduced. Only in 2004, all four subway lines were re-engaged.

Video, which caused concern of citizens

And recently an amateur video, shot by a local artist for a creative project, was the reason for discussion among Americans. Everyone saw how the Manhattan Bridge, which immediately got on the front pages of the media, vibrates strongly from the passing cars and trains.

Concerned residents cut off the Department of Transportation's phone to find out the real state of affairs. The State Department issued an official statement stating that such a rocking, not exceeding forty centimeters, is provided for by the most suspended bridge design. For more than a hundred years the structure has been raised and lowered due to special flexible cables, and after the repair work aimed at enhancing the safety of passengers, citizens of the country have nothing to fear.

Popular Bridge

Every day, the Manhattan Bridge in New York is crossed by more than 75,000 cars, 320,000 subway passengers and about three thousand pedestrians and cyclists.

The famous hanging structure has been used repeatedly as scenery in popular Hollywood movies such as King Kong, Once Upon a Time in America, Independence Day, I Am Legend, Panic in New York.

National masterpiece

In October 2009, mass events took place to celebrate the centennial of the bridge. Exhibitions opened in the city devoted to the history of erection of the structure, and in the evenings the sky was colored with flashing colored lights of fireworks.

In the same year, the suspended Manhattan Bridge, a photo of which is often found on the pages of world publications devoted to architecture, was recognized as America's national masterpiece.

The favorite place of all residents and visitors of the city is striking in majesty and power, and the unique panorama opening from the bridge captivates with a magnificent view. The man-made architectural work is fabulously beautiful and incredibly adorned by the metropolis.