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Henry Hudson Bridge

The Henry Hudson Bridge connects Manhattan's West Side Highway to the Henry Hudson Parkway (Route 9A) that runs up into Westchester County. The steel arch bridge was designed by famed engineer David Steinman. A 840-foot main span is flanked by side spans of 300 and 409 feet on the Manhattan side and 300 and 270 feet on the Bronx side.

The Henry Hudson Bridge was part of Robert Moses's 1930 arterial plan that involved significant construction on the Manhattan's west side. The bridge opened on December 12, 1936 with the addition of a new three-lane upper deck in July of 1938.

The south pier of the bridge is accessible from Inwood Hill park. Inwood Hill park is the only stand of native forest left in Manhattan and the winding pathways and tunnels were in considerable disrepair when I visited. This gives it a very wild feel, augmented by the presence of biting insects that like to suck your blood and inject venom.

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