Washington Bridge
historic place
The Washington Bridge is a historic arch bridge spanning the Harlem River in New York City. It connects the Bronx with Manhattan, specifically linking University Avenue in Morris Heights to 181st Street and Amsterdam Avenue in Washington Heights. Construction began in July 1886, and the bridge officially opened on December 1, 1888. This 2,375-foot-long structure was designed by Charles C. Schneider and Wilhelm Hildenbrand. Upon its completion, it was recognized as a significant architectural and engineering achievement for New York City. The Washington Bridge was the next major bridge built in the city after the Brooklyn Bridge. It carries six lanes of traffic and includes sidewalks for pedestrians. The bridge was designated a New York City Landmark on September 14, 1982, and added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 22, 1983. The Washington Bridge remains an important example of late 19th-century American engineering.