| By: | Kevin Wong |
| Dates: | 1/31/2008 - 12/30/2009 |
| Album Info: | The Hell Gate Bridge crosses the East River in New York City and connects Astoria, NY (Queens) with The Bronx via Randalls Island. This structure is part of Amtrak's Northeast Corridor main line between New York and Boston and also serves daily CSX and Canadian Pacific freights. Built in 1912-16 the Hell Gate Bridge is likely still the strongest steel arch span in the world. The main arch span is 1017 feet (310 m) and the total length is over 17,000 feet (5.18 km). The two Gothic stone towers rise 250 feet (76.2 m). Originally constructed and operated by the New York Connecting Railroad (a PRR-New Haven joint venture), the bridge was built with 4 tracks (now 3). Gustav Lindenthal designed and built the structure, which recieved a renovation (with a full repainting) in 1994-96. The name 'Hell Gate' refers to the section of the East River around Astoria that was notorious for its dangerous currents. The Hell Gate Bridge is the direct inspiration and older sibling to the more famous Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia. |
