Hell Gate Railway Bridge

bridge, New York City, New York, United States

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June 29, 2026

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The Hell Gate Railway Bridge, located in New York City, is a significant steel arch bridge that spans the East River. Designed by civil engineer Gustav Lindenthal, it opened in March 1917. At the time of its completion, its 977-foot (298-meter) steel arch was the longest in the world. The bridge was a notable example of steel construction during the peak of railroad expansion in the United States, which occurred between the American Civil War and World War I. While its stone towers were designed for aesthetic impact, the primary load is carried by the lower arch chord.12

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  The Hell Gate Bridge, completed by Gustav Lindenthal in 1916, also had an aesthetic intention. It was made to look massive by its stone towers and by the increased spacing of the two chords at the support, yet structurally the towers serve no purpose; the lower…
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  The Hell Gate Bridge, completed by Gustav Lindenthal in 1916, also had an aesthetic intention. It was made to look massive by its stone towers and by the increased spacing of the two chords at the support, yet structurally the towers serve no purpose; the lower…
  Read More