The bridge pretty much comes from nowhere (an industrialized area of L.I.C. Right near the 39th av. N station, where no one ever bothers to get off the train), and goes nowhere (an equally industrialized area of Sunnyside) - thus there had been little incentive to ever repair the bridge. Though L.I.C. And NYC on a whole have done quite well these last 10 years, thus another roadway across the bridge would help ease traffic. It starts on the L.I.C. side climbing between 2 large canyon-like warehouses on a cobblestone paved street from an intersection off Northern blvd., finally opening up over the old Long Island Rail Road 'A' freight yard (a.k.a - post apocalyptic playground). This section of bridge is actually still in use for a short span as an access road to Amtrak's Sunnyside facility, which lays immediately next door. I recall being brought here as a kid to watch the freight train come in. Back then you'd find 4 big diesels dragging 100+ freight cars into the yard and sorting them out. These days, so little freight arrives by train on LI that the only stuff you'll find in the yard are junk cars waiting for the scrapper. As such, NYC & LI relies heavily on trucks from NJ to supply businesses - which damages roads and pollutes the air.

High metal walls begin at the Amtrak section and continue all the way to sunnyside with only a few breaks where one can take in the fab view of NYC. Access, however, is via a warped, usually left open chain link fence that restricts access to the span. This fence was only put up about 10 years ago. Before then the bridge saw a decent amount of foot traffic (10-15 people) during 'rush hour'.

For the most part, the bridge is uneventful, containing just a scant amount of trash at either end and not much in the middle (with the exception of large steel girders which protrude into the roadway and reinforce it from collapse). 2 features that make it a bit more interesting are the doorway which leads you down steps to the LIRR/Amtrak mainline where you can sit and watch the world go by, and a tiny 'tunnel' that seems to be built into the structure to carry pipes. I doubt one could squeeze through it, except for at it's opening which is about mid way across the bridge on the western side.

While not particularly special structurally, it's a bit nostalgic to me... reminds me of a time when all the world was a fascinating exploration mission. It's a feeling one hopes to never loose. After 22 long years, it's good to see that this bridge is finally being repaired and put back into good use.


CURRENT STATUS: 80% REBUILT. 10/2002