WASHINGTON HEIGHTS — The snowy winter has pushed back repairs on the oldest bridge in the city.
The $61 million renovation of the High Bridge took a backseat during the winter snowstorms, a spokesman for the city's Department of Design and Construction said. The project's former estimated September completion has been pushed back by three months.
"Because of the snow we weren't able to work outside," spokesman Craig Chin said. "We're working to make up time."
Former Mayor Michael Bloomberg and city officials broke ground on the renovation of the High Bridge in January 2013, saying that the repaired bridge would connect residents in Washington Heights in Manhattan and Highbridge in The Bronx.
When it is finished, the bridge will feature a hand-restored brick walkway, new safety railings, access ramps and lighting, and a renovated steel and masonry structure.
The High Bridge opened in 1848 as part of the Croton Aqueduct. It has been closed to the public for more than 40 years.
New DDC Commissioner Feniosky Peña-Mora toured the bridge with Parks First Deputy Commissioner Liam Kavanagh, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, and City Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez Friday morning, and Peña-Mora, who took office this week, said that visiting the bridge was one of his priorities upon entering office.
“I am committed to strengthening our agency’s connection to the communities we serve and to making our city’s infrastructure more resilient and environmentally-sustainable, so the High Bridge was a perfect project to visit during my first week," Peña-Mora said.
