Mayor Eric Adams and NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue announced a pilot on Friday, June 17, that will extend the High Bridge opening hours this summer, giving New Yorkers expanded access to the iconic landmark connecting The Bronx and Manhattan. The pilot will move the bridge’s current closure time of 8 p.m. to the new 10 p.m. time, starting June 17 through September 30, 2022.  

 

“Our green spaces and public parks were lifelines for so many New Yorkers over the past two years of the pandemic,” said Adams. “The High Bridge is an iconic place with some of the most breathtaking views the city has to offer over the Harlem River and I’m proud to expand the hours so more New Yorkers can enjoy it as we head into summer.” 

 

For he part, deputy mayor for operations, Meera Joshi, said, “Summer is here and what better way to enjoy our longer daylight hours than by using some of our City’s best assets – our parks. Extending The High Bridge hours for New Yorkers will give access to greener, cooler space as the temperature rises in the warmer months.”  

 

Meanwhile, Parks commissioner, Sue Donoghue said the High Bridge was a historic connection between neighborhoods, boroughs, and parkland and through the pilot program, New Yorkers can have expanded access to it this summer. “We are happy to keep the bridge open until 10 p.m. through September for Manhattan and Bronx residents to enjoy,” she said.   

 

The High Bridge is New York City’s oldest standing bridge and a historic passageway between the neighborhoods of Washington Heights in Manhattan and Highbridge in the Bronx. In 2015, the restored bridge was reopened after being closed for more than four decades. As the only interborough bridge designed exclusively for pedestrians and bicyclists, the High Bridge provides New Yorkers with access to more than 125 acres of parkland including Highbridge Pool, baseball fields, basketball courts, bike trails, a skatepark, playgrounds and lawns. 

New York City's oldest standing bridge just got new summer hours! The iconic High Bridge has extended its closing hours to 10 p.m. this summer starting today. This pilot program will expand access for pedestrians and cyclists travelling between Manhattan and the Bronx. pic.twitter.com/7Nj8SsItyA

— NYC Parks (@NYCParks) June 17, 2022

 

The news was also welcomed by Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, who said the expansion of the pilot program recognizes the importance of providing access to open spaces to serve more families particularly as the summer season is approaching. “I’m pleased to see The High Bridge prioritized as a major anchor of recreation and open space that connects our residents from the Bronx to Northern Manhattan, ” she said. “The High Bridge is the oldest standing walking bridge in our City and as a result of this pilot program, more Bronxites will have access to it. My gratitude to my Colleagues, Manhattan Borough President Mark D. Levine, Council Member Carmen De La Rosa and Council Member Althea Stevens for their commitment and partnership.”

 

Gibson’s Manhattan counterpart, Mark Levine agreed, saying he was extremely pleased to be able to come together with an uptown, multi-borough campaign to extend the hours of accessibility on the High Bridge until 10 pm this summer. “The High Bridge is a crucial connection for pedestrians and cyclists since it is the only way to get between Manhattan and the Bronx without a car, and this green space is truly a lifeline for many during these hot summer months.” He added, “I want to thank everyone in the community who worked alongside Borough President Gibson, myself, and the Mayor to make this a reality.”

 

The High Bridge will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. through September 30, 2022. Visit the NYC Parks website to learn more about the High Bridge.