Streetfilms: The Queensboro Bridge Turns 100
By
Brad Aaron
11:31 AM EDT on June 1, 2009
New York celebrated the 100th birthday of the Queensboro Bridge yesterday, and Clarence Eckerson was on hand to document the occasion for Streetfilms. As pointed out in the vid by “Gridlock” Sam Schwartz, back in 1909 drivers paid 10 cents to cross the Q’boro — or $4.66 for a round trip in today’s dollars. Motorists were accustomed to using the bridge for free by the 1980s, even as it was falling apart, and now pay less than the three pennies it once cost to ride across on horseback.
Even so, with today’s bankruptcy filing by General Motors, the Queensboro has held up better than two of the Big Three.
Brad Aaron began writing for Streetsblog in 2007, after years as a reporter, editor, and publisher in the alternative weekly business. Brad adopted New York's dysfunctional traffic justice system as his primary beat for Streetsblog. He lives in Manhattan.
Read More:
More from Streetsblog New York City
Gale Forces? West Side Council Member Wants A Bike Lane On Central Park Transverses
"I particularly support the 72nd Street transverse. Even more people would use bicycles when they know they can get from one part of Manhattan to another," Council Member Brewer said.
March 24, 2026
AT THEIR LIMIT: Boards Covering 1M New Yorkers Want Reduced Car Speeds
Eight community boards have asked the city Department of Transportation to designate their districts as “slow zones” with 20-mile-per-hour car speed limits.
March 24, 2026
Tuesday’s Headlines: Above the Law Edition
It takes almost no time for hopes to be dashed in this cruel town. Plus other news.
March 24, 2026
Monday’s Headlines: We Fixed Congress Edition
DOT installed "don't walk" signs next to pedestrians ramps in Brooklyn, then removed them after Streetsblog started asking questions. Plus more news.
March 23, 2026
The City Is Doing to Prospect Park What It Needs to Do to All Parks
A long-awaited bike lane in Brooklyn will create almost full protected cycling coverage around Prospect Park — setting a new standard for the rest of the city.
March 23, 2026
Comments Are Temporarily Disabled
Streetsblog is in the process of migrating our commenting system. During this transition, commenting is temporarily unavailable.
Once the migration is complete, you will be able to log back in and will have full access to your comment history. We appreciate your patience and look forward to having you back in the conversation soon.