Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In

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.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

SEE IT! Small Japanese Pickup Truck Shows Bigger is Definitely Not Better

One Brooklyn business has seen the future of safe streets and heavy lugging — and it's going to be O-KEI!

July 31, 2025

Opinion: Jessica Tisch Must Get Creative About Traffic Enforcement

NYPD speed enforcement needs a revamp — fortunately the city’s own data point the way.

July 31, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines: Bedford Demise Edition

The Adams administration started the process of making cyclists less safe on Bedford Avenue. Plus other news.

July 31, 2025

Hit-And-Run Rogue Driver Caught After Seriously Injuring Cycling Senior in Heart of the City

A reckless driver struck a cyclist on Second Avenue then fled. He was later caught, but the victim suffered life-changing injuries.

July 30, 2025

Wednesday’s Headlines: Bedford Avenue Alert Edition

Come one come all to witness Eric Adams’s perfidy firsthand. Plus other news.

July 30, 2025
See all posts