Skip to content

Streetfilms Shorties: The Manhattan Bridge Turns 100

The Manhattan Bridge officially opened on December 31, 1909. While its 100-year anniversary came and went with little fanfare a few months ago, city officials paid respects today.

The Manhattan Bridge officially opened on December 31, 1909. While its 100-year anniversary came and went with little fanfare a few months ago, city officials paid respects today.

At the ceremony, Clarence caught up with Gridlock Sam Schwartz, who heads the NYC Bridge Centennial Commission. In this clip Schwartz describes the nearly catastrophic deterioration of the bridge, which prompted a massive rehab that began in the 1980s and is just now concluding.

You’ll definitely want to pause and take a close look at the 1:01 mark for a reminder of just how easy motorists have it today compared to 100 years ago.

Photo of Ben Fried
Ben Fried started as a Streetsblog reporter in 2008 and led the site as editor-in-chief from 2010 to 2018. He lives in Ditmas Park, Brooklyn, with his wife.

Streetsblog has migrated to a new comment system. New commenters can register directly in the comments section of any article. Returning commenters: your previous comments and display name have been preserved, but you'll need to reclaim your account by clicking "Forgot your password?" on the sign-in form, entering your email, and following the verification link to set a new password — this is required because passwords could not be carried over during the migration. For questions, contact tips@streetsblog.org.

More from Streetsblog New York City

Mamdani’s Housing Plan Builds On ‘City Of Yes’ — But It’s Thin on Taking on Parking Minimums

June 1, 2026

City Council Takes Another Swing at ‘Daylighting’ Bill to Ban Corner Parking

June 1, 2026

Monday’s Headlines: Feeding the Beast Edition

June 1, 2026

GAME ON: Mamdani Transport Plan For World Cup Is Gridlock Alert On Steroids

May 29, 2026

Mayor Mamdani Must Rein in Illegal E-Motos After Queensboro Bridge Tragedy: Experts

May 29, 2026
See all posts