Walkway Over the Hudson
Walkway Over the Hudson
A place to enjoy the river and a place to appreciate the wonder of an engineering feat unprecedented in its time with a beauty unsurpassed in our generation.
History
• Completed in 188, the Poughkeepsie-Highland train bridge was then the longest bridge in the world and considered an engineering marvel.
• The 525 foot spans are the largest and heaviest trusses in the world.
• 10 story underwater timber caissons were built to set the concrete foundations for the bridge.
• Considered a landmark piece of the Hudson valleys industrial past, the bridge soon became a major link in the nation's rail network. Over the next 60 years, it would support 50 trains per day.
• The bridge has been virtually idle for about 35 years after a spectacular fire severely damaged it in 1974, ending an era of rail transportation.
Rebuilding
• The Walkway Over the Hudson non-profit organization was founded in 1992.
• Their mission: to preserve the landmark railroad bridge, transform the bridge into a linear park and trail and to provide long-term stewardship. In 1995 Walkway Over the Hudson assumed ownership of the bridge, establishing partnerships with federal and state government, businesses, foundations and the community.
• With a length of 6, 767 feet (approximately 1.25 miles), the walkway is the longest pedestrian bridge in the world.
• The top of the bridge deck is 212 above the water and the width is 24 feet.
Walkway
• Provides public access to the Hudson River's scenic landscape for pedestrians, bicyclists, hikers, joggers, and people with disabilities.
• Connects with an extensive network of rail-trails, parks and communities on both sides of the river.
Board Members:
Fred Schaeffer, Chairman • Claire Costantino, Vice Chair • Dick Coller, Vice Chair • Theresa Gill, Secretary • David Santner, Treasurer • Amy Husten, Executive Director • Michael Asbill • Joseph Bonura Jr. • Chuck Benfer • Jeanne Flemming • Diana Gurieva • Jim Hammond • William Keating • Mitch Markay • Sally Mazzarella • Judy Moran • Charles North • John Storyk
2009 Eagle Project
Donated by: Alex Palmiotti, BSA Troop 50
Poughkeepsie, NY
Marker is at the intersection of Main Street and North Water Street, on the right when traveling west on Main Street.
Courtesy hmdb.org
