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=== Construction === ==== Pier construction and proposed modifications ==== R. S. Buck and his assistants were directed to prepare plans for the sites of the bridge's piers, anchorages, and [[Foundation (evidence)|foundations]].<ref name="n134908111" /><ref name="p910589327" /> The Department of Bridges received bids for the foundations in June 1901, with Ryan & Parker as the low bidder.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 20, 1901 |title=Bids for Piers of Bridge No. 4 |pages=5 |work=The Standard Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-bids-for-piers-of-bri/134908453/ |access-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109203658/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-bids-for-piers-of-bri/134908453/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=June 20, 1901 |title=Dady Was a Bidder |pages=1 |work=The Brooklyn Citizen |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-dady-was-a-bidder/134908475/ |access-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109203659/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-dady-was-a-bidder/134908475/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Groundbreaking]] took place that September.<ref name="p126873067" /> After [[Seth Low]] was elected as the city's mayor in late 1901, he promised that work would continue, even though the city's new bridge commissioner, [[Gustav Lindenthal]], wanted to temporarily halt construction.<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 27, 1901 |title=Work on Bridge No. 4 Must Not Be Stopped |pages=9 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-work-on-bridge/134909474/ |access-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109203657/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-work-on-bridge/134909474/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Lindenthal narrowed the bridge from {{convert|120|to|80|ft}}.<ref name="p571246864">{{cite news |date=July 1, 1902 |title=Builders Defy Lindenthal: Refuse to Suspend Work on Blackwell's Island Bridge Pending Adoption of New Plans |page=4 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|571246864}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=July 1, 1902 |title=Width of Blackwell's Island Bridge Altered; Mr. Ladenthal Announces Reduction from 120 to 80 Feet. Refises to Discuss Changes in Plans for New Structure – Pier Contractors Decline to Suspend Work. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1902/07/01/archives/width-of-blackwells-island-bridge-altered-mr-ladenthal-announces.html |access-date=November 9, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109215109/https://www.nytimes.com/1902/07/01/archives/width-of-blackwells-island-bridge-altered-mr-ladenthal-announces.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The modifications would allow the city to save $850,000<ref name="The New York Times 1902 m831">{{cite web |date=August 23, 1902 |title=Blackwell's Island Bridge Changes; Details Explained to Delegation from Queens County. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1902/08/23/archives/blackwells-island-bridge-changes-details-explained-to-delegation.html |access-date=November 9, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109215111/https://www.nytimes.com/1902/08/23/archives/blackwells-island-bridge-changes-details-explained-to-delegation.html |url-status=live }}</ref>{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1901|value=0.85|fmt=c|r=0}} million in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} while allowing the city to build toll booths, as well as stairs and elevators to Blackwell's Island, within these piers.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 12, 1902 |title=Lindenthal Satisfied |pages=2 |work=Times Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-lindenthal-satisfied/134914160/ |access-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109215107/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-lindenthal-satisfied/134914160/ |url-status=live }}</ref> To compensate for the reduced width, a {{convert|45|ft|m|-wide|adj=mid}} upper deck would be built.<ref name="The New York Times 1902 m831" /> By January 1902, only $42,000 had been spent on the project.<ref name="p126873067" />{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1902|value=45000|fmt=c|r=-3}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} In June 1902, a subcommittee of the [[New York City Board of Estimate]] requested another $5 million for construction.<ref>{{cite news |date=June 14, 1902 |title=To Oust Horgan & Slattery: Controller Advises This Course-- Money for Interior Baths |page=6 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|571204384}}}}</ref>{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1902|value=5|fmt=c|r=0}} million in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} The same month, Lindenthal ordered Ryan & Parker to stop working on the bridge, but the firm refused to comply with his order,<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 28, 1902 |title=Defies Lindenthal's Order to Stop Work |pages=1 |work=Times Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-defies-lindenthals-order-to/134913600/ |access-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109215108/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-defies-lindenthals-order-to/134913600/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=June 29, 1902 |title=Contractors Disobey Lindenthal: The Commissioner Wants to Changed Plans of Blackwell's Island Bridge, It Is Said |page=9 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|571102043}}}}</ref> saying they would lose large amounts of money if work were halted.<ref name="p571246864" /> Lindenthal submitted the modified plans to the [[Municipal Art Society]] for approval but withdrew them that July,<ref>{{cite news |date=July 3, 1902 |title=Lindenthal Withdraws Plans: Those of Blackwell's Island Bridge Taken Away From Municipal Art Commission, Which Wants a New Set |page=4 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|571137129}}}}</ref> and he also allowed Ryan & Parker to continue constructing the piers.<ref>{{cite news |date=July 4, 1902 |title=Compromise on Pier Work: Lindenthal Permits the Contractors to Go Ahead Under Contract |page=4 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|571152204}}}}</ref> Lindenthal decided to significantly modify his plans.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 22, 1902 |title=No Change on Bridge No. 4 |pages=6 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-no-change-on-br/134955613/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110175022/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-no-change-on-br/134955613/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Queens residents strongly protested any design changes,<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 19, 1902 |title="No Delay on Bridge 4" Cry Queens Co. People |pages=2 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-no-delay-on-br/134955770/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |postscript=none |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110175026/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-no-delay-on-br/134955770/ |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=July 21, 1902 |title=Mayor Rebukes a Committee of Five |pages=1 |work=The Standard Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-mayor-rebukes-a-commi/134955836/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110175021/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-mayor-rebukes-a-commi/134955836/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and Lindenthal finally agreed not to change the bridge's width.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 22, 1902 |title=Mayor Low Stops Lindenthal's Plan |pages=1 |work=The Standard Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-mayor-low-stops-linde/134959359/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |postscript=none |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110202613/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-mayor-low-stops-linde/134959359/ |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=July 22, 1902 |title=Withdrawn by Lindenthal |pages=2 |work=Times Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-withdrawn-by-lindenthal/134959377/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110202611/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-withdrawn-by-lindenthal/134959377/ |url-status=live }}</ref> By mid-1902, Lindenthal was requesting an additional $3.78 million for the bridge's completion.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 18, 1902 |title=Lindenthal Requests $6,700,000 For Bridges |pages=3 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-lindenthal-requ/134958071/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110202607/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-lindenthal-requ/134958071/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1902|value=3.78|fmt=c|r=0}} million in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} In October, a special committee recommended that Lindenthal's plans be rejected, saying that it would cost the city more if construction were halted and that two other East River bridges were also about 120 feet wide.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=October 3, 1902 |title=The Blackwell's Island Bridge Plans |magazine=Railroad Gazette |volume=34 |issue=40 |page=755 |id={{ProQuest|910600723}}}}</ref> City comptroller [[Edward M. Grout]], meanwhile, wanted workers to divert their efforts to the Manhattan Bridge.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 23, 1902 |title=Is After Lindenthal |pages=4 |work=Times Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-is-after-lindenthal/134953278/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110175024/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-is-after-lindenthal/134953278/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Low appointed a group of engineering experts that November to review Lindenthal's revised plans.<ref>{{cite news |date=November 4, 1902 |title=Experts for Blackwell's Island Bridge |page=11 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|1013638329}}}}</ref> The experts concluded that neither the original proposal nor Lindenthal's revision were sufficient and suggested that the bridge instead be {{convert|91|ft}} wide.<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 14, 1902 |title=Bridge Experts' Plan; Changes Proposed for Blackwell's Island Structure. Original Plan and Commissioner Lindenthal's Plan Not Considered Satisfactory – Mayor Low's Approval. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1902/12/14/archives/bridge-experts-plan-changes-proposed-for-blackwells-island.html |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110175022/https://www.nytimes.com/1902/12/14/archives/bridge-experts-plan-changes-proposed-for-blackwells-island.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=December 14, 1902 |title=Blackwell's Island Bridge Plan: Mayor Recommends That of Commission of Experts Appointed by Him |page=3 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|571262824}}}}</ref> The approaches retained their original 120-foot width,<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 11, 1904 |title=Engineers Talk With Committee of Forty |pages=7 |work=Times Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-engineers-talk-with-committe/134969085/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110214241/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-engineers-talk-with-committe/134969085/ |url-status=live }}</ref> as did the piers themselves.<ref name="n135219221">{{Cite news |date=April 15, 1905 |title=Something Doing Now on Blackwell's Island Bridge |pages=11 |work=Times Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-something-doing-now-on-black/135219221/ |access-date=November 15, 2023 |archive-date=November 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115022126/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-something-doing-now-on-black/135219221/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Henry Hornbostel]] was directed in early 1903 to prepare drawings of the bridge's towers and roadway,<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 12, 1903 |title=Bridge Experts Named; Mayor Low Appoints Commission for Manhattan Structure. Lieut. Col. Raymond, George S. Morison, C.C. Schneider, H.W. Hodge, And Prof. Merriman to Pass on the Plans – The BlackWell's Island Bridge. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1903/02/12/archives/bridge-experts-named-mayor-low-appoints-commission-for-manhattan.html |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110202607/https://www.nytimes.com/1903/02/12/archives/bridge-experts-named-mayor-low-appoints-commission-for-manhattan.html |url-status=live }}</ref> though no architectural contract had been awarded yet.<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 9, 1903 |title=Grout Will Hold Up Hornbostel's Bills |pages=1 |work=Times Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-grout-will-hold-up-hornboste/134960631/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110202618/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-grout-will-hold-up-hornboste/134960631/ |url-status=live }}</ref> By mid-1903, the piers were two-thirds completed.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 14, 1903 |title=Salary List Increases in Bridge Department |pages=6 |work=The Brooklyn Citizen |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-salary-list-increas/134962120/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110202607/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-salary-list-increas/134962120/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The bedrock under the Queens side of the bridge was very close to the ground, so work on the piers in Queens was able to proceed more rapidly than work on the other piers.<ref name="n134965012" /> The Board of Estimate appropriated an additional $3.86 million for the bridge's construction in July 1903.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 2, 1903 |title=Board of Estimate Votes $8,000,000; City Appropriations for Many Purposes Passed. Blackweil's Island Bridge Gets $3,860,000 And Williamsburg Bridge $1,550,000 – Croton Dam Track Change Approved. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1903/07/02/archives/board-of-estimate-votes-8000000-city-appropriations-for-many.html |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110202607/https://www.nytimes.com/1903/07/02/archives/board-of-estimate-votes-8000000-city-appropriations-for-many.html |url-status=live }}</ref>{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1903|value=3.86|fmt=c|r=0}} million in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} Low rejected a plan for widening 59th Street to serve as the bridge's Manhattan approach,<ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|571301684}} |title=Too Costly, Says Mayor: Would Veto Present Fifty-Ninth-St. Widening Plan |date=July 23, 1903 |page=14 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=July 23, 1903 |title=Blocks Street Widening; Mayor Low Defeats Plan to Improve Fifty-ninth Street. Threatens Before Board of Estimate to Use Veto Power – Says Plan Would Be Too Costly. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1903/07/23/archives/blocks-street-widening-mayor-low-defeats-plan-to-improve-fiftyninth.html |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110202607/https://www.nytimes.com/1903/07/23/archives/blocks-street-widening-mayor-low-defeats-plan-to-improve-fiftyninth.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and Queens residents disagreed over plans for the Queens approach.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 22, 1903 |title=Blackwell's Island Bridge |pages=4 |work=Times Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-blackwells-island-bridge/134962534/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110202611/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-blackwells-island-bridge/134962534/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The final plans called for the Queens approach to end at Crescent Street; a new boulevard, [[Queens Plaza (Queens)|Queens Plaza]], would connect the approach to [[New York State Route 25A|Jackson Avenue]] and [[Queens Boulevard]].<ref name="n135270495">{{Cite news |date=March 12, 1906 |title=What Blackwell's Island Bridge Will Do for Queens |pages=23 |work=Times Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-what-blackwells-island-brid/135270495/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116021754/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-what-blackwells-island-brid/135270495/ |url-status=live }}</ref> All of the piers were finished by May 1904,<ref name="p571537619" /><ref name="n134969352" /> and city officials inspected the bridge's piers that July.<ref name="n134967934" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=July 14, 1904 |title=Lindenthal Objects to Wire Gable Plan; Should Not Be Used on Manhattan Bridge. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1904/07/14/archives/lindenthal-objects-to-wire-gable-plan-should-not-be-used-on.html |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110214238/https://www.nytimes.com/1904/07/14/archives/lindenthal-objects-to-wire-gable-plan-should-not-be-used-on.html |url-status=live }}</ref> ==== Initial work on superstructure ==== The [[Pennsylvania Steel Company]] submitted a bid to construct the bridge's superstructure for $5.3 million in September 1903;{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1903|value=5.3|fmt=c|r=0}} million in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} Lindenthal rejected the bid, suspecting that the company was engaging in collusion.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 24, 1903 |title=Hornbostel Rejects Steel Company's Bid |pages=22 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-hornbostel-reje/134960825/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |postscript=none |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110202623/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-hornbostel-reje/134960825/ |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=September 24, 1903 |title=Collusion in the Bidding Charged by Lindenthal |pages=1 |work=The Standard Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-collusion-in-the-bidd/134962477/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110202615/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-collusion-in-the-bidd/134962477/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The city requested further bids for the superstructure the next month,<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 22, 1903 |title=Blackwell's Island Bridge |pages=3 |work=Times Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-blackwells-island-bridge/134962715/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110202609/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-blackwells-island-bridge/134962715/ |url-status=live }}</ref> but an injunction prevented Lindenthal from awarding a steel contract.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 7, 1903 |title=Lindenthal Tied Up |pages=5 |work=Times Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-lindenthal-tied-up/134964036/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |postscript=none |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110202609/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-lindenthal-tied-up/134964036/ |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=November 7, 1903 |title=Tiger Holdup Suspected in the Bridge Injunction |pages=20 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-tiger-holdup-su/134964490/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110202613/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-tiger-holdup-su/134964490/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Pennsylvania Steel Company received the steel contract that November,<ref name="p886559212">{{Cite magazine |date=September 10, 1909 |title=The Blackwell's Island Bridge |magazine=Railroad Age Gazette |volume=47 |issue=11 |page=441 |id={{ProQuest|886559212}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=November 10, 1903 |title=Big Contract Awarded |pages=1 |work=The Brooklyn Citizen |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-big-contract-awarde/134964564/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |postscript=none |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110202612/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-big-contract-awarde/134964564/ |url-status=live }}; {{cite news |id={{ProQuest|128840770}} |title=Bridge Contract |date=November 11, 1903 |page=2 |work=The Wall Street Journal |issn=0099-9660}}</ref> and the Art Commission approved plans for the bridge's spires the same month.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 11, 1903 |title=Art Commission Turns Down Hornbostel's Plan |pages=3 |work=Times Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-art-commission-turns-down-ho/134964951/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110202620/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-art-commission-turns-down-ho/134964951/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Just before Lindenthal left office, the city received bids for four elevator towers and two powerhouses for the bridge at the end of 1903;<ref>{{cite news |date=December 22, 1903 |title=Lindenthal Opens Bridge Bids |page=5 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|571369907}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=December 22, 1903 |title=Bids for Blackwell's Island Work. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1903/12/22/archives/bids-for-blackwells-island-work.html |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110214238/https://www.nytimes.com/1903/12/22/archives/bids-for-blackwells-island-work.html |url-status=live }}</ref> the powerhouses were to supply the elevators.<ref>{{cite news |date=October 18, 1903 |title=Bridge Towers: Different Styles for East River Viaducts |page=A1 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|571327490}}}}</ref> These elevators were to be positioned within the ends of the piers, which would make it impossible to widen the piers at a later date.<ref name="n135219221" /> City corrections commissioner [[Francis J. Lantry]] opposed the elevators because they would allow prisoners on Blackwell's Island to escape.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 28, 1904 |title=Out Goes Hornbostel, A Lindenthal Legacy |pages=1 |work=Times Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-out-goes-hornbostel-a-linde/134968611/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110214240/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-out-goes-hornbostel-a-linde/134968611/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In early 1904, Lindenthal's successor George Best canceled plans for ornamentation on the bridge.<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 15, 1904 |title=Best Throws Out All the Old Bridge Plans |pages=12 |work=The Standard Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-best-throws-out-all-t/134969624/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110214238/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-best-throws-out-all-t/134969624/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Pennsylvania Steel Company was obligated to complete the superstructure by the beginning of 1907,<ref name="n135219221" /> and it submitted drawings for the construction of the superstructure in mid-1904.<ref name="n134969352" /> Later that year, Best postponed construction of the bridge's elevators and power houses,<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 29, 1904 |title=Change in Bridge Contract Will Accelerate Work |pages=4 |work=The Standard Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-change-in-bridge-cont/134969985/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110214243/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-change-in-bridge-cont/134969985/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and the city authorized another $400,000 for the bridge's construction.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 12, 1904 |title=To Improve Court House |pages=10 |work=The Brooklyn Citizen |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-to-improve-court-ho/134970060/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110214241/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-to-improve-court-ho/134970060/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1904|value=0.4|fmt=c|r=0}} million in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} Local merchants protested the postponement of the elevators, saying it would not save money.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 16, 1904 |title=Merchants Get After Mr. Best |pages=12 |work=The Standard Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-merchants-get-after-m/134970238/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110214240/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-merchants-get-after-m/134970238/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Before work on the superstructure began, workers erected seventeen temporary {{Convert|135|ft|m|-tall|adj=mid}} bents between the two piers on Blackwell's Island.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 19, 1905 |title=Rearing Skeleton Work for $10,000,000 Bridge |pages=56 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-rearing-skeleto/135219627/ |access-date=November 15, 2023 |archive-date=November 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115031316/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-rearing-skeleto/135219627/ |url-status=live }}</ref> When the bents were almost complete, ironworkers organized a [[sympathetic strike]] in June 1905, in solidarity with striking workers at the Pennsylvania Steel Company's [[Harrisburg, Pennsylvania|Harrisburg]] factory.<ref>{{cite news |date=June 24, 1905 |title=Strike on New Bridge: Work on Blackwell's Island Structure Tied Up by Order |page=5 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|571579706}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=June 24, 1905 |title=Blackwell's Island Bridge Men on Strike |pages=9 |work=The Standard Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-blackwells-island-br/135220891/ |access-date=November 15, 2023 |archive-date=November 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115031313/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-blackwells-island-br/135220891/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The work stoppage lasted a month,<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 29, 1905 |title=Housesmith' Strike Ends; Work on Blackwell's Island Bridge Will Now Be Rushed. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1905/07/29/archives/housesmith-strike-ends-work-on-blackwells-island-bridge-will-now-be.html |access-date=November 15, 2023 |archive-date=November 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115022120/https://www.nytimes.com/1905/07/29/archives/housesmith-strike-ends-work-on-blackwells-island-bridge-will-now-be.html |url-status=live }}</ref> during which workers were not allowed to complete steel castings for the bridge.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 23, 1905 |title=Violate Strike Agreement; Blackwell's Island Bridge Builders Say Union Is to Blame. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1905/07/23/archives/violate-strike-agreement-blackwells-island-bridge-builders-say.html |access-date=November 15, 2023 |archive-date=November 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115022120/https://www.nytimes.com/1905/07/23/archives/violate-strike-agreement-blackwells-island-bridge-builders-say.html |url-status=live }}</ref> By that August, over {{convert|6000|ST|LT t}} of steel castings had been completed, and another {{convert|20000|ST|LT t}} of castings were being fabricated.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 18, 1905 |title=Two Big Castings on Pier |pages=14 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-two-big-casting/135220723/ |access-date=November 15, 2023 |archive-date=November 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115031312/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-two-big-casting/135220723/ |url-status=live }}</ref> There was not enough material to begin constructing the superstructure.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 27, 1905 |title=Further Delay on Bridge |pages=48 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-further-delay-o/135221208/ |access-date=November 15, 2023 |archive-date=November 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115031314/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-further-delay-o/135221208/ |url-status=live }}</ref> There were so few workers on site, a local group estimated that the bridge would not be completed for fifty years.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 26, 1905 |title=Bridge Work Slow; Committee Fears Blackwell's Island Structure Is 50 Years Off Completion. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1905/08/26/archives/bridge-work-slow-committee-fears-blackwells-island-structure-is-50.html |access-date=November 15, 2023 |archive-date=November 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115031311/https://www.nytimes.com/1905/08/26/archives/bridge-work-slow-committee-fears-blackwells-island-structure-is-50.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Work on the superstructure began later in 1905.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=September 8, 1905 |title=Report of the Commissioner of Bridges of New York City: Bridges Over the East River |magazine=Railroad Gazette |volume=39 |issue=10 |page=232 |id={{ProQuest|873938980}}}}</ref> By that November, workers had erected part of a steel tower atop the pier on the western side of Blackwell's Island; at the time, the media anticipated that {{convert|3000|ST|LT t}} of steel would be erected every month.<ref>{{cite news |date=November 11, 1905 |title=Rapid Work on Blackwell's Bridge |page=12 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|571634648}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=November 8, 1905 |title=Building New York's Third Bridge |pages=12 |work=The Buffalo News |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-buffalo-news-building-new-yorks-thi/135221728/ |access-date=November 15, 2023 |archive-date=November 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115031311/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-buffalo-news-building-new-yorks-thi/135221728/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The first steel span, that above Blackwell's Island, was completed at the beginning of 1906.<ref>{{cite news |date=January 1, 1906 |title=Blackwell's Island Bridge Work: Steel Work of One Span Nearly Done—the Committee of Forty's Hopes |page=3 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-blackwells-island-brid/135272131/ |access-date=November 15, 2023 |id={{ProQuest|571785964}} |postscript=none |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116021750/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-blackwells-island-brid/135272131/ |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=January 1, 1906 |title=Bridge Work Advancing; Eastern Section of Blackwell's Island Structure Nearing Completion. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1906/01/01/archives/bridge-work-advancing-eastern-section-of-blackwells-island.html |access-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116021750/https://www.nytimes.com/1906/01/01/archives/bridge-work-advancing-eastern-section-of-blackwells-island.html |url-status=live }}</ref> After the Blackwell's Island span was finished, the falsework was moved to Manhattan and Queens, and the westernmost and easternmost spans were built atop the falsework.<ref name="p126851307" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=January 19, 1906 |title=Blackwell's Island Bridge |pages=8 |work=Times Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-blackwells-island-bridge/135271953/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116021750/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-blackwells-island-bridge/135271953/ |url-status=live }}</ref> At that point, the city government had acquired much of the land for the approaches.<ref name="n135271386">{{Cite news |date=January 24, 1906 |title=Bridge Work Held Up By a Hundred Strikers |pages=10 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-bridge-work-hel/135271386/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116021752/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-bridge-work-hel/135271386/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The bridge's construction was delayed when the Housesmiths' Union went on strike that January.<ref name="n135271386" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=April 6, 1906 |title=Strike Holds Up Bridge |pages=6 |work=The Sun |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sun-strike-holds-up-bridge/135272344/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116021750/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sun-strike-holds-up-bridge/135272344/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Unions representing other trades refused to join the strike,<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 14, 1906 |title=Building Trades Refuse to Join in the Strike; Housesmiths Will Not Have Aid of Other Workmen |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1906/05/14/archives/building-trades-refuse-to-join-in-the-strike-housesmiths-will-not.html |access-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116021750/https://www.nytimes.com/1906/05/14/archives/building-trades-refuse-to-join-in-the-strike-housesmiths-will-not.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and the Pennsylvania Steel Company had replaced the striking workers by that May.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 20, 1906 |title=Engineers On Strike |pages=1 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-engineers-on-st/135272044/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116021752/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-engineers-on-st/135272044/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=May 20, 1906 |title=Brooklyn Carpenters Establish a Wage of $4.50 |pages=9 |work=The Standard Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-brooklyn-carpenters-e/135272281/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116021751/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-brooklyn-carpenters-e/135272281/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The strike delayed construction by four months.<ref name="n135290784">{{Cite news |date=January 7, 1907 |title=Mayor's Message Has "L" Loop Quite Dead |pages=2 |work=Times Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-mayors-message-has-l-loop/135290784/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116170923/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-mayors-message-has-l-loop/135290784/ |url-status=live }}</ref> City officials [[Condemned property|condemned]] a {{convert|250|ft|m|-wide|adj=mid}} strip of land for the Queens approach viaduct in October 1906.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 18, 1906 |title=Blackwell's Island Bridge |pages=8 |work=Times Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-blackwells-island-bridge/135273118/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116030949/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-blackwells-island-bridge/135273118/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ==== Progress on superstructure and approaches ==== The city's Bridge Commission received bids for the construction of a steel approach viaduct in Queens in December 1906, and the Buckley Realty Construction Company submitted a low bid of $798,000.<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 14, 1906 |title=Bridge Approach Bids; Viaduct from Queens to Blackwell's Island Structure Lowest, $797,804. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1906/12/14/archives/bridge-approach-bids-viaduct-from-queens-to-blackwells-island.html |access-date=November 16, 2023 |postscript=none |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116021750/https://www.nytimes.com/1906/12/14/archives/bridge-approach-bids-viaduct-from-queens-to-blackwells-island.html |url-status=live }}; {{cite news |id={{ProQuest|129129899}} |title=Blackwell's Island Bridge |date=December 15, 1906 |page=3 |work=The Wall Street Journal |issn=0099-9660 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-wall-street-journal-blackwells-isla/135273227/ |access-date=November 15, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116030949/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-wall-street-journal-blackwells-isla/135273227/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1906|value=0.798|fmt=c|r=0}} million in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} Work on the Queens approach began in February 1907.<ref name="n135293066" /> By then, about {{convert|45000|ST|LT t}} of steel for the bridge, representing nine-tenths of the steel contract, had been manufactured.<ref name="n135290784" /> Workers erected 512 tons of steel each day.<ref name="The New York Times 1908 p752" /> To erect the two spans across the East River's west and east channels, they first built steel towers above each pier, then constructed the cantilever arms from each tower toward the center of the river.<ref name="p126851307" /> As such, the bridge was essentially built in three sections in Manhattan, Blackwell's Island, and Queens.<ref name="The New York Times 1908 c100">{{cite web |title=Join Island Bridge Spans; Workmen Rivet Together the $20,000,000 Structure. |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |date=March 13, 1908 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1908/03/13/archives/join-island-bridge-spans-workmen-rivet-together-the-20000000.html |access-date=November 16, 2023 |postscript=none |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116193155/https://www.nytimes.com/1908/03/13/archives/join-island-bridge-spans-workmen-rivet-together-the-20000000.html |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=March 13, 1908 |title=Bridge Cantilevers Joined |pages=2 |work=The Sun |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sun-bridge-cantilevers-joined/135299504/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116193156/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sun-bridge-cantilevers-joined/135299504/ |url-status=live }}</ref> By early 1907, the cost of acquiring land for the approaches had increased to $6 million, double the original estimate, and the cost of the entire bridge had increased to as much as $18 million.<ref>{{cite news |date=April 28, 1907 |title=Bridge Cost Grows: Approach Values Jump Blackwell's Island Structure Estimate Increased $8,000,000 |page=2 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|571989972}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=April 28, 1907 |title=A Few Millions More Added to Bridge Cost |pages=5 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-a-few-millions/135298771/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116193152/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-a-few-millions/135298771/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{efn-lr|The approaches would be equal to about ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1907|value=6|fmt=c|r=0}} million, and the entire bridge equal to ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1907|value=18|fmt=c|r=0}} million, in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} Snare & Triest submitted a low bid of $1.577 million for the construction of the Manhattan approach that May,<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 14, 1907 |title=Bids for Bridge Approach; Snare & Triest Company Lowest for Blackwell's Island Work. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1907/05/14/archives/bids-for-bridge-approach-snare-triest-company-lowest-for-blackwells.html |access-date=November 16, 2023 |postscript=none |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116030949/https://www.nytimes.com/1907/05/14/archives/bids-for-bridge-approach-snare-triest-company-lowest-for-blackwells.html |url-status=live }}; {{cite news |id={{ProQuest|129171281}} |title=Blackwell's Island Bridge.: Snare & Triest Get the Contract on a Basis of $1,576,770—Steel Tonnage 6,000. |date=May 20, 1907 |page=8 |work=The Wall Street Journal |issn=0099-9660 |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |id={{ProQuest|571807951}} |title=Blackwell's Island Approach Bids: Snare & Triest Company, With Offer of $1,576,760, Quotes Lowest Price |date=May 14, 1907 |page=10 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646}}</ref>{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1907|value=1.577|fmt=c|r=0}} million in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} and work on that approach began that July.<ref name="n135293066" /> After the collapse of the similarly designed Quebec Bridge in mid-1907, engineers said they had no concerns about the Blackwell's Island Bridge.<ref>{{cite news |date=August 31, 1907 |title=No New Methods Tried: Engineers Here Refuse to Express Opinions on Bridge's Collapse |page=3 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|571854668}} |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-no-new-methods-tried-e/135292176/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |postscript=none |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116172428/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-no-new-methods-tried-e/135292176/ |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=August 30, 1907 |title=Manhattan Bridge All Right |pages=1 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-manhattan-bridg/135290847/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116172426/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-manhattan-bridg/135290847/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The steel towers above both of the Blackwell's Island piers had been completed and were being painted.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 2, 1907 |title=Blackwell's Island Bridge Construction Advancing Rapidly |pages=13 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-blackwells-isl/135291043/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116172427/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-blackwells-isl/135291043/ |url-status=live }}</ref> That September, some beams at the eastern end of the bridge were blown into the river during a heavy windstorm.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 22, 1907 |title=Storm Wrecks Part of the New Bridge; Lightning Bolt Hits Section of Blackwell's Island Span and Wind Brings It Down |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1907/09/22/archives/storm-wrecks-part-of-the-new-bridge-lightning-bolt-hits-section-of.html |access-date=November 16, 2023 |postscript=none |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116030950/https://www.nytimes.com/1907/09/22/archives/storm-wrecks-part-of-the-new-bridge-lightning-bolt-hits-section-of.html |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=September 22, 1907 |title=Equinox Strikes Hard |pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-equinox-strikes-hard/135293951/ 2] |work=New-York Tribune |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-equinox-strikes-hard/135293891/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116170929/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-equinox-strikes-hard/135293891/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The same month, Maryland Steel Company submitted a low bid of $758,000 for a steel-and-masonry approach in Queens.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 7, 1907 |title=Bridge Bids Opened |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1907/09/07/archives/divorced-her-moorish-way-throwing-shoes-at-his-wife-leads-to-arrest.html |access-date=November 16, 2023 |postscript=none |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116030949/https://www.nytimes.com/1907/09/07/archives/divorced-her-moorish-way-throwing-shoes-at-his-wife-leads-to-arrest.html |url-status=live }}; {{cite news |id={{ProQuest|571987827}} |title=Blackwell's Island Bridge Bids |date=September 7, 1907 |page=9 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646}}</ref>{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1907|value=0.758|fmt=c|r=0}} million in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} Several buildings in Long Island City, including rowhouses and an old homestead, were demolished for the Queens approach.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 20, 1907 |title=Hunter Homestead to Go; One of Many Landmarks Removed for New Bridge Approach |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1907/10/20/archives/hunter-homestead-to-go-one-of-many-landmarks-removed-for-new-bridge.html |access-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116031343/https://www.nytimes.com/1907/10/20/archives/hunter-homestead-to-go-one-of-many-landmarks-removed-for-new-bridge.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The easternmost steel span was well underway by the end of 1907,<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 13, 1907 |title=Erecting Towers of the Manhattan and Blackwell's Island Bridge |pages=21 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-erecting-towers/135292493/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116172428/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-erecting-towers/135292493/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and work on the steel towers on the Manhattan and Queens waterfronts began that December.<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 9, 1907 |title=Hurrying New Bridge |pages=4 |work=The Brooklyn Citizen |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-hurrying-new-bridge/135294602/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116194328/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-hurrying-new-bridge/135294602/ |url-status=live }}</ref> At the time, the bridge was more than 70 percent complete.<ref name="n135293066">{{Cite news |date=September 29, 1907 |title=Say Blackwell's Island Bridge Will Be Completed Within a Year |pages=15 |work=The Standard Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-say-blackwells-islan/135293066/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116170925/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-say-blackwells-islan/135293066/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Although Manhattan residents supported widening 59th Street to serve as the bridge's Manhattan approach, the city's controller was opposed.<ref>{{cite web |date=January 9, 1908 |title=To Demand Bridge Approach; Property Owners Fight Metz's Plan to Cheapen Blackwell's Island Plans. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1908/01/09/archives/to-demand-bridge-approach-property-owners-fight-metzs-plan-to.html |access-date=November 16, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116193203/https://www.nytimes.com/1908/01/09/archives/to-demand-bridge-approach-property-owners-fight-metzs-plan-to.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The project continued to experience labor disputes, such as in early 1908, when disgruntled workers tried to destroy the Blackwell's Island span with dynamite.<ref>{{cite web |date=March 9, 1908 |title=Dynamite Under New Bridge; Foreman Scents a Plot to Blow Up Blackwell's Island Structure. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1908/03/09/archives/dynamite-under-new-bridge-foreman-scents-a-plot-to-blow-up.html |access-date=November 16, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116193225/https://www.nytimes.com/1908/03/09/archives/dynamite-under-new-bridge-foreman-scents-a-plot-to-blow-up.html |url-status=live }}</ref> ==== Completion ==== [[File:Blackwell's Island Bridge, ca. 1907.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb|Constructing the upper level in 1907]] The Manhattan and Blackwell's Island sections of the bridge were riveted together on March 13, 1908,<ref name="The New York Times 1908 c100" /> and the Blackwell's Island and Queens sections were linked on March 18.<ref name="p895736043">{{Cite magazine |date=March 20, 1908 |title=Blackwell's Island Bridge |magazine=Railroad Gazette |volume=44 |issue=12 |page=423 |id={{ProQuest|895736043}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Island Bridge Now Joins Us to Queens; Last Link in Blackwell's Structure Is Placed to a Shrill Salvo of Whistles |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |date=March 19, 1908 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1908/03/19/archives/island-bridge-now-joins-us-to-queens-last-link-in-blackwells.html |access-date=November 16, 2023 |postscript=none |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116193203/https://www.nytimes.com/1908/03/19/archives/island-bridge-now-joins-us-to-queens-last-link-in-blackwells.html |url-status=live }}; {{cite news |date=March 19, 1908 |title=River Spanned Again: New Bridge Connected "Little Tim" Smashes Bottle of Wine on Blackwell Island Cantilever |page=4 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|572024919}} |postscript=none}}; {{cite magazine |date=March 19, 1908 |title=Connecting Girder Put in: New York Now Joined to Long Island. Blackwell's Island Bridge Crossed for First Time. Begun in 1901, and Cost Nearly $25,000,000. |magazine=Boston Daily Globe |page=11 |id={{ProQuest|501000486}}}}</ref> The Board of Aldermen appropriated another $1.2 million for the bridge's completion shortly afterward; the project had cost $6.2 million up to that point.<ref>{{cite news |date=May 12, 1908 |title=Blackwell's Island Bridge Overloaded: Need of Inquiry Into New Weights Imposed |page= |pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-blackwells-island-brid/135299438/ 4] |work=New-York Tribune |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-blackwells-island-brid/135299394/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|572022996}} |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116193157/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-blackwells-island-brid/135299394/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{efn-lr|The additional funding is equal to about ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1908|value=1.2|fmt=c|r=0}} million, and the total cost equal to ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1908|value=6.2|fmt=c|r=0}} million, in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} The [[New York City Department of Finance]]'s chief engineer began investigating the bridge in May 1908 in response to concerns over its structural integrity,<ref>{{cite news |date=May 16, 1908 |title=Bridge Probe Started: Ordered by Mr. Metz Chandler Withington Begins Inquiry—creuzbaur Favors Test |page=1 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|572056316}}}}</ref> as the bridge was similar to the collapsed [[Quebec Bridge]], and the plans had been modified after the contract for the superstructure had been awarded.<ref>{{cite web |title=Island Bridge Scare Scouted by Experts; While Plan Is Similar to Wrecked Quebec Structure, More and Stronger Steel Used Here |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |date=May 26, 1908 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1908/05/26/archives/island-bridge-scare-scouted-by-experts-while-plan-is-similar-to.html |access-date=November 16, 2023 |postscript=none |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116193243/https://www.nytimes.com/1908/05/26/archives/island-bridge-scare-scouted-by-experts-while-plan-is-similar-to.html |url-status=live }}; {{cite news |date=May 19, 1908 |title=Still Mum Over Bridge |pages=3 |work=New-York Tribune |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-still-mum-over-bridge/135300213/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116194333/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-still-mum-over-bridge/135300213/ |url-status=live }}</ref> That June, the Board of Estimate authorized $30,000 for two investigations into the bridge's safety.<ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|572034032}} |title=Bridge Tests Ordered: Estimate Board Acts Authorizes $30,000 For Blackwell's Structure Examination |date=June 6, 1908 |page=1 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |date=June 5, 1908 |title=No Action is Taken To-day on Appropriation for Subway |pages=1 |work=The Standard Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-no-action-is-taken-to/135301011/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116194331/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-no-action-is-taken-to/135301011/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1908|value=30000|fmt=c|r=-3}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} The Pennsylvania Steel Company formally completed the superstructure on June 16, 1908, eighteen months behind schedule.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 17, 1908 |title=Finishing a Big Bridge |pages=16 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-new-york-times-finishing-a-big-bridg/135301077/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |postscript=none |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116193153/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-new-york-times-finishing-a-big-bridg/135301077/ |url-status=live }}; {{cite news |date=June 17, 1908 |title=Finish Superstructure |pages=5 |work=New-York Tribune |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-finish-superstructure/135301128/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116193152/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-finish-superstructure/135301128/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Department of Bridges began receiving bids that July for paving and electrical equipment,<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 12, 1908 |title=Final Work on New Bridge; Letting Contracts In Improvement Work on Long Island City Approach. Long Branch Property at Auction. Buying In and Near Jamaica. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1908/07/12/archives/final-work-on-new-bridge-letting-contracts-in-improvement-work-on.html |access-date=November 29, 2023}}</ref> and the approach viaducts were completed on August 17.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 18, 1908 |title=Last Span in New Bridge; One Can Walk Now from Manhattan to Long Island City. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1908/08/18/archives/last-span-in-new-bridge-one-can-walk-now-from-manhattan-to-long.html |access-date=November 29, 2023 |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |date=August 18, 1908 |title=Queens Now Connected: Blackwell's Island Bridge Continuous Structure From Manhattan |page=6 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|572128907}}}}</ref> The city refused to pay Pennsylvania Steel until 1912, when a judge forced them to do so.<ref>{{cite news |date=October 19, 1912 |title=Pennsylvania Steel Wins Suit.: Decree Signed Awarding $227,893 Against the City of New York for Queensboro Bridge Work |work=The Wall Street Journal |page=8 |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|129361597}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=October 19, 1912 |title=Queensboro Bridge Suit Lost by City; Pennsylvania Steel Co. Gets a Judgment for $227,893 in U.S. District Court. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1912/10/19/archives/queensboro-bridge-suit-lost-by-city-pennsylvania-steel-co-gets-a.html |access-date=January 6, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US |archive-date=January 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106234430/https://www.nytimes.com/1912/10/19/archives/queensboro-bridge-suit-lost-by-city-pennsylvania-steel-co-gets-a.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Businessmen proposed renaming the crossing as the Queensboro Bridge in September 1908, saying the Blackwell Island name was too closely associated with the island's hospitals and asylums.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 6, 1908 |title=Want Bridge Name Changed.; Petition to Adopt "Queensboro" Instead of "Blackwell's Island." |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1908/09/06/archives/want-bridge-name-changed-petition-to-adopt-queensboro-instead-of.html |access-date=November 29, 2023 |postscript=none }}; {{cite news |date=September 6, 1908 |title=Petition to Aldermen for Queensboro Bridge |pages=8 |work=The Brooklyn Citizen |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-petition-to-alderme/135957206/ |access-date=November 29, 2023 |postscript=none |archive-date=April 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407172644/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-petition-to-alderme/135957206/ |url-status=live }}; {{cite news |date=September 24, 1908 |title=New Bridge Name Causes Trouble: May Be Known as Blackwell's Island, Queens or Queensboro |page=8 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|572182996}} |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-new-bridge-name-causes/135957447/ |access-date=November 29, 2023 |archive-date=April 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407172648/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-new-bridge-name-causes/135957447/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite several Irish-American groups' objections that the Queensboro name resembled a British name,<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 26, 1908 |title=Bridge to Retain Name; Irish Societies Object to "Queensboro" Instead of Blackwell's Island. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1908/09/26/archives/bridge-to-retain-name-irish-societies-object-to-queensboro-instead.html |access-date=November 29, 2023 |postscript=none |archive-date=December 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224154911/https://www.nytimes.com/1908/09/26/archives/bridge-to-retain-name-irish-societies-object-to-queensboro-instead.html |url-status=live }}; {{cite news |date=September 27, 1908 |title=Change of Bridge Name Opposed by Irishmen |pages=8 |work=The Brooklyn Citizen |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-change-of-bridge-na/135957374/ |access-date=November 29, 2023 |archive-date=April 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407172648/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-change-of-bridge-na/135957374/ |url-status=live }}</ref> it stuck.<ref name="The New York Times 2002 j597" /> The structural engineers tasked with studying the bridge concluded that it was structurally sound,<ref name="p886559212" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=October 29, 1908 |title=Everything Right for Bridge Opening |pages=8 |work=Times Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-everything-right-for-bridge/135955520/ |access-date=November 29, 2023 |archive-date=April 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407172644/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-everything-right-for-bridge/135955520/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="nyt-1908-11-06">{{Cite news |date=November 6, 1908 |title=Queensboro Bridge Safe, Says Burr; Expert Engineer Finds That the Structure Conforms to the Specifications |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1908/11/06/archives/queensboro-bridge-safe-says-burr-expert-engineer-finds-that-the.html |access-date=November 29, 2023 |archive-date=April 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407172649/https://www.nytimes.com/1908/11/06/archives/queensboro-bridge-safe-says-burr-expert-engineer-finds-that-the.html |url-status=live }}</ref> although the bridge was altered to carry two elevated tracks rather than four.<ref name="nyt-1908-11-06" /><ref>{{cite news |date=October 29, 1908 |title=Blackwell's Island Bridge Overloaded: Experts' Sustain the Tribune's Charge Removal of All Elevated Tracks Suggested to Reduce Overstrain --Report Made Yesterday |page=1 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|572163377}}}}</ref> There was still skepticism over the bridge's structural integrity,<ref>{{cite news |date=November 26, 1908 |title=Queensboro Bridge Construction: An Engineering Journal Contrasts What the City Contracted for and What It Got |page=7 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|572158785}} |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |date=December 2, 1908 |title=Queensboro Error Cost Ten Millions: Wasted by Faulty Changes of Plan No Gain in Bridge Capacity, in Spite of Added Weight and Vastly Increased Outlay |page=1 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|572188214}}}}</ref> and the Bridge Department planned to remove some heavy stringers from the upper deck to reduce the bridge's dead load.<ref>{{cite news |date=January 2, 1909 |title=Big Weight on Bridge: Stringers Still Stand No Attempt Yet to Lighten Queensboro by Their Removal |page=3 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|572126938}}}}</ref> Paving of the bridge's decks was completed in January 1909.<ref>{{cite news |date=January 21, 1909 |title=Mayor Inspects Bridge: With Experts He Finds Queensboro Structure Almost Completed |page=12 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|572201339}}}}</ref> In total, the crossing had cost about $20 million, including $12.6 million for spans and over $5 million for land acquisition.<ref>{{cite news |date=April 11, 1909 |title=New Queensboro Bridge Is Already in Use; Will Be "Opened" June 12 |page=11 |work=Detroit Free Press |id={{ProQuest|564592161}}}}</ref>{{efn-lr|The total cost is equal to about ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1909|value=20|fmt=c|r=0}} million, the spans' cost is equal to about ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1909|value=12.6|fmt=c|r=0}} million, and the land cost is equal to about ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1909|value=5|fmt=c|r=0}} million in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} One newspaper had estimated that 55 workers had been killed during construction.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 12, 1908 |title=Lack: Of Proper Precautions Said to Have Cost the Lives of Fifty-Five Workmen Employed on Blackwell's Island Bridge |page=4 |work=Cincinnati Enquirer |id={{ProQuest|897441475}}}}</ref>
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