Editing Queensboro Bridge (section)

== Description ==

The Queensboro Bridge is a two-level double [[cantilever bridge]], with separate cantilevered spans over channels on each side of [[Roosevelt Island]] joined by a fixed central truss.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=HAKS Corporation |title=Project Page:2000 Biennial Bridge Inspection of the Queensboro Bridge over the East River |url=http://www.haks.net/projects.php?id=67 |access-date=June 15, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080625231345/http://www.haks.net/projects.php?id=67 |archive-date=June 25, 2008}}</ref> In all, it has five steel truss spans, as well as approach viaducts on either side.<ref name="ER p. 98">{{harvnb|Engineering Record|1913|ps=.|p=98}}</ref> The total length of the five spans, between the anchorages on the Manhattan and Queens sides, are approximately {{cvt|3725|ft|m}},<ref name="ER p. 98" /><ref name="SA p. 100">{{harvnb|Scientific American|1907|ps=.|p=100}}</ref><ref name="The New York Times 1908 p752">{{cite web |date=March 15, 1908 |title=The Construction of a Giant Cantilever; In Weight and Carrying Capacity, Greatest of Its Kind in the World, The Building of the Blackwell's Island Bridge Involves Problems and Figures of Unparalleled Magnitude |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1908/03/15/archives/the-construction-of-a-giant-cantilever-in-weight-and-carring.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/20231116193153/https://www.nytimes.com/1908/03/15/archives/the-construction-of-a-giant-cantilever-in-weight-and-carring.html |url-status=live}}</ref> of which {{Convert|2166|ft}} are above water.<ref name="p278370206">{{cite news |date=June 30, 1991 |title=Queens Portrait of Grace in Steel Lace |page=8 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|278370206}}}}</ref> In addition, there is a {{convert|1052|ft|m|-long|adj=mid}} approach viaduct in Manhattan and a {{convert|2588|ft|m|-long|adj=mid}} approach viaduct in Queens, connecting the anchorages on either side to street level. This brings the bridge's total length to {{convert|7449|ft|0 }}.<ref name="ER p. 98" />{{efn|Various sources from 1907 and 1908, before the bridge's completion, cited the Queens approach as {{convert|3455|ft}} and the whole bridge as {{convert|8231|ft}} long. They described the Manhattan approach as being 1,051 feet.<ref name="SA p. 100" /><ref name="The New York Times 1908 p752" /><ref name="p895736043" /> A ''Scientific American'' article from 1908 gives a figure of {{convert|7408|ft}} for the whole bridge.<ref name="p126851307" />}} The bridge carries [[New York State Route 25]], which ends at the span's western terminus.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 26, 2018 |title=A Single Road With Many Names, Traversing Many Worlds |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/26/nyregion/a-single-road-with-many-names-traversing-many-worlds.html |access-date=January 18, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231010221020/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/26/nyregion/a-single-road-with-many-names-traversing-many-worlds.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Society Society 2008 p. 68">{{Harvnb|ps=.|Greater Astoria Historical Society|Roosevelt Island Historical Society|2008|page=68}}</ref>

=== Spans ===
The lengths of the steel spans are as follows, from the westernmost span to the easternmost:<ref name="ER p. 98" /><ref name="The New York Times 1908 p752" /><ref name="p126873067">{{Cite magazine |date=April 1, 1905 |title=The New Blackwell's Island Bridge |magazine=Scientific American |volume=XCII |issue=13 |page=265 |id={{ProQuest|126873067}}}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|+ Spans of the Queensboro Bridge<ref name="ER p. 98" /><ref name="The New York Times 1908 p752" /><ref name="p126873067"/>
|-
! West end !! East end !! Crosses !! Length
|-
| Manhattan anchorage || Manhattan pier || [[York Avenue and Sutton Place|York Avenue]] || {{cvt|469.5|ft|m}}
|-
| Manhattan pier || Roosevelt Island western pier || East River's west channel, [[FDR Drive]] || {{cvt|1182|ft|m}}
|-
| Roosevelt Island western pier || Roosevelt Island eastern pier || Roosevelt Island || {{cvt|630|ft|m}}
|-
| Roosevelt Island eastern pier || Queens pier || East River's east channel || {{cvt|984|ft|m}}
|-
| Queens pier || Queens anchorage || Vernon Boulevard || {{cvt|459|ft|m}}
|}
The bridge was intended to carry a [[dead load]] of {{convert|32200|lb/ft}}.<ref name="The New York Times 1908 p752" /> Each span includes two parallel lines of trusses, one each on the north and south sides of the bridge; the centers of these trusses are spaced {{Convert|60|ft}} apart.<ref name="p126851307">{{Cite magazine |date=March 28, 1908 |title=Joining of Last Span of Blackwell's Island Bridge. |magazine=Scientific American |volume=XCVIII |issue=13 |page=223 |id={{ProQuest|126851307}}}}</ref> The bottom chord of each set of trusses is composed of [[box girder]]s, while the top chord is composed of [[eyebar]]s measuring {{convert|8|to|12|in}} deep.<ref name="p126873067" /> The trusses range in height from {{convert|45|to|118|ft}} between the bottom and top chords; the steel towers atop each pier measure {{convert|185|ft}} tall.<ref name="The New York Times 1908 p752" /> Unlike other large bridges, the trusses are not suspended; instead, the spans are directly connected to each other.<ref name="NPS p. 2">{{harvnb|National Park Service|1978|ps=.|p=2}}</ref> In addition, there are transverse floor beams, which protrude {{convert|13|ft}} from the trusses on either side of the deck.<ref name="SA p. 101">{{harvnb|Scientific American|1907|ps=.|p=101}}</ref> Atop the bridge's topmost chords were originally galvanized steel ropes, which acted as handrails for bridge painters. Five hand-operated scaffolds were also placed on the bridge.<ref name="ER p. 99">{{harvnb|Engineering Record|1913|ps=.|p=99}}</ref>

The spans are cantilevered from steel towers that rise above four central [[Pier (architecture)|piers]].<ref name="p126851307" /><ref name="NPS p. 2" /> Each cantilevered section measures {{convert|808|to|1061|ft}} long. The two spans above the East River's channels are composed of cantilever arms, which extend outward from the towers on either side of the channel. Each pair of cantilever arms meets at a set of [[Bent (structural)|bents]] above the middle of each channel. The bents allowed the cantilever arms to move horizontally due to temperature changes, and it allowed structural loads to be distributed between the two arms.<ref name="p126851307" /> The bridge uses nickel-steel bars that were intended to be 40 to 50 percent stronger than regular structural-steel bars of the same weight. The beams could withstand loads of up to {{convert|56000|lb}} each, while the nickel-steel eyebars were intended to withstand loads of up to {{Convert|85000|lb}}.<ref name="SA p. 100" /><ref name="The New York Times 1908 p752" /> The decks themselves were designed to carry as much as {{Convert|16000|lb/ft}}.<ref name="p144906008">{{cite news |date=March 31, 1909 |title=$20,000,000 Bridge Open: Mayor and Newsboys First to Cross From Manhattan to Queens Greatest of Four Structures Spanning East River Is, With Approaches, 7,424 Feet Long. |page=5 |newspaper=The Washington Post |issn=0190-8286 |id={{ProQuest|144906008}}}}</ref>

The steel spans between the anchorages weigh a total of {{Convert|52000|ST|LT t}}<ref name="SA p. 100" /> and have a maximum grade of 3.41 percent.<ref name="The New York Times 1908 p752" /><ref name="p572216360">{{cite news |date=March 31, 1909 |title=The Queensboro Open: Thousands Fight to Be First Over Bridge Real Celebration to Be Held in June—Cost Almost Double the First Estimate |page=1 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|572216360}}}}</ref> The spans were intended to be at least {{Convert|118|ft}} above [[mean high water]];<ref name="p899683487">{{Cite magazine |date=April 29, 1904 |title=Masonry for the Blackwell's Island Bridge |magazine=Railroad Gazette |volume=36 |issue=18 |pages=319–320 |id={{ProQuest|899683487}}}}</ref> the bridge reaches a maximum height of {{Convert|135|ft}}<ref name="p144906008" /><ref name="p507939040">{{cite news |date=March 30, 1909 |title=Great Bridge Finished; Another to Be Begun |page=12 |work=The Christian Science Monitor |id={{ProQuest|507939040}}}}</ref> or {{Convert|140|ft}} above high mean water.<ref name="p278370206" /> Until it was surpassed by the [[Quebec Bridge]] in 1917, the span between Manhattan and Roosevelt Island was the longest cantilever in North America;<ref name="asce">{{cite web |title=Queensboro Bridge |url=http://www.ascemetsection.org/committees/history-and-heritage/landmarks/queensboro-bridge |access-date=November 12, 2016 |publisher=ASCE Metropolitan Section |archive-date=November 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161113122736/http://www.ascemetsection.org/committees/history-and-heritage/landmarks/queensboro-bridge |url-status=live}}</ref> it was also the second-longest worldwide, after the [[Forth Bridge]] in Scotland.<ref name="p126873067" /><ref name="n134967934">{{Cite news |date=July 14, 1904 |title=Commissioner Best's Party at the Tower on Blackwell's Island |pages=17 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-commissioner-be/134967934/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110214243/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-commissioner-be/134967934/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

====Levels====
The upper level is {{Convert|67|ft}} wide.<ref name="The New York Times 1908 p752" /><ref name="p572216360" /> The upper level originally contained two pedestrian walkways and two [[elevated railway]] tracks, which connected a spur of the [[IRT Second Avenue Line|IRT Second Avenue elevated line]] in Manhattan to the [[Queensboro Plaza station]] in Queens.<ref name="ER p. 98" /><ref name="open" /> There were also provisions for two additional tracks between the trusses (taking up the space occupied by the walkways), as well as {{Convert|13|ft|m|adj=mid|-wide}} walkways cantilevered outside the trusses.<ref name="The New York Times 1908 p752" /><ref name="p126851307" /> {{As of|2023}}, the upper level has four lanes of automobile traffic, consisting of a pair of two-lane roadways. Although both roadways end at Thomson Avenue in Queens, they diverge in Manhattan. The two northern lanes, normally used by westbound traffic, lead to 62nd and 63rd Streets. The two southern lanes, normally used by eastbound traffic, lead to 57th and 58th Streets.<ref name="NPS p. 3">{{harvnb|National Park Service|1978|ps=.|p=3}}</ref> The southern roadway is used as a westbound [[high-occupancy vehicle lane]] during morning rush hours, when all eastbound traffic uses the lower level.<ref>{{Cite web |title=HOV Lanes |url=http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/motorist/carpool.shtml |access-date=December 18, 2017 |website=www.nyc.gov |language=en |archive-date=July 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190703015414/http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/motorist/carpool.shtml |url-status=live}}</ref>

The lower level is {{Convert|86|ft}} wide<ref name="The New York Times 1908 p752" /><ref name="p572216360" /> and is divided into three sections: a northern, central, and southern roadway.<ref name="open" /> The center roadway is {{Convert|56|ft}} wide and was originally composed of a {{convert|36|ft|m|-wide|adj=mid}} general-purpose road in the middle, flanked by a pair of trolley tracks.<ref name="The New York Times 1908 p752" /><ref name="SA p. 101" /> The northern and southern lower-level roadways each had one additional trolley track, for a total of four trolley tracks.<ref name="SA p. 101" /><ref name="open" /> The central roadway originally had a wood block pavement.<ref name="ER p. 98" /><ref name="n133327304" /> {{As of|2025}}, the lower level has four vehicular lanes: two in each direction within the center roadway. The northern lower-level roadway was converted into a permanent pedestrian walk and bicycle path in September 2000;<ref>{{cite web |title=Queensboro Bridge Rehabilitation Program |url=http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/bridges/qbrehab.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080330082222/http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/bridges/qbrehab.shtml |archive-date=March 30, 2008 |access-date=March 13, 2010 |work=New York City Department of Transportation}}</ref> pedestrians were relocated to the southern lower-level roadway in 2025.<ref name="Russo-Lennon u449"/>

==== Piers ====
The five spans are supported by six piers; the westernmost and easternmost piers act as anchorages.<ref name="p899683487" /><ref name="The New York Times 2002 j597" /> Each of the piers consists of two columns supported by an [[elliptical arch]] measuring {{Convert|50|ft}} wide.<ref name="p899683487" /> The piers each measure {{convert|130|by|40|ft}} across at their bases (including the arched openings).<ref name="p571537619">{{cite news |date=April 20, 1904 |title=Structural Work to Begin Soon: Six Stone Piers of Blackwell's Island Bridge Completed |page=6 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|571537619}}}}</ref> They range from {{Convert|100|to|125|ft}} tall, with the piers on Roosevelt Island being the tallest.<ref name="n134969352">{{Cite news |date=May 27, 1904 |title=Completing Piers for East River Bridge No. 4 |pages=9 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-completing-pier/134969352/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110214238/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-completing-pier/134969352/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The foundations of the Roosevelt Island piers are shallow, since there is bedrock just below the surface of the island. By comparison, the piers in Manhattan and Queens extend over {{convert|50|ft}} deep.<ref name="SA p. 100" />

The piers are faced with Maine granite and are attached to a backing made of concrete and Mohawk Valley limestone.<ref name="p571537619" /> In total, workers used {{convert|14000|yd3}} of limestone, {{convert|17000|yd3}} of concrete, and {{convert|22800|yd3}} of granite to build the bridges.<ref name="p899683487" /> Above the piers rise the bridge's towers, which contain domed decorations and [[Art Nouveau]]-inspired spires.<ref name="The New York Times 2002 j597">{{cite web |last=Gray |first=Christopher |date=November 24, 2002 |title=Streetscapes/The Queensboro Bridge; Spanning the East River, With a Sense of Drama |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/24/realestate/streetscapes-the-queensboro-bridge-spanning-the-east-river-with-a-sense-of-drama.html |access-date=October 19, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022014709/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/24/realestate/streetscapes-the-queensboro-bridge-spanning-the-east-river-with-a-sense-of-drama.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The towers extend {{Convert|185|ft}} above the bridge's lower chords.<ref name="p144906008" /> The tops of the towers are made of 225 granite blocks, which were part of the original design but not added until 1937.<ref name="p1250464082" /> The spires were removed at some point in the 20th century after deteriorating.<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 25, 1960 |title=The 8 Million |pages=2 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-the-8-million/133243953/ |access-date=October 11, 2023 |archive-date=October 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017112837/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-the-8-million/133243953/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

The two anchorages, one each at the Manhattan and Queens ends, are about {{convert|500|ft}} inland of the shore.<ref name="n134961972" /> Each anchorage was built with spiral staircases and elevators.<ref name="n134969352" /><ref name="n134961972">{{Cite news |date=May 23, 1903 |title=Blackwell's Island Bridge's Progress |pages=19 |work=Times Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-blackwells-island-bridges/134961972/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110202610/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-blackwells-island-bridges/134961972/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The anchorage in Manhattan is between [[First Avenue (Manhattan)|First Avenue]] and [[York Avenue]], while the Queens anchorage is near Vernon Boulevard.<ref name="p571537619" /> The anchorages are topped by small rooms with arched openings.<ref name="n134965012">{{Cite news |date=April 21, 1903 |title=Natural Bridge Foundations |pages=11 |work=Times Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-natural-bridge-foundations/134965012/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110202606/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-natural-bridge-foundations/134965012/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Approaches===
The approaches on both sides of the bridge are composed of stiffened steel frames, but the Manhattan approach is the only one that is ornately decorated.<ref name="NPS p. 2" /> The Queens approach consists of a series of elevated concrete-and-steel ramps, which were never formally decorated.<ref name="NPS p. 3" />

==== Manhattan approach ====
The Manhattan approach to the bridge is supported on a series of [[Guastavino tile]] vaults.<ref name="Dunlap 1999">{{cite news |last=Dunlap |first=David W. |author-link=David W. Dunlap |date=March 7, 1999 |title=Bridgemarket Emerging, After 22 Years |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/03/07/realestate/bridgemarket-emerging-after-22-years.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101112140901/http://www.nytimes.com/1999/03/07/realestate/bridgemarket-emerging-after-22-years.html |archive-date=November 12, 2010 |access-date=February 20, 2010 |newspaper=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The vaults are composed of three layers of tiles, which support themselves and measure {{convert|4|in}} thick in total. A layer of glazing and small lights were installed in 1918.<ref>{{harvnb|National Park Service|1978|ps=.|pp=2–3}}</ref> The space under the Manhattan approach measures {{convert|120|by|270|ft}} across.<ref name="p277896828">{{cite news |last=Sax |first=Irene |date=May 27, 1987 |title=Waiting for Bridgemarket Construction Is About to Start Under the Queensborough Bridge |page=3 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|277896828}}}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1977-08-04" /> It is divided into a series of tiled vaults measuring {{convert|30|by|30|ft}} across.<ref name="NPS p. 2" /><ref name="nyt-1977-08-04" /> As the bridge ascends to the east, the floor slopes down and the ceiling slopes up; as such, the ceiling measures {{convert|60|ft}} high at its highest point.<ref name="nyt-1977-08-04">{{Cite news |date=August 4, 1977 |title=Design Notebook |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/08/04/archives/design-notebook-bringing-new-life-to-the-queensboro-bridge.html |access-date=October 12, 2023 |archive-date=October 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019200353/https://www.nytimes.com/1977/08/04/archives/design-notebook-bringing-new-life-to-the-queensboro-bridge.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The Guastavino tiles cover the steel [[superstructure]] of the approach ramp.<ref name="The New York Times 1996 i504">{{cite web |last=Gray |first=Christopher |date=May 12, 1996 |title=Streetscapes/Rafael Guastavino;An Architect Who Achieved a Vaulting Success |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/05/12/realestate/streetscapes-rafael-guastavino-an-architect-who-achieved-a-vaulting-success.html |access-date=October 19, 2023 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022014708/https://www.nytimes.com/1996/05/12/realestate/streetscapes-rafael-guastavino-an-architect-who-achieved-a-vaulting-success.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

Originally, the vaults were intended as storage space.<ref name="ER p. 99" /> From the bridge's 1909 opening, the space under the Manhattan approach was used as a food market.<ref name="p277896828" /> The food market was renovated in 1933<ref>{{cite news |date=June 17, 1933 |title=59th St. Market Reopens To Praises of O'Brien: Asparagus in Hand Mayor Bids Ryan 'God-Speed' |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=12 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1336985953}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=June 17, 1933 |title=Spruced-up Market Reopened by Mayor; Stalls Under Queens Bridge to Bring City $17,500 a Year Instead of $3,250. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1933/06/17/archives/sprucedup-market-reopened-by-mayor-stalls-under-queens-bridge-to.html |access-date=January 8, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US |archive-date=January 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108024015/https://www.nytimes.com/1933/06/17/archives/sprucedup-market-reopened-by-mayor-stalls-under-queens-bridge-to.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and was later converted to a sign shop and garage.<ref name="p277896828" /> By the 1970s, the space under the Manhattan approach was used by the Department of Highways.<ref name="nyt-1977-08-04" /> [[New York City Center]]'s Cinematheque leased space under the Queensboro Bridge in 1973,<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 2, 1973 |title=Cinematheque Gets Queensboro Site |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1973/11/02/archives/cinematheque-gets-queensboro-site.html |access-date=March 5, 2023 |archive-date=March 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305204102/https://www.nytimes.com/1973/11/02/archives/cinematheque-gets-queensboro-site.html |url-status=live |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Oster |first=Jerry |date=November 26, 1973 |title=City Provides Fine Site for Film History |pages=56 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120243045/city-provides-fine-site-for-film/ |access-date=March 5, 2023 |archive-date=March 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305204102/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120243045/city-provides-fine-site-for-film/ |url-status=live}}</ref> although the Cinematheque never opened due to a lack of money.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Prial |first=Frank J. |date=May 16, 1987 |title=Construction Date Is Set at Stalled Bridgemarket |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/05/16/nyregion/construction-date-is-set-at-stalled-bridgemarket.html |access-date=March 5, 2023 |archive-date=March 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305204338/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/05/16/nyregion/construction-date-is-set-at-stalled-bridgemarket.html |url-status=live |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=January 16, 1977 |title=Film festival from Paris |pages=107 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120243093/film-festival-from-paris/ |access-date=March 5, 2023 |archive-date=March 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305204101/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120243093/film-festival-from-paris/ |url-status=live}}</ref> A developer proposed the open-air Bridgemarket under the bridge in 1976, which local residents significantly opposed,<ref name="nyt-1976-01-19" /> and Bridgemarket was not approved until 1996.<ref>{{cite web |last=Jacobs |first=Andrew |date=October 13, 1996 |title=Bridgemarket Finally Gets Its Yes |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/10/13/nyregion/bridgemarket-finally-gets-its-yes.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022014709/https://www.nytimes.com/1996/10/13/nyregion/bridgemarket-finally-gets-its-yes.html |archive-date=October 22, 2023 |access-date=October 19, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Bridgemarket, covering {{convert|98000|ft2}},<ref name="Dunlap 1999" /><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Rowan |first=Victoria C. |date=August 1999 |title=Under the Bridge |url=https://usmodernist.org/AR/AR-1999-08.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022014710/https://usmodernist.org/AR/AR-1999-08.pdf |archive-date=October 22, 2023 |access-date=December 6, 2023 |magazine=Architectural Record |page=57 |volume=187 |issue=8}}</ref> opened in 1999 at a cost of $24 million.<ref name="Dunlap 1999" />{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1999|value=24|fmt=c|r=0}} million in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} The store operated until the end of 2015.<ref>{{cite web |last=Levitt |first=David M |date=November 20, 2015 |title=Manhattan's Most Beautiful Supermarket Is Closing |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-11-20/manhattan-architectural-gem-left-vacant-by-exit-of-food-emporium |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211203034650/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-11-20/manhattan-architectural-gem-left-vacant-by-exit-of-food-emporium |archive-date=December 3, 2021 |access-date=October 12, 2023 |website=Bloomberg.com}}</ref> In February 2020, it was announced that [[Trader Joe's]] was planning to open a [[supermarket]] in this space,<ref>{{cite web |last=Cohen |first=Michelle |date=February 26, 2020 |title=See the Approved Plans for Trader Joe's New Upper East Side Store Under the Queensboro Bridge |url=https://www.6sqft.com/see-the-approved-plans-for-trader-joes-new-upper-east-side-store-under-the-queensboro-bridge/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220812141423/https://www.6sqft.com/see-the-approved-plans-for-trader-joes-new-upper-east-side-store-under-the-queensboro-bridge/ |archive-date=August 12, 2022 |access-date=August 12, 2022 |website=6sqft}}</ref> which opened in December 2021.<ref>{{cite web |last=Rahmanan |first=Anna |date=December 1, 2021 |title=The First Trader Joe's on the Upper East Side Is Officially Opening Tomorrow! |url=https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/the-first-trader-joes-on-the-upper-east-side-is-officially-opening-tomorrow-120121 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220812141422/https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/the-first-trader-joes-on-the-upper-east-side-is-officially-opening-tomorrow-120121 |archive-date=August 12, 2022 |access-date=August 12, 2022 |website=Time Out New York}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Saraiva |first=Augusta |date=December 2, 2021 |title=Manhattan's Most Beautiful Supermarket Reopens as a Trader Joe's |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-12-02/manhattan-s-most-beautiful-supermarket-reopens-as-a-trader-joe-s |access-date=August 12, 2022 |website=Bloomberg}}</ref>

There is a massive bronze lamppost at the end of the Manhattan approach, near the intersection of Second Avenue and 59th Street.<ref name="Zimmer 2012 s486" /><ref name="CBS New York 2012 y283" /> Formerly, there was a second lamppost near 60th Street. Both lampposts consisted of thick piers, which were topped by four [[stanchion]]s (each with a globe-shaped lamp) and a larger spherical lamp in the center.<ref name="The New York Times 2001 w416">{{cite web |last=Lippincott |first=E. E. |date=July 8, 2001 |title=Neighborhood Report: Queensboro Bridge – Neighborhood Mystery; A Historic Lamp Is Lost. Fingers Are Pointed Everywhere |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/07/08/nyregion/neighborhood-report-queensboro-bridge-neighborhood-mystery-historic-lamp-lost.html |access-date=October 19, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022014709/https://www.nytimes.com/2001/07/08/nyregion/neighborhood-report-queensboro-bridge-neighborhood-mystery-historic-lamp-lost.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Each lamppost had five tiers of decorations, and the sides of each lamppost were inscribed with the names of four of the city's five boroughs.<ref name="Weaver 2015 h048" /> The lampposts were both removed in 1974 when the [[Roosevelt Island Tramway]] was developed, but the 59th Street lamppost was restored two years later.<ref name="Weaver 2015 h048" /><ref name="Jamerson 2015 y087" /> Parts of the other lamppost were found in a Queens warehouse in 2012<ref name="Zimmer 2012 s486">{{cite web |last=Zimmer |first=Amy |date=April 11, 2012 |title=Base of Historic Queensboro Bridge Lamp Rediscovered After Nearly 40 Years |url=https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20120411/upper-east-side/base-of-historic-queensboro-bridge-lamp-rediscovered-after-36-years/ |access-date=October 19, 2023 |website=DNAinfo New York |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321014909/https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20120411/upper-east-side/base-of-historic-queensboro-bridge-lamp-rediscovered-after-36-years/ |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="CBS New York 2012 y283">{{cite web |date=April 18, 2012 |title=Base Of Missing 59th Street Bridge Lamppost Found In Queens |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/base-of-missing-59th-street-bridge-lamppost-found-in-queens/ |access-date=October 19, 2023 |website=CBS New York |archive-date=October 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022014709/https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/base-of-missing-59th-street-bridge-lamppost-found-in-queens/ |url-status=live}}</ref> and rededicated on Roosevelt Island in 2015.<ref name="Weaver 2015 h048">{{cite web |last=Weaver |first=Shaye |title=Historic Queensboro Bridge Lamppost Base on Display After Years in Storage |website=DNAinfo New York |date=June 24, 2015 |url=https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20150624/roosevelt-island/historic-queensboro-bridge-lamppost-base-on-display-after-years-storage/ |access-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119210922/https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20150624/roosevelt-island/historic-queensboro-bridge-lamppost-base-on-display-after-years-storage/ |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Jamerson 2015 y087">{{cite web |last=Jamerson |first=Joshua |title=The Mystery of a Long-Missing Relic Is Solved and Returned to the Public |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |date=June 23, 2015 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/23/nyregion/the-mystery-of-a-long-missing-relic-is-solved-and-returned-to-the-public.html |access-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119210921/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/23/nyregion/the-mystery-of-a-long-missing-relic-is-solved-and-returned-to-the-public.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

<gallery mode="packed" heights="220px">
59thstbridge2007.jpg|Looking east from Manhattan toward Queens
Bridgemarket north side jeh.jpg|Bridgemarket on Manhattan side
</gallery>

=== Use during races ===
The Queensboro Bridge has been part of the [[New York City Marathon]] course since [[1976 New York City Marathon|1976]], when the marathon course traversed all five boroughs for the first time.<ref>{{cite web |last=Amdur |first=Neil |date=October 25, 1976 |title=New York's First Citywide Marathon Draws Some of World's Top Runners |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1976/10/25/archives/new-yorks-first-citywide-marathon-draws-some-of-worlds-top-runners.html |access-date=October 19, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022014711/https://www.nytimes.com/1976/10/25/archives/new-yorks-first-citywide-marathon-draws-some-of-worlds-top-runners.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Rodale, Inc. p. 77">{{cite magazine |last=Monti |first=David |date=Oct 2008 |title=Sublime Climbs |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wMgDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA77 |magazine=Runner's World |publisher=Rodale, Inc. |page=77 |issn=0897-1706 |access-date=October 19, 2023 |archive-date=October 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022014709/https://books.google.com/books?id=wMgDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA77 |url-status=live}}</ref> During the marathon, which happens every November, runners cross the Queensboro Bridge westbound toward Manhattan, then pass under the bridge at First Avenue.<ref name="Society Society 2008 p. 121">{{Harvnb|ps=.|Greater Astoria Historical Society|Roosevelt Island Historical Society|2008|page=121}}</ref> The bridge is approximately {{convert|15|mi}} from the beginning of the course on the [[Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge]]. The deck of the bridge was initially covered with carpeting for the 1976 marathon; the carpeting was not used after [[1977 New York City Marathon|1977]], when the bridge was repaved.<ref name="Rodale, Inc. p. 77" /> The bridge is also part of the course of the [[Five Boro Bike Tour]], which occurs every April; contestants traverse the bridge eastbound toward Queens.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hucCAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA78 |title=April |date=October 4, 1982 |magazine=New York Magazine |publisher=New York Media, LLC |page=78 |language=en |issn=0028-7369 |access-date=October 19, 2023 |archive-date=October 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022014709/https://books.google.com/books?id=hucCAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA78 |url-status=live}}</ref> {{as of|2022}}, the Five Boro Bike Tour uses the northern upper-level roadway.<ref>{{cite web |last=Bocanegra |first=Michelle |title=Five Boro Bike Tour Returns: What You Need to Know About Street Closures |website=Gothamist |date=May 6, 2023 |url=https://gothamist.com/news/five-boro-bike-tour-returns-what-you-need-to-know-about-street-closures |access-date=October 19, 2023 |archive-date=October 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022014710/https://gothamist.com/news/five-boro-bike-tour-returns-what-you-need-to-know-about-street-closures |url-status=live |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |last=Konig |first=Joseph |title=Street closures Sunday as Five Boro Bike Tour returns |website=Spectrum News NY1 |date=April 30, 2022 |url=https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/transit/2022/04/30/street-closures-sunday-as-five-boro-bike-tour-returns |access-date=October 19, 2023 |archive-date=October 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022014710/https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/transit/2022/04/30/street-closures-sunday-as-five-boro-bike-tour-returns |url-status=live}}</ref>