Walkway Over the HudsonA place to enjoy the river and a place to appreciate the wonder of an engineering feat unprecedented in its time with a beauty unsurpassed in our generation.
History · Completed in 1888, the Poughkeepsie-Highland train bridge was then the longest bridge in the world and considered an engineering marvel.
· The 525 foot spans are the largest and heaviest trusses in the world.
· 10 story underwater timber caissons were built to set the concrete foundations for the bridge.
· Considered a landmark piece of the Hudson valleys industrial past, the bridge soon became a major link in the nation's rail network. Over the next 60 years, it would support 50 trains per day.
· The bridge has been virtually idle for about 35 years after a spectacular fire severely damaged it in 1974, ending an era of rail transportation.
Rebuilding · The Walkway Over the Hudson non-profit organization was founded in 1992.
· Their mission: to preserve the landmark railroad bridge, transform the bridge into a linear park and trail and to provide long-term stewardship. In 1995 Walkway Over the Hudson assumed ownership of the bridge, establishing partnerships with federal and state government, businesses, foundations and the community.
· With a length of 6,767 feet (approximately 1.25 miles), the walkway is the longest pedestrian bridge in the world.
· The top of the bridge deck is 212 above the water and the width is 24 feet.
Walkway · Provides public access to the Hudson River's scenic landscape for pedestrians, bicyclists, hikers, joggers, and people with disabilities.
· Connects with an extensive network of rail-trails, parks and communities on both sides of the river.
Board Members:Fred Schaeffer, Chairman · Claire Costantino, Vice Chair · Dick Coller, Vice Chair · Theresa Gill, Secretary · David Santner, Treasurer · Amy Husten, Executive Director · Michael Asbill · Joseph Bonura Jr. · Chuck Benfer · Jeanne Flemming · Diana Gurieva · Jim Hammond · William Keating · Mitch Markay · Sally Mazzarella · Judy Moran · Charles North · John Storyk
2009 Eagle Project
Donated by: Alex Palmiotti, BSA Troop 50
Poughkeepsie, NY

Sorry, but we don't have a picture of this historical marker yet. If you have a picture, please share it with us. It's simple to do. 1) Become a member. 2) Adopt this historical marker listing. 3) Upload the picture.

Show me all markers in:  Poughkeepsie, NY  |  Dutchess County  |  12601  |  New York  |  United States of America

Walkway Loop Trail
The Queen City of the Hudson
River That Flows Both Ways
Poughkeepsie Waterfront
Victor C. Waryas Memorial Park
Thomas Dongan
Poughkeepsie-Highland Bridge
Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge
Vassar Brothers Institute
Second Baptist Church

• GPX
• KML
• LOC

Have you seen this marker? If so, check in and tell us about it.