Monday, August 25, 2008

Bridging the Gap - Day 2

Alice of I Was Born 2 Cre8 is hosting this meme for this week.

To quote Alice:

"I so much enjoyed Melli's Dragon Hunt, and Quilly's Reflect This. They have been such fun and really bridged the gap between many of us around the world. That is what inspired me to host this challenge.


This Photo Challenge is BRIDGING THE GAP.
The idea is to post photos you’ve taken, or you are in, showing a bridge. Tell us something about the bridge, and/or what was happening when you took the photo. Of course, link back here, and leave a message, so we can all come have a look at what you've left for us."

So today, Day 2 (I missed Day 1), I post pictures of the Bronx Whitestone Bridge from the Queens side.

I live within walking distance of this bridge and the park. Often we have picnics here. I took these pictures several years ago.

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Before the Bronx Whitestone Bridge opened on April 29, 1939, the Triborough Bridge, five miles to the west, provided the only vehicular connection between Queens and the Bronx. The Bronx Whitestone opened to traffic a mere 23 months after the awarding of its first construction contract so that motorists could cross it on April 30, the opening day of the 1939 New York World's Fair in Flushing Meadow Park.

Today, the bridge looks as modern and elegant as when it served as the gateway to the fair's "World of Tomorrow." As part of the massive bridge project two major recreational areas were developed, Ferry Point Park in the Bronx and Francis Lewis Park in Queens.

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The bridge spans the East River. On the Bronx side are the residential communities of Unionport and Schuylerville and connections to the Hutchinson River Parkway, the Bruckner Expressway, and the Cross Bronx Expressway. On the Queens side are the residential communities of Whitestone and Malba and connections to the Cross Island Parkway and the Whitestone Expressway.


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theteach

I hope you don't mind but find the rest of my Bridging the Gap posts at Answers to the Questions

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Your photos bring out the majesty of these bridges. When I see something like this spanning water I can't help but marvel at human ingenuity. Alice picked a great theme, didn't she?

Sandee said...

The bridge and park are beautiful Mary. What a great view for a picnic as well. Have a great day sweetie. Big hug and lotsa lovies. :)

Barb said...

Mary, you always manage to make New York sounds so romantic!

Digital Flower Pictures said...

I love the Whitestone Bridge. It is my gateway to the airport. I use it to go to Long Island also. Compared to the other NYC bridges and tunnels it seems there is hardly any traffic.

Sandee said...

The three new awards have been added. :)

Anonymous said...

These are beautiful photos of this great bridge. Love the history to go with them, too! Have a great evening on that other coast :0)

Queen-Size funny bone said...

oh I'd hang those over my couch in my living room. beautiful...

Travis Cody said...

Very nice!

Forgetfulone said...

Those are really gorgeous photos! I'd love to see that in person.

Anonymous said...

Wow, Mary, what beautiful photos, what an incredible bridge. I'm so glad you've jumped in to BRIDGING THE GAP. I'm loving seeing so many wonderful bridges and reading about them.

Jientje said...

That is indeed a beautiful bridge!
It's shap erminds me of the Normandy Bridge a little, one of my favoutites! I already posted pictures of that one in the past, but I think I'll post them again this week!
I'm not sure though, we' ll see!

Carver said...

That's so great to live within walking distance of the park. Wonderful shots of the bridge and an interesting history lesson.

Carletta said...

These are gorgeous Mary! That first one is a lovely serene looking landscape.
I'm glad you joined the meme.