ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: The Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge was originally opened to railroad traffic in 1888. At the time of its opening, and at 1.25 miles in length, the Poughkeepsie-Highland railroad bridge was touted as the longest bridge in the world. Following a fire in 1974, the bridge was closed to all traffic. Walkway Over the Hudson, a private non-profit organization, envisioned a re-birth of this historic structure as the world’s longest pedestrian/bike bridge. This concept gained traction in 2007, as the idea of opening the world’s longest pedestrian bridge was linked to the Fall 2009 Quadricentennial of Henry Hudson’s exploration of the Hudson Valley. New York State Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation will operate the bridge as New York’s newest State Park.
