The New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) has completed rehabilitation work on the historic Ocean Avenue Pedestrian Bridge, which connects the Brooklyn neighborhoods of Sheepshead Bay and Manhattan Beach. Originally constructed in 1880 and rebuilt in 1930, the 400-foot wooden span runs across Sheepshead Bay from Emmons Avenue to Shore Boulevard. The NYC DOT carried out the project using in-house construction teams, with funding provided by the agency and former State Assemblymember Steven Cymbrowitz.
Prior to renovation, the bridge had suffered extensive deterioration over the years, including damage to deck boards, handrails, and support structures. In 2022, Assemblymember Cymbrowitz helped secure $750,000 in multimodal transportation funds from the State of New York to support the bridge’s rehabilitation. NYC DOT contributed additional funding to cover the total $1.2 million project cost. Construction included replacement of walking boards, railings, and lighting, along with repainting and structural upgrades.
Ocean Avenue Pedestrian Bridge, via Google Maps
DOT crews, including carpenters, electricians, masons, painters, and ironworkers, completed the work in late spring 2025.
“The Ocean Avenue Pedestrian Bridge is a beautiful, iconic and historic link between the Sheepshead Bay and Manhattan Beach communities I am privileged to represent,” said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. “I am grateful to our city and state government partners for delivering funding to upgrade the bridge’s surfaces and to the committed NYC DOT employees who worked hard to bring this rehabilitated bridge to life.”
Subscribe to YIMBY’s daily e-mail
Follow YIMBYgram for real-time photo updates
Like YIMBY on Facebook
Follow YIMBY’s Twitter for the latest in YIMBYnews
Unfortunately, there’s absolutely NO enforcement of the FISHING PROHIBITED FROM BRIDGE sign, as well as No Bike Riding on Bridge. This will result in a much sooner than anticipated re-refurbishing of the bridge. But this is par for the course in this area. Unfortunately.