The New York City Department of Transportation has submitted a proposal to the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) for a new protective coating for the historic Macomb’s Dam Bridge, which spans the Harlem River between Manhattan and The Bronx. The project team seeks to address paint deterioration and rust on the 1895 swing bridge, a designated New York City landmark, through a full repainting in a historically accurate color.
Photograph of Macomb’s Dam Bridge, via LPC proposal.
The bridge’s current pale yellow-white coating, approved by the Public Design Commission (PDC) in 1995, has significantly deteriorated over time due to UV exposure and general wear. A PDC paint analysis found evidence of more than twenty prior color schemes throughout the bridge’s history, including shades of yellowish-brown, reddish-brown, and blue. The analysis and historic references, including Edward Hopper’s 1935 depiction of the bridge, suggest that a neutral grey was historically consistent with the bridge’s earlier appearance.
Historical painting of Macomb’s Dam Bridge, via LPC proposal.
The Department of Transportation now proposes repainting the bridge in Munsell Gray (N 4.5), a tone previously used on other major crossings such as the George Washington Bridge. This color was selected for its historical compatibility and durability, aligning with DOT’s ongoing commitment to preserving the bridge’s structural and architectural integrity while simplifying long-term maintenance.
The Macomb’s Dam Bridge connects The Bronx and Manhattan near Yankee Stadium. The nearest subway access points include the 161st Street–Yankee Stadium station, served by the B, D, and 4 trains.
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Why on god’s green earth is this a landmark?
A wonderful, uniquely historic bridge worth saving.
Yes, a beautiful, historic object, “a paint analysis found evidence of more more than twenty previous color schemes throughout the bridges history”..and a swing bridge is just cool!
The Willis Av and Third Av bridges were also once decorative and beautiful before they were turned into interstate off ramps.
The “guard towers” at either end are still there, thankfully. When I was a kid I used to live on Jerome Avenue just a few blocks north of this bridge. Happy it’s being preserved!
I believe at least two of the Harlem River bridges have been replaced in recent years. The center swing spans were assembled elsewhere and floated into position.
In this case, there is a question of stripping the bridge back to the bare metal and applying a modern anticorrosion coating. Metal bridges in the UK can be elaborately painted unlike here. The Hell Gate Bridge was painted red and promptly faded. Bronze and aluminum paints do not do this and might look better.
Phil Rizzuto is already on the McCombs dam bridge