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Riverside Drive Viaduct

A historic engineering feat in Manhattan, this viaduct carries Riverside Drive over the city's rugged terrain, featuring a 26-span deck arch design and a legacy dating back to 1901.

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Riverside Drive Viaduct
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What is the Riverside Drive Viaduct known for?

It is a landmark structure in New York City that carries Riverside Drive above 12th Avenue between Tiemann Place and 135th Street. It is also variously referred to as the 125th Street Viaduct.

What is the architectural style of the viaduct?

The viaduct was replaced in 1986 with a historically accurate 26-span deck arch viaduct featuring both transverse and longitudinal arches.

When was the Riverside Drive Viaduct built?

The viaduct between Tiemann Place and 135th Street was built in 1901. Other sections include original construction from 1908 and a bent section added in 1927.

Who completed the replacement project in 1986?

The replacement project was completed by American Bridge.

Has the viaduct undergone recent renovations?

Yes, the NYCDOT had a rehabilitation project for the viaduct over West 158th Street estimated to run from winter 2018 to summer 2022, which included replacing the bridge deck and sidewalk.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Riverside Drive Viaduct is a significant piece of New York City infrastructure that manages the dramatic elevation changes of the Upper West Side. One prominent section, also known as the 125th Street Viaduct, was originally built in 1901 to carry Riverside Drive above 12th Avenue between Tiemann Place and 135th Street. This original structure was designed to be 1,564 feet long, excluding its approaches. Other portions of the viaduct system reflect the city's gradual expansion and engineering evolution. A section spanning the West 158th Street valley between 155th and 161st Streets was practically completed in 1928 as a steel and stone structure. Earlier work in this area includes a cantilever section along Trinity Cemetery from 1908 and a bent section added in 1927. To preserve its aesthetic and structural integrity, the viaduct has undergone major updates. In 1986, American Bridge completed a replacement project that installed a historically accurate 26-span deck arch viaduct, utilizing both transverse and longitudinal arches. More recently, the NYCDOT undertook a comprehensive rehabilitation of the section over West 158th Street from winter 2018 to summer 2022, which involved replacing the bridge deck and sidewalk while cleaning and painting the steel framing.

Visitor tips

  • Walk beneath the arches to appreciate the scale of the 26-span deck design.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as the surrounding Riverside Drive area involves significant elevation changes.
  • Check for NYCDOT signage if visiting near West 158th Street to see recent rehabilitation details.

Nearby context

Located in the Morningside Heights and Manhattan Valley areas, the viaduct serves as a critical link for Riverside Drive, bridging the gap over 12th Avenue and the valley of West 158th Street.

Sources

Evidence and links