Streetfilms: The Queensboro Bridge Turns 100
By
Brad Aaron
11:31 AM EDT on June 1, 2009
New York celebrated the 100th birthday of the Queensboro Bridge yesterday, and Clarence Eckerson was on hand to document the occasion for Streetfilms. As pointed out in the vid by “Gridlock” Sam Schwartz, back in 1909 drivers paid 10 cents to cross the Q’boro — or $4.66 for a round trip in today’s dollars. Motorists were accustomed to using the bridge for free by the 1980s, even as it was falling apart, and now pay less than the three pennies it once cost to ride across on horseback.
Even so, with today’s bankruptcy filing by General Motors, the Queensboro has held up better than two of the Big Three.
Brad Aaron began writing for Streetsblog in 2007, after years as a reporter, editor, and publisher in the alternative weekly business. Brad adopted New York's dysfunctional traffic justice system as his primary beat for Streetsblog. He lives in Manhattan.
Read More:
More from Streetsblog New York City
Opinion: Sean Duffy’s ‘Golden Age’ of Dangerous Streets
Sean Duffy is calling for a "golden age" of civility in American travel. He should start by ending barbaric policies that get people killed on the ground and in the skies.
Ethan Andersen
December 15, 2025
‘I’m Always on the Bus’: How Transit Advocacy Helped Katie Wilson Become Seattle’s Next Mayor
"I really think that our public transit system is such a big part of people's daily experience of government," says the incoming mayor of the Emerald City.
December 12, 2025
Watchdog Wants Hochul To Nix Bus Lane Enforcement Freebies for MTA Drivers
Lawmakers think the bill prevents MTA employees from getting a "slap in the face" for doing their jobs, but it could open the door to abuse.
December 11, 2025
More Truck Routes Are Coming To A Street Near You
The DOT wants to rein in freight trucks by adding more than 45 miles to the city’s existing network of truck routes.
December 11, 2025
Upstate County’s New Bus Service Will Turn A Transit Desert Into A Rural Network
Jefferson County was one of the few counties in New York without a bus service. Now job seekers and students will have previously unfathomable options in their North Country communities.
December 11, 2025
Comments Are Temporarily Disabled
Streetsblog is in the process of migrating our commenting system. During this transition, commenting is temporarily unavailable.
Once the migration is complete, you will be able to log back in and will have full access to your comment history. We appreciate your patience and look forward to having you back in the conversation soon.