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World's Longest Elevated Pedestrian Bridge: world record in Poughkeepsie, New York

Nov 28, 2022
World's Longest Elevated Pedestrian Bridge: world record in Poughkeepsie, New York

Poughkeepsie, New York, United States--The Walkway over the Hudson (also known as the Poughkeepsie Bridge, Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge, Poughkeepsie–Highland Railroad Bridge, and High Bridge), a steel cantilever bridge spanning the Hudson River between Poughkeepsie, New York, on the east bank and Highland, New York, on the west bank, stands 212 feet above the river's surface and is 6,768 feet (1.28 miles) long, thus setting the world record for being the World's  Longest Elevated Pedestrian Bridge, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.

"New York’s Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park is the world’s longest, elevated pedestrian bridge, stretching 1.28 miles, 212 feet above the Hudson River. The panoramic views of the Catskill Mountains and Hudson River from the Walkway are spectacular in any season," the
Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

World's Longest Elevated Pedestrian Bridge: world record in Poughkeepsie, New York

"In October 2009, the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park opened as a legacy project of the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial. The park provides access to the Hudson River's breathtaking landscape for pedestrians, hikers, joggers and bicyclists. The bridge deck stands 212 feet above the river's surface and is 6,768 feet (1.28 miles) long, making it the longest, elevated pedestrian bridge in the world," the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation reports.


"The park was made possible due to the unwavering commitment of the community, who, through a non-profit organization called Walkway Over the Hudson, forged a public-private partnership involving the State of New York, the federal government, neighboring municipalities, private corporations and other not for profit groups.


"The amazing result of this partnership is Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, one of the Hudson Valley's top attractions.  Ride the glass elevator up to the park or down to the Poughkeepsie waterfront and be treated to great views of the surrounding scenery and the structure of the bridge. The elevator is located at Upper Landing Park (83 N. Water Street, Poughkeepsie, NY), a short walk from the Poughkeepsie Train Station."

World's Longest Elevated Pedestrian Bridge: world record in Poughkeepsie, New York

"The Walkway over the Hudson (also known as the Poughkeepsie Bridge, Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge, Poughkeepsie–Highland Railroad Bridge, and High Bridge) is a steel cantilever bridge spanning the Hudson River between Poughkeepsie, New York, on the east bank and Highland, New York, on the west bank. Built as a double track railroad bridge, it was completed on January 1, 1889, and formed part of the Maybrook Railroad Line of the New Haven Railroad.


"It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, and its entry updated in 2008. The bridge was designated as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Civil Engineers in 2009.

"It was reopened on October 3, 2009, as a pedestrian walkway as part of the new Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park. The New York State Bridge Authority owns and is charged with maintaining the bridge structure (as directed by the Governor and Legislature in July, 2010).


"The park is operated by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. In 2017, the walkway hosted 593,868 visitors. The park connects the Hudson Valley Rail Trail in Highland to the Dutchess Rail Trail, and forms part of the Empire State Trail.  (wikipedia)

World's Longest Elevated Pedestrian Bridge: world record in Poughkeepsie, New York

"The Hudson Valley’s most unique state park, the Walkway crosses the river atop the former Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge. When originally opened in 1888, the 6,768-foot span was considered the world’s longest bridge and an engineering marvel," the Hudson River Valley reports.


"After a fire destroyed a large portion of the bridge’s wood decking in 1974, it was abandoned. In 1998 the non-profit group Walkway Over the Hudson assumed ownership and began securing financing to construct the linear walkway that connects to the Greenway Trail System.


"Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park is 212 feet tall and 1.28 miles long, making it the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world. It is one of three Quadricentennial Legacy projects, meant to provide a lasting commemoration of the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s 1609 voyage of discovery on the river.

"Amenities:
Passport Stamp, Family Friendly, Greenway Trail Access;, Public Transportation, Restrooms."

World's Longest Elevated Pedestrian Bridge: world record in Poughkeepsie, New York

Testimonials from Trip Advisor

"Easy to find parking and a quick walk up the steps. The walkway is so well maintained. They even have a complimentary tram service to take you across the bridge. The walk is very way and the view is spectacular. I took so many pictures. "


"The walkway is quite spacious with room for walking and biking. The views of the Hudson and surrounding towns are breathtaking. There are historic markers and information along the walk and some illustrated signs that show you what you are looking at from the walkway, ie. Marist College, Mid-Hudson Bridge... It took me and my family (husband and two teenagers) about a half hour to walk the entire span and we ended up on the Poughkeepsie side where we decided to have lunch."


"Overall it was a great experience walking over The Hudson River and seeing spectacular views of The Hudson Valley. Highly recommended and impressed by the determination and efforts of the people that made this walkway possible for the public to enjoy. Thank you!"


"Loved it . Walking or biking only allowed on the walkway. Beautiful scenery. Easy walk and very enjoyable."


" It is for walkers and bikes only and affords breathtaking views of the Hudson. If you get tired on your walk, there are electric trams that will pick you up for no charge. For great views explore the Walkway Hudson Park."


"If the weather is good, do not miss the opportunity to walk across the bridge. It is great fun and a very easy walk. On weekends, there is a complimentary tram that will transport you one way so you only have do do half the distance. Best if it is cloudy."

World's Longest Elevated Pedestrian Bridge: world record in Poughkeepsie, New York

World's Longest Elevated Pedestrian Bridge


Address: 61 Parker Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, United States
Phone: +1 845-454-9649
Coordinates: 41°42′40″N 73°56′38″W

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/walkwayoverthehudson/
Width: 35 feet (11 m)
Height: 212 feet (65 m)
Longest span:   2 × 548 feet (167 m)
No. of spans: 7
Clearance above: Unlimited
Clearance below: 160 feet (49 m)

Elevator Hours: 9am (weather permitting) until 90 minutes prior to park closing Elevator Status Hotline: 845-834-3641

Although leashed pets are allowed on the Walkway, only service animals are permitted on the elevator. Bicycles can be brought on the elevator.

Amenities: Passport Stamp, Family Friendly, Greenway Trail Access;, Public Transportation, Restrooms. The park offers interpretive signs and a Talkway Over the Walkway cell phone tour. There is also an audio tour available online in English, Spanish and Mandarin at https://walkway.org/walkway-audio-tours.
websites:
Walkway Over the Hudson organization  | New York State Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park

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