A landmarked bridge in the middle of Prospect Park has needed major repairs for nearly four mayoral administrations, and officials are still only in the early stages of a possible fix.
The Terrace Bridge was the last major structure in the park built by Calvert Vaux in 1890. The famed designer had envisioned the park’s largest bridge as the centerpiece for an area featuring a restaurant, terraces and arcades. That layout was never fully realized, but the span still serves as a key link for visitors headed to Smorgasburg or crossing the park.
The bridge, which is partially fenced off and overgrown with weeds, has been in a sorry state for more than a decade.
Fencing surrounds a run-down, overgrown section of the bridge.
Records on the battered bridge date back to 2009, when inspectors deemed it in “poor” condition. The city Department of Transportation launched a rehab project in 2020 that is still in the early stages, partly due to pandemic-related delays.
“It looks like they really did put a lot of care into the structure and the design of the bridge,” said Vincent Yuan, 15. “They should go and try to repair it. This is a beautiful bridge.”
The rusty green bridge has a forlorn atmosphere compared to the rest of the park, which has seen millions in investments in recent years. Its guardrails are graffitied and its arches often appear to be leaking water. The rehab project is only in the preliminary design process. A city database estimates repairs could cost $35 million.
A transportation department spokesperson said replacing the bridge with a new one mimicking the design of the original is under consideration.
Graffiti on the Terrace Bridge in Prospect Park.
“A lot of people here like come to like practice saxophone. They practice singing. It's really peaceful, it's amazing,” said Jose Ortigoza, 15. “I've been coming here since like, I was 5 years old."
"I used to just walk around there trying to catch turtles,” he said, pointing at the lake below. “A lot of people have grown up with it.”
Transportation department spokesperson Will Livingston said the bridge was last inspected in 2024 and is safe. Additional barriers were set up to discourage any vehicles from using it.
“This project is currently in the preliminary design process, both rehabilitation and replacement options are being considered,” Livingston wrote. “Given the historic nature of the bridge, the design intent will look to replicate or preserve the aesthetics as best as possible while providing a bridge that will service the community for many years.”
Parkgoer Kate Demidovich hoped they fixed the existing structure.
“I like that New York government will keep this safe for history, for heritage. I hope that they're going to restore it,” she said.
