Carroll Street Bridge
Built in 1889, the Carroll St. Bridge is the oldest of only 4 remaining retractable bridges in the United States. As one of 6 bridges built across the canal during Gowanus’s industrial peak, the Carroll St. Bridge was designed to open by wheeling backward on three steel rails via a pulley system to allow ships to pass. Originally the retracting mechanism was powered by steam, but was converted to electricity in 1908.
In 1987, The Carroll St. Bridge was designated an official New York City landmark.
Until its indefinite closure in 2021 due to damage incurred during canal cleanup, The Carroll St. Bridge was the only wooden vehicular bridge in New York City. But drivers beware–driving across the bridge “faster than a walk” could result in a $5 fine!