Bronx · Neighborhood guide
Highbridge
Highbridge takes its name from the aqueduct bridge across the Harlem River. The crossing is the clearest local destination: a piece of the city's water-supply system that now links the Bronx with Washington Heights.
Understanding Highbridge
Completed in 1848, the High Bridge carried the Old Croton Aqueduct across the river. It formed part of the system that replaced an inadequate supply of wells and cisterns as the city grew.
The bridge reopened to pedestrians in 2015. The small Bronx park marks its eastern landing; the water tower and most of the larger Highbridge Park are across the river in Manhattan.
Places to explore
The High Bridge
University Avenue at West 170th Street, Bronx entranceCross for a close look at the aqueduct structure and its river setting. Check current bridge hours on the Parks visitor page before traveling.
Jerome Avenue corridor
Inland neighborhood streetsFor the residential setting beyond the river, the city study describes the commercial corridor and surrounding apartment blocks. Use public streets for exterior observation and choose a destination without assuming a timed walking circuit.
Planning a visit
Parks identifies an ADA ramp just north of West 170th Street and University Avenue on the Bronx side. This verifies the bridge access point; the journey from a particular subway station or through nearby streets has not been assessed.
Sources and visitor information
- Highbridge Park, BronxNYC Parks
- Visit the High BridgeNYC Parks
- Jerome Avenue: Neighborhood CharacterNYC Department of City Planning
- 2020 Neighborhood Tabulation Areas (NTAs), NYC Open Data 26BNYC Department of City Planning / NYC Open Data