Central Park's Bow Bridge Is Back After Extensive Repairs

CENTRAL PARK, NY — The park's most iconic bridge is back and better than ever.

Bow Bridge, a Victorian-era 134-foot-long bridge that connects Cherry Hill and the Ramble, has been fully restored and replaced since its late November closing.

The private non-profit that oversees maintenance in the park, the Central Park Conservancy, took charge of the restoration and replaced the deck and many other parts of the bridge to not just restore it but to make it more durable for the future.

“Our Central Park Conservancy team has been working hard to replace the wood decking of Bow Bridge due to the wear-and-tear it receives from the public,” the group posted on social media. “Today, we’re thrilled to announce that this masterpiece of Victorian-era design is now open for your enjoyment!”

The arched bridge is the oldest cast-iron bridge in the park, and was first built in 1862 by one of Central Park's designers, Calvert Vaux. Its name comes from the interlacing of vines and flowers depicted in cast iron Greek and Roman motifs.

The Conservancy also released a specific list of the work that was done:

• Researching historic photographs to identify the number of planks and decking size for the Bridge floor, which was originally constructed in 1862;
• Replacing the existing decking with new wood that is harder and has greater durability; and
• Mechanically scraping and painting several beams under the deck to stabilize and protect them from future corrosion.

Bow Bridge has undergone prior restorations. In 1974, the bridge was restored after being closed for two years due to its unsafe state, with parts of the bridge falling into the water below.

In 1968, according to the New York Times, parts of the bridge fell into a rowboat and barely missed its occupants.