LPC to Review Restoration Proposal For Macomb’s Dam Bridge

 

The New York City Department of Transportation has submitted a proposal to the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) for a new protective coating for the historic Macomb’s Dam Bridge, which spans the Harlem River between Manhattan and The Bronx. The project team seeks to address paint deterioration and rust on the 1895 swing bridge, a designated New York City landmark, through a full repainting in a historically accurate color. 

The bridge’s current pale yellow-white coating, approved by the Public Design Commission (PDC) in 1995, has significantly deteriorated over time due to UV exposure and general wear. A PDC paint analysis found evidence of more than twenty prior color schemes throughout the bridge’s history, including shades of yellowish-brown, reddish-brown, and blue. The analysis and historic references, including Edward Hopper’s 1935 depiction of the bridge, suggest that a neutral grey was historically consistent with the bridge’s earlier appearance.

The Department of Transportation now proposes repainting the bridge in Munsell Gray (N 4.5), a tone previously used on other major crossings such as the George Washington Bridge. This color was selected for its historical compatibility and durability, aligning with DOT’s ongoing commitment to preserving the bridge’s structural and architectural integrity while simplifying long-term maintenance.

The Macomb’s Dam Bridge connects The Bronx and Manhattan near Yankee Stadium. The nearest subway access points include the 161st Street–Yankee Stadium station, served by the B, D, and 4 trains.