Vanderbilt Cup Races

March 1908 Survey

This March 1908 survey shows the location of the bridge just after the Motor Parkway curved to head east. As part of the construction of the bridge, Plainview Road was relocated and straightened.

This map incorrectly showed the bridge as a "parkway" bridge not a "highway" bridge.

1928 Aerial

This aerial confirmed the relocation of Plainview Road.

1928 Motor Parkway Atlas

Construction Photos

This is the area around the Plainview Road Bridge under construction as seen on June 6, 1908. Since water was not readily available, the parkway contractors dug wells every mile or so along the construction zone. On the right is a typical well setting with a pump station and elevated water storage tank.

This is the same scene a few weeks later. Note that the curved section of the roadway just before the bridge was banked and elevated

Forms are being put in place for the pouring of concrete embankments of the Motor Parkway Bridge over the relocated Plainview Road.

The completed bridge looking east.

1908 Motor Parkway Sweepstakes- October 10, 1908

The completed bridge can be seen in this photo taken from atop the Powell Avenue Bridge on the opening day of the Motor Parkway.

Spectators can be seen watching the race from the Plainview Road Bridge.

The view from the base of the bridge looking west. . Lewis Strang is driving the #P46 Renault.

As seen from the top of the bridge, the #P42 Isotta.

Here is the #M34 Lancia approaching the bridge. Note the spectators on the hill in the background.

A White Steamer was used as an ambulance during the race.

1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race- October 24, 1908

This rare photo shows the winning Locomobile #16 driving by George Robertson overtaking the #12 Thomas driven by George Saltzman.

1935 Aerial

The bridge can be seen on the top right.

1950 Aerial

By 1950, the bridge had been taken down.

Current Views

Th Plainview Road can be seen on the far right.This view was taken from atop the current Powell Avenue Bridge over the Seaford-Oyster Bay Expressway (Route 135) which was built on the Motor Parkway right-of-way in this location. The utility lines in the background follow the Motor Parkway right-of-way.

A view at the site of the Plainview Road Bridge looking west.

A 100 year "Then & Now".

Check out  Wayne Consolla's online Motor Parkway map, to find the location of the Plainview Road Bridge.