VanderbiltCupRaces.com Exclusive: The Only Active Long Island Motor Parkway Bridge in Suffolk County
A VanderbiltCupRaces.com viewer has provided the first known images of the 108-year old Clody Farmway Bridge working in action in the Melville sandpits.
Although the bridge is located on private property and not accessible to the public, the viewer works on the property and received permission to take these photographs.
He noted: "The employees seem to really enjoy seeing this part of history everyday. One even took the time to explain to me how most of Melville and Farmingdale were dug out and that the ROW was at grade. He also explained that there was original pavement about a foot or so below us and there was another bridge on the other side of the property (I believe it's technically on the Old Bethpage Village Restoration - it can be seen on Google Earth 3-D view). Sadly this bridge (in the sand pits) IS decaying and may need to come down in the next 10 years. But for a 108-year old bridge that's had zero maintenance work done to it, I'd say it's not too shabby. Better than most bridges now! Lol."
Enjoy,
Howard Kroplick
Comments
Wondering why the bridge still stands. Does it actually support any of that equipment? The wording of the story: do you mean that bridge or the one in OBVR might need to come down in 10 years?
I tried for so long and so hard to get permission from 110 and finally just gave up. Long time comin’! Hurrah! Sam, III
Great updated shots! The truck below clearly reveals how wide was the passing underneath. Still too tight for public use at 40mph, but much wider than I had expected. Thank you for sharing these gems.
I agree Frank. The dump truck displays just how massive the abutments are as well. No wonder why they can support all that weight.
I’ve frequented work zones similar to here while on the job. LOTS of action, all have to keep their ears and eyes open.
Whoa, Nellie! I made my comment BEFORE any others were posted. I must refer you folks to my segment on the 110 Sand and Gravel artefact, <http://sbiii.com/limpbrdg.html#sandpits> (just updated), whereon I show definitively that the sand bunker is NOT sitting on the LIMP bridge! It stands on is own four columns immediately WSW of the bridge. The second of Les Cutting’s 1972 photos show this most clearly. The only weight the abutments carry is that of the two old girders, some piping and, possibly, a small conveyor. Sam, III
Good point Denis, and great research and photos Sam. Bridge does look standing on its own, only supporting minor objects and semi-sheltering two tanks underneath. Appears there was never an attempt to remove it, too much trouble. They simply continue to work around it, just another obstacle to maneuver around in the busy yard. Thanks to all for these updates.
My slide show has a view of a dump truck being loaded—taken in 1969-70, with all the safety slogans on it. This is a very nice up-t0-date picture, though.
Well, it’s better off that the abutments aren’t supporting a tremendous amount of weight. Sand Company just made them part of the structure, etc.
Was Lester Cutting a local historical photographer? I see his name/images on some LI history websites.
As I recall, Les was an antique auto collector and historian. I found nothing on line except this NYT obit, after Newsday: “CUTTING-Lester of Huntington on July 8, 2004. Owner of Les Cutting Auto Parts”. Sam, III
Oh, hey! I only just now noticed the control cabin perched above and beyond the bridge in the second “new” photo. See how it faces the camera, along the RoW, not down towards the bridge or back towards the bunker. Wonder what purpose it serves? More fodder for the day when the Bromans (hopefully) open up to us. This thread is such fun! Sam, III
Thank you, Sam III. Had a hunch you may have known of him. Quite glad that Les, Ron Ridolph and others took the time to snap photos, document the LIMP and other interesting Long Island history.
This is a great website for us LIMP fans‼️
Thanks all