The New York herald., 1871-04-08
CENTRAL BRIDGE.
Alars1ing Insecurity OF tie Structure Over
Harlem Rivcr-Comnunicaiion from Judge


Hilton.
So alarming is the condition OF the Central or
Macomb's Dam Bridge overthe Harlem river that
many persons have been mpelled TO complain to the
Department or Public Parks IN the belief that the
Department has charge OF all bridges over that
river Judge Hilton in the subjoined letter. corrects
the impression OF these people by denying that the
department has control OF OF the bridges, and at
the same time transmits the report or Mr.. w. II.
Grant, an engineer attached To his bureau, who
examined the bridge This report fully confirms
the statements male OF It's insecurity. In view OF
the great strain that Will be imposed upon It, should
II remain standing during the coming season, this
bridge should be removed, and one OF iron stone
substituted. Those having authority should that
this recommendation, backed as Is with the state
ments OF those compelled to pass over this bridge,
and The report OF the engineer who examined lt,
should be carried out before &c. rble accident
shall nave occurred ana brought upon them popular
Ill viii.
DEPARTMENT or PUBLIC PArxs,i
2o5 BROADWAY, April y 1871. }
To THE EDITOR or TnH HERALD
given me respecting tue condition OF Central Bridge across
some people are impression TINS Departmen
has charge OF IT, and that the duty devoves upon s TO keep
repair and safe and for immense travel con-
Permit say, through you that this mistake Our
Department mas at esens control over the Harlem river
bridges Its duties at that relate 10 the mproven
constructia bridges under and over It, for
which surveys ana examinations being daily by
however satisfy condition of Central
bridge, 10 ascertain whether Ii
condition reported directed the chief ocer la charge
civil typographical engineering bureau to MAKE
personal Investigation and report the result
His attach Is such demand that the
public should be warned respecting the use OF this bridge,
and informed that too much cannot be exercised
""'''" o'' :" ''''' mESRY HILTON,
Vice President Department Public Parks
CITY OF NEW YORK, DEPARTMENT or PUBLIC PARKs,/
BUREAU or CIVIL AND TopoGRArnIoAL I
ESGIsERRisG, DOB BROADWAY, April 9, 1871. }
Hon HEsRY HILTON, Acting President Department OF Pub
SRI have examined yesterday and to-day Central
Avenue Bridge have received from Mr.. Tracy
about the plan and from what hear think the bridge
still In the hands OF the Commissioncrs-Mr. GGord
Morrsana the of Weschester county and Mr. Long
Harlem, the part OF the OF New YORK. purpose
communicate with them about plan. DC. My examination
for anything but the most cautious and moderate was
unable to examine floor stringers and flooring
ladders put sufficient examination was made oil the acces
able works below the ioundaton TO determine the nsc
rity OF the bridge The timbes generally rotten their
intersections and bearings. where few epacements
have made. The wescnes,er end Ia In the most
raising OF stretch Of bridge In order pass tho
spuycn Duyvil and Port Morris Railroad under It, The
public sbehing should be Immediately to this part
To determine the full extent OF deterioration Of
the work and the best mode Of rcmedying Il will
que examnaon bv carpenter and assistants for which
that instructions be to the keeper in charge and 70 the
policemen stationed there permit unusual loads TO
crowded close 10 each other in single die pass each
Other in opposite directions, except at intervals
line Of least nifty feet and all 10 move on slow
wax. usual caution 70 be observed during high
Engineer In Charge Civil sod Typographical Bureau.