In Mid Town West in New York City, two new bridges offer a special experience for pedestrians. Everything about the Moynihan Connector here.
High above the streets of New York City, surrounded by greenery: the Moynihan Connector is both visually and functionally interesting. Photo: Andrew Frasz, courtesy of the High Line
Green pedestrian experience
The newly opened Moynihan Connector at New York’s High Line Park offers a safe, green and exceptional pedestrian experience in Midtown West. Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) and James Corner Field Operations, it is now under the direction of Empire State Development, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Brookfield Properties and Friends of the High Line. Its goal is to create pleasant and safe access for pedestrians, facilitate their access to public transportation and connect public open spaces and community facilities in the neighborhood.
Photos: Andrew Frasz, courtesy of the High Line
Moynihan Connector - connection to the High Line
The two bridges that make up the Moynihan Connector serve this purpose. Directly above Dyer Avenue and West 30th Street, they enable an elevated and episodic urban journey through this special part of New York City. The Connector links the Moynihan Train Hall and the High Line itself: A Manhattan park on a 2.3 km stretch of decommissioned elevated train track from the 1930s. In the past, this line was used to transport meat products to the west of Manhattan. As traffic increasingly shifted to roads, the railroad was decommissioned. Between 2006 and 2019, construction work was carried out to uncover new sections of the High Line and transform it into a park, which is now a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike. The High Line Park is particularly well-known for its variety of plants and interesting viewpoints.
Photos: Andrew Frasz, courtesy of the High Line
The two bridges of the Moynihan Connector
In response to their location and context, the two bridges of the Moynihan Connector each have their own architectural and structural expression and therefore very different atmospheres.
Timber Bridge
The 260 foot, or approximately 80 meter long Timber Bridge is a glulam truss made from sustainably sourced timber. Its structure is characterized not only by the use of renewable materials, but also by minimal connections to the ground, so that the surrounding streets remain undisturbed. The bridge creates an inviting, open space between the timber beams, providing additional protection from traffic from the neighboring Lincoln Tunnel.
Woodland Bridge
The 340 foot, or approximately 100 meter long Woodland Bridge introduces the landscape of the High Line with continuous ground beds built into the structure. The ground beds are supported by weathered columns and angled cantilevers that change dynamically with the depth of the ground. This construction supports large deciduous trees and a lush landscape of plants. The Woodland Bridge’s plant landscape constantly changes in height to create variety for visitors in every direction. The plants also provide shade, shield from traffic and become a habitat for many native birds and insects. “Inspired by the eclectic character of the West Side and the High Line, the new connector provides a different kind of urban experience and promenade for the area,” said James Corner, RLA, FASLA, founder and CEO of Field Operations. “The design creates a sequential journey from one context to another, combining surprising industrial features and materials with lush woodland vegetation and purposeful views across the city. This new and vibrant pedestrian pathway connects Midtown to the High Line and the West Side with a heightened sense of drama, spectacle and delight.”
Photo: Andrew Frasz, courtesy of the High Line
Dynamics and intersection
The dynamic and varied planting also creates a visual connection between the two bridges: behind the trees of the Woodland Bridge, pedestrians can see the wooden structures of the Timber Bridge rising up and orient themselves by them. Physically and creatively, the two bridges are connected by a warm material palette of weathered steel decking and bronze handrails. Perhaps the most special aspect of the Moynihan Connector is the intersection of the two bridges: Here, visitors can pause for a moment, get their bearings and enjoy the view. Then continue along the structures, from forest to wood or back again.
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