Bridge No. 24

One of the oldest examples of cast iron bridges in America, Bridge No. 24 is located near the south gate house of the Reservoir and spans the Bridle Path. It was restored by the Central Park Conservancy in 1989.

Bridge No. 24 was originally designed to permit pedestrians to stroll through this area of the Park without having to encounter any of the equestrian traffic on the Bridal Path below. Today it is a favorite spot for runners to warm up due to its proximity to the reservoir running track.

On June 9, 2010, a vehicle accidentally struck the crown of the bridge, causing the cast iron structure to shift out of alignment and compromise its structural integrity. As a result, it had to be closed. The Central Park Conservancy has set up the Bridge No. 24 fund to help pay for necessary repairs so the bridge can be re-opened to the public.