Hell Gate Bridge is a massive structure, connecting Queens to the Bronx, passing over wards/randalls island along the way. The length of the approach viaducts and main span equals 3.2 miles of steel suspended on average 10 stories above the ground.

Construction began on it in 1914 and was completed by 1916. When opened, it was the longest steel arch bridge in the world. The main span which crosses the east river is 1017 feet, 6 inches long. A 350 foot section which crosses the Bronx kill was originally designed to be a lift drawbridge, but this waterway was eventually narrowed with fill and not a viable shipping lane.

It contains 3 tracks, 2 for Amtrak use and 1 for freight trains (a 4th, northernmost freight track was removed in the early 1980s). The viaduct approach to the main span is held up by concrete piers. The original plan called for using steel piers, but concern over the prospect of inmates at the mental institution on wards island (which the bridge passes above) climbing the piers to escape over the bridge aided in the decision to change this plan.

Hell gate bridge was constructed with the sole purpose of connecting the Pennsylvania and New Haven railways, creating direct passenger rail service from New York to Boston. It also provided a direct route for freight to enter NYC and Long Island. Prior to this, most rail freight in NYC moved across the rivers on barges. The opening of Hell Gate created the first and only non-barge freight rail link to Long Island.