Long Island Motor Parkway Bridge Series #50: The Round Swamp Road Bridge in Old Bethpage
The 50th bridge in the series documenting the 60 bridges built by the Long Island Motor Parkway is the Round Swamp Road Bridge in Old Bethpage. This "parkway" bridge was located just east of the Bethpage Lodge.
Enjoy,
Howard Kroplick
June 1908 Survey
When the Motor Parkway opened in 1908, the eastern terminus was at Round Swamp Road.
March 1910 Survey
Construction on the bridge began 1 1/2 years after the Motor Parkway opened on October 10, 1908.
April 1910 Construction Photos
The view on Round Swamp Road looking north.
The view looking south. Note the eastern section of the bridge connected to a small hill that is still there today.
Circa 1912
Thhe automobile is on the bridge heading west. Note the proximity of the bridge to the Bethpage Lodge.
1928 Motor Parkway Atlas
October 16, 1935 Aerial
A spectacular shot showing the bridge and Bethpage Lodge on the bottom section of the aerial.
November 16, 1935 Aerial
Another great aerial!
The bridge was built on a slight curve.
1950 Aerial
By 1950, the bridge had been taken down.
Current Views (2011-2014)
The current view looking south. The Plainview Fire Department Engine Company 4 "The Round Swamp Rats" is on the right.
Looking west across Round Swamp Road, the array of trees follow the right-of-way of the Motor Parkway.
The eastern embankment of the bridge and pavement are still in place.
When the bridge was taken down in the early 1940s, this wall was constructed to prevent automobiles from driving off the embankment.
Motor Parkway concrete posts continue to mark this historic road.
Then & Now (1910 & 2011)
Check out Wayne Consolla's online Motor Parkway map to find the location of the Round Swamp Road Bridge.
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