Ford Street Bridge Live Cam

The Ford Street Bridge in Rochester, New York has a long and storied history. Originally built in 1891, the bridge spans the Genesee River and connects the neighborhoods of Corn Hill and the 19th Ward.

The Ford Street Bridge was an important transportation artery in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, serving as a critical link for the city's growing population and bustling commerce. In fact, the bridge was one of only two that crossed the Genesee River in the city at the time.

Over the years, the Ford Street Bridge underwent several renovations and reconstructions to accommodate changing traffic needs and ensure public safety. In 1919, the bridge was widened and strengthened to allow for increased vehicle traffic, and in 1954, it was rebuilt entirely as a steel-and-concrete structure.

The bridge has also played a significant role in the history of civil rights in Rochester. In 1964, during the height of the Civil Rights Movement, a group of Black activists staged a protest on the Ford Street Bridge, calling for an end to racial discrimination in the city. The protest resulted in the arrest of several participants, but it helped to bring attention to the ongoing struggle for civil rights in Rochester and beyond.

Today, the Ford Street Bridge remains an important symbol of Rochester's history and a vital link between the city's neighborhoods. The bridge is also a popular spot for fishing and recreation, with scenic views of the Genesee River and the city skyline.

Here are some additional details about the history of the Ford Street Bridge in Rochester:

• The original Ford Street Bridge was a wooden structure built in 1891. It was 800 feet long and had a single lane for traffic. At the time, the bridge was considered a marvel of engineering and was seen as a symbol of Rochester's growth and prosperity.
• In the early 1900s, the Ford Street Bridge became a popular spot for photographers to capture images of the Genesee River and the city skyline. Many of these photos were used in postcards and other promotional materials to advertise Rochester as a vibrant and exciting place to live and work.
• The 1954 reconstruction of the Ford Street Bridge was a massive undertaking that required the closure of the bridge for nearly two years. During this time, traffic was rerouted to other bridges in the area, causing significant congestion and delays.
• The Ford Street Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 in recognition of its significance as a transportation artery and a landmark of Rochester's industrial heritage.
• In 2014, the Ford Street Bridge underwent another major renovation to improve its safety and accessibility. The $18 million project included the replacement of the bridge's deck, railings, and lighting, as well as the addition of new pedestrian and bicycle paths.
• Today, the Ford Street Bridge is a popular destination for fishing, with anglers casting their lines into the Genesee River to catch trout, salmon, and other species. The bridge is also a key link in the Genesee Riverway Trail, a system of pedestrian and bicycle paths that runs along the river through Rochester and beyond.

Genesee River

The Genesee River is a significant river that flows through the city of Rochester, New York. The river is approximately 157 miles long and is the fifth-largest river in New York State.

The Genesee River has played an important role in the history of Rochester and the surrounding area. The river's abundant water supply was a critical resource for early settlers, who used it to power mills, factories, and other industrial enterprises. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the river was a major shipping route for goods and materials, with barges carrying products such as grain, lumber, and coal downstream to the Great Lakes and beyond.

Today, the Genesee River is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, with parks, trails, and other amenities located along its banks. The Genesee Riverway Trail, a system of pedestrian and bicycle paths that runs along the river through Rochester, is a particularly popular attraction. The river is also an important habitat for fish and other wildlife, with several species of trout and salmon making their home in its waters.

The Genesee River has had a complex environmental history, with pollution from industry and other sources causing significant harm to the river and its ecosystem over the years. However, in recent decades, significant efforts have been made to clean up the river and restore its health, with measures such as the removal of dams and the implementation of pollution controls helping to improve water quality and boost fish populations.

• The Genesee River begins in northern Pennsylvania and flows northward through western New York before emptying into Lake Ontario. The river's watershed covers an area of approximately 2,500 square miles.
• The Genesee River is known for its scenic beauty, with rugged gorges, waterfalls, and other natural features attracting visitors from around the world. One of the most popular spots along the river is Letchworth State Park, which is often called the "Grand Canyon of the East" for its spectacular views and dramatic landscapes.
• The Genesee River has played an important role in the history of Native American tribes in the region, including the Seneca Nation. The river was also a key transportation route for early European settlers, who used it to transport goods and materials to and from the Great Lakes.
• In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Genesee River was a major industrial hub, with factories, mills, and other businesses located along its banks. However, this industrial activity also caused significant pollution and environmental degradation, leading to a decline in water quality and fish populations.
• Today, efforts are underway to restore and protect the health of the Genesee River and its ecosystem. These efforts include the removal of dams and other barriers that impede fish migration, the implementation of pollution controls to reduce nutrient and sediment runoff, and the restoration of riparian habitats along the river's banks.
• The Genesee River is home to several species of fish, including trout, salmon, bass, and panfish. Fishing is a popular pastime for locals and visitors alike, with several public access points located along the river.