Section Of 'The Arches' Opens Under the Brooklyn Bridge In Manhattan

"For the last decade, NYC DOT crews have worked hard to restore the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, creating a cleaner, brighter, and safer bridge to last us another century," said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. "Now that this critical restoration is nearing a close, we are returning another portion of 'The Arches' to the community."

"Public space in Manhattan is precious - every acre counts for the people who live, work in, and visit our bustling metropolis," said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi.

The area opening had served as a contractor staging area for the last decade, supporting restoration of the Brooklyn Bridge, officials said. The newest 'Arches' space returns 1/3-acre of space to the community - with access to more than a dozen tall shade trees, including oaks, elms, and Japanese pagoda trees.

Earlier sections of that public space, which serve to physically connect the Bridge to Chinatown, were opened last year to honor the 140th anniversary of the Brooklyn Bridge's opening.

Read at New York City, NY Patch