Manhattan bridge construction. Historical image showing the Manhattan bridge being built over the East River in New York City, USA, with the terminal of the Catharine Ferry in the foreground (lower centre). The Manhattan Bridge is a suspension bridge that connects Lower Manhattan (at Canal Street) with Brooklyn (at Flatbush Avenue Extension). It was the last of three suspension bridges built across the lower East River, following the Brooklyn and the Williamsburg bridges. It opened to traffic on 31st December 1909 but wasn't completed in full until 1912. Photographed on 23rd March 1909.