Following a much-anticipated restoration that got a huge boost from the Bloomberg administration in 2007, the High Bridge is open to the public today for the first time in 45 years, providing a walking and biking connection between Washington Heights and the Highbridge neighborhood in the Bronx. Of course, Clarence Eckerson would never miss such a momentous occasion. Here are his photos from the day.

You can also check out Clarence’s Streetfilm from 2009 featuring some of the neighborhood advocates who helped make this happen.