Dark Knight Trilogy

38. Queensboro Bridge

Chicago, IL

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Stretching over 3500 feet, the Queensboro bridge acts as the last standing bridge connecting Gotham to the outside world. All other bridges and transportation being cut off by mercenary, Bane, Gotham citizens attempt to make their escape across the historic bridge. Built in 1909 to connect Manhattan to Long Island, Queens over the East River with Roosevelt Island in the middle, the bridge was officially titled Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge after the late mayor of New York. A masterful construction for it's time, two levels were built to accommodate the increasing traffic. The upper level had pedestrian walks and trolleys until 1957 when the rails were removed and four lanes of auto traffic were created bordered by walkways and bike paths; the lower level contains five lanes of auto traffic. Dealing with construction crews and angry New York traffic, the intensity in one of the final scenes of The Dark Knight Rises may not have been far from real. Filmed on the upper level of the bridge, the Gotham evacuation comes to a halt when distressed citizens encounter nervous policemen and military tanks threatening to destroy the landmark bridge. It's on the Queensboro bridge that hundreds of Gothamites witness Batman's true heroism as he sacrifices himself just in time to save the city from permanent desolation. Representing Gotham's prime escape route, the 350 foot bridge dwells in the backdrop of scenes where exiled members of Gotham society struggle for their lives across the thin ice. Reestablishing his iconic pose, Batman surveys the city at the height of one of the trusses of the cantilever bridge, overlooking the city that can never fully accept it's dark knight. Placing emphasis on the structure, Batman ignites a blazing symbol of his return to Gotham, seen all throughout the city and most importantly by his adversary, Bane.