– This project is a testament to the power of intelligent, sustainable design, enhancing one of the most beloved parts of the city, and I encourage New Yorkers and visitors to take advantage of this beautiful new space – Governor Kathy Hochul. 

Viviane Faver

Governor Kathy Hochul announced, last week, the opening of the new High Line – Moynihan Connector, a stunning new elevated pathway for pedestrians in the heart of Manhattan, with The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Brookfield Properties and Friends of the High Line. 

The Connector knits together new public spaces and public transit surrounding Moynihan Train Hall with the High Line, allowing pedestrians an uninterrupted, accessible, and safe path all the way from West Midtown to the West Village.

Liberty Hang On Take Quiet Storm

“The High Line is an outstanding example of effective public-private partnership, and this latest addition will enhance this attraction for New Yorkers and visitors alike,” Governor Hochul said. “Thanks to state resources and the combined efforts of Friends of the High Line and Brookfield, the High Line – Moynihan Connector will add 600 feet of new open space to transform one of New York City’s busiest neighborhoods. This project is a testament to the power of smart, sustainable design, enhancing one of the most beloved parts of the city, and I encourage New Yorkers and visitors to take advantage of this beautiful new space.”

Executive Director of Friends of the High Line Alan van Capelle said,“This project ties neighborhoods and public spaces together. We’ve heard for years about how inhospitable these streets around the entrance to the Lincoln Tunnel felt for people in the community. Now, the Connector will give our neighbors a safe, green, and inspiring pathway between the High Line and Midtown. We are so grateful to our partners at the State, Brookfield Properties, and the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation for helping us realize this vision.”

Managing Partner of Brookfield Real Estate Ben Brown said, “The High Line – Moynihan Connector is a major transportation advancement for New York City and a pivotal milestone in the evolution of Manhattan’s newest neighborhood. It bridges communities and connects and expands some of New York’s most exciting public open spaces in the High Line and Manhattan West Plaza. Governor Hochul and ESD deserve enormous credit for making it happen, and we thank Friends of the High Line and our design and construction partners for their crucial roles.”

Design for the 600-foot long, L-shaped High Line – Moynihan Connector began in February 2021, and the project broke ground in February 2022, completing construction in 18 months. The Connector has two distinct sections: a richly planted, 340-foot Woodland Bridge that runs above West 30th Street from the High Line’s terminus at the Spur and a 260-foot, one-block-long Timber Bridge, built from sustainably sourced Alaskan Yellow Cedar, that runs north above Dyer Avenue toward the adjacent Magnolia Court pedestrian plaza at Manhattan West. The project also includes significant safety improvements at street level, including new pedestrian signals, lighting, crosswalks, refuge islands and large planters.

The Connector results from a $50 million public-partnership established in 2021 among Friends of the High Line, Empire State Development, and Brookfield Properties, running above property owned by The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. As part of the three-way partnership, ESD contributed $20 million, Brookfield contributed $20 million, and Friends of the High Line contributed $10 million to the project. 

The project’s innovative design was a collaboration by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) and James Corner Field Operations. The Connector is owned by Empire State Development and will be operated and maintained by the Friends of the High Line, with structural maintenance oversight by AECOM.

The 1.5-mile High Line is a public park that operates under a license agreement and with partnership from the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, making the park possible.