The High Line, New York City
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The High Line, an elevated former railway line used for transporting meat, has been restored and turned into a scenic pedestrian walkway overlooking the heart of Manhattan. The 1.45 mile track that runs from Gansevoort Street to 34th Street has been transformed from an essential supply track that carried meat and other products by locomotive to the former Meatpacking District of Manhattan from other areas of the city.
Now members of the public can walk along the disused line which is covered in decking and wild flowers, giving a unique view of New York’s famous skyline. Section one, from Gansevoort Street to 20th Street, was opened to the public in June 2009, whilst the second half, which will run ten blocks from 20th Street to 30th Street is due to be opened to the public early next year.
The High Line was constructed in the 1930s as a safer way of transporting the heavy meat cargo, vegetables and post across the city of New York to the Meatpacking District, Post Offices and factories and warehouses. The track was a safety necessity following several fatalities and the difficulty of navigating such cumbersome loads across pedestrian areas. The High Line was in operation from 1934 to 1980 after which it fell into disrepair until plans to change it into a public space began in 1999.
Friends of the High Line was formed in 1999 by two local residents, Joshua David and Robert Hammond who worked hard with the Mayor Bloomberg and the New York City Council to save the construction from demolition. Work subsequently began on restoration of the first section of the High Line in 2006.
The High Line is owned by the City of New York and supported by Friends of the High Line. It is open to the public to stroll along free of charge from 7am to 10pm every day of the week. The structure is easily accessible from Gansevoort Street, 14th Street, 16th Street, 18th Street, 20th Street on the Seventh Avenue subway line. There is elevator access at 16th Street, with another one due to be built at 14th Street.
Contact tel: +1 (212) 206 9922, e-mail:
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Friends of The High Line, New York City
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