Editing Hell Gate Bridge (section)

==== Towers ====
Hornbostel was responsible for the towers on either shore of Hell Gate, which were designed to resemble castle [[keep]]s.<ref name="In 2024 q032" /> They measure {{Convert|220|ft}} high and are made of concrete; the towers are clad with Maine granite above ground level.<ref name="RAG1914 p. 891" /> At the bases of each tower are two {{convert|500000|lb|adj=on}} cast-steel hinges, one for each of the lower chords.<ref name="p556427259" /> The Queens tower sits atop a layer of rock {{Convert|20|ft}} below the ground.<ref name="RAG1914 p. 891" /><ref name="n142388040" /> The layer of rock on the Wards Island side is substantially deeper, descending more than {{Convert|100|ft}}, and so the Wards Island tower sits atop a deep caisson foundation.<ref name="n142398010" /><ref name="RAG1914 p. 891" /> At ground level, the towers have a cross section of {{Convert|104|by|140|ft}}.<ref name="n142398010" /><ref name="nyt-1913-07-06" /> Each tower has a "shoulder", upon which the lower chords rest, and the towers' dimensions shrink above this shoulder.<ref name="n142388040" />

The upper portions of each tower are hollow and contain staircases.<ref name="Greenstein p. 50" /><ref name="Ammann p. 1682">{{harvnb|Ammann|1918|ps=.|page=1682}}</ref> Steel girders inside the towers support the tracks,<ref name="Ammann p. 1682" /> but the towers are otherwise largely ornamental.<ref name="Greenstein p. 50" /> The upper section of each tower contains archways on all four sides. There are also [[Loophole (firearm)|loophole]]-like openings flanking the tracks. The tops of the towers are surrounded by [[parapet]]s.<ref name="In 2024 q032" /><ref name="Ammann p. 1682" /> Space for railroad equipment, such as [[Signalling control|switch tower]] machinery, was provided on the roof of each tower.<ref name="p575472191" />