Gowanus Expressway Series. I work in this area and have particular knowledge of this structure. I've watched the boondoggle very closely at times. It is to me, both; a marvel and blight, in the neighborhood at the same time.
This former EL for the BMT or "N" train was restructured to the present purpose. Yes an open rail car used to run here with straw seats for passengers. It is now known as the Gowanus Expressway. Originally the highway had 4 lanes. By the time it opened; planners realised they needed more lanes to handle the traffic. Construction had begun to add more lanes and widen the whole length of the elevated. They had to destroy more homes for the expansion and add new ramps. It has been said, that since it opened, they never stopped working on the structure ever again. Some crew is always either maintaining, painting, welding, torching, repaving, pouring, demolishing concrete, and preparing for emergency work.
You can see traffic coming and going in both directions of the elevated Gowanus; from this vantage point. As in other parts of the series; notice the height and difficulty in maintaining a bridge over the street. The reason for its height is the drawbridge below @ Smith Street. Tugboats which are pushing barges in the Gowanus Canal need clearance therefore the bridge goes up. The expressway had to be built high enough to clear the rising street. It is one of the highest points you can drive in Brooklyn; if not the highest. If you have a chance, or if you have ever been stuck in traffic up there; just enjoy the view. Some Brooklynites call this a view from the "Top of the World".
More descriptive history can be found at the web links.
http://www.nycroads.com/roads/gowanus/
http://www.icisnyu.org/assets/documents/case_study_gowanus.pdf
Take time to smell the flowers for sale below. That is before NYC Sanitation finishes their trash barge loading facility next door. The only thing I like about this new development is the massive crane. I can't wait to see what it is capable of.
This GZ location gives you a different perspective of the elevated section. Low muggle factor; but you can be seen from a distance. Practice your stealth mode anyway. No clue needed.
Congratulations CassidyCarolyn for the FTF!