The 100th anniversary of the University Heights Bridge highlights the importance of infrastructure and the purpose of bridges, officials say.

The exposed steel bridge, constructed in 1895, was first called the Broadway Bridge. During subway construction in 1908, the city floated it to its current location. It became a city landmark in 1984.

Prior to the University Heights Bridge, a footbridge connected the two boroughs.

By serving as a connector from the Bronx to Manhattan, officials say it helped the borough grow.

"New York City infrastructure is what allowed this city to grow and allowed people from all over the world to come and find opportunity, which really points to the importance of infrastructure," says Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion Jr.