Information
Landmark: Verrazano Narrows BridgeCity: Staten Island
Country: USA New York
Continent: North America
Verrazano Narrows Bridge, Staten Island, USA New York, North America
Overview
Here’s a closer look at the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, a sweeping suspension span that links Staten Island to Brooklyn, stretching high above the blue-gray waters of New York Harbor.The bridge stretches across the Narrows, the choppy strait linking Upper and Lower New York Bay, and serves as a vital artery for getting around the metro area.Construction started in 1959, and on a crisp November 21, 1964, the bridge opened to traffic.It takes its name from the Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano, the first European to sail into New York Harbor in 1524, when the salt air mingled with the sound of gulls overhead.The bridge was first named “Verrazano,” but in 2018 officials changed it to “Verrazzano” to match the explorer’s true name, adding the second z that history had dropped.Type: Suspension bridge, designed by architect Othmar Ammann-the celebrated engineer behind many of New York City’s spans, including the sleek, steel-gray George Washington Bridge.The bridge stretches a total of 13,700 feet-about 2.6 miles-while its main span reaches 4,260 feet (1,298 meters), a record-setter when it opened and still one of the longest in the world today.The tower rises about 693 feet above the water, high enough to catch the wind and glint in the afternoon sun.The bridge rises on two towers set deep into massive concrete piers, while steel cables stretch taut to hold up the deck.It carries twelve lanes of traffic split between two decks-the upper hums with steady cars while the lower rumbles beneath.The bridge is the main route for cars between Staten Island and Brooklyn, carrying traffic into the heart of New York City and on toward points far beyond.It’s a stretch of Interstate 278 (I‑278) that carries commuters, trucks, and sightseers alike, from morning rush to the hum of weekend travel.On any given day, more than 200,000 vehicles rumble across the bridge.It’s the traditional kickoff for the New York City Marathon, when thousands surge across the bridge from Staten Island into Brooklyn, sneakers slapping against the pavement.Tolling on the bridge works through E‑ZPass scanners and cash booths, with tolls charged only to drivers heading east from Staten Island into Brooklyn.Crews check the bridge regularly, repainting faded steel and reinforcing its frame to keep it safe and standing for years to come.No pedestrians or bicycles are allowed on the bridge-even a quick stroll or slow ride across is off limits.The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, a striking New York City landmark, has appeared in countless films, photographs, and paintings-its steel arches often gleaming against the harbor’s blue.You’ll get sweeping views of New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty, and the jagged Manhattan skyline glinting in the sun.At night, the bridge glows under rows of golden lights, standing out as a proud symbol of the city.The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge stretches across New York Harbor, an engineering marvel that carries thousands of commuters into the city each day.Stretching across the skyline with graceful lines, its sheer length and vital job linking boroughs make it one of the city’s most iconic and essential pieces of infrastructure.
