Overview
What once was the longest suspension bridge in the world has now spanned six decades of New York City history. Thursday marks 60 years since drivers first paid a 50-cent toll to drive over the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, the towering 13,200-foot link that connects Staten Island to Brooklyn.
History of the Bridge
Before the Verrazzano, think of Staten Island — it was not connected to any of the other boroughs, other than by a ferry. It was connected to New Jersey: you had the Goethals [Bridge], you had the Bayonne [Bridge], you had the Outerbridge Crossing. But Staten Island was not connected to the rest of New York.
Although it is still America’s longest suspension bridge, it lost its #1 in the world spot in 1981 and is now not even in the top 10. Still, the Verrazzano-Narrows has served as the scenic starting point of the New York City Marathon since 1976 and was a constant presence in the 1977 John Travolta movie “Saturday Night Fever.”
Maintenance and Upgrades
Officials describe upkeep of the structure originally constructed for $325 million as a near-daily duty. The maintenance can include work such as structural painting, patching potholes, changing lighting fixtures or repairing the bridge’s fences and guardrails.
A heavier lift that’s in the works is to dehumidify the cables that drape between the suspension bridge’s 693-foot-high towers to help stop corrosion.
Long-Running Maintenance and Upgrades
Workers on the Verrazzano Bridge in the early 1960s. Courtesy of WSP
The Verrazzano Bridge mid-construction in the early 1960s. Courtesy of WSP
An archival postcard shows the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge soon after its opening. Via the New York Public Library
The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge towers over the water separating Brooklyn and Staten Island. Nov. 18, 2024. Jose Martinez/THE CITY
The MTA earlier this year put out a solicitation for firms to design, build and install a dehumidification system for the Verrazano’s four cables, a multi-year effort expected to cost north of $100 million.
Conclusion
The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge has been a crucial part of New York City’s infrastructure for six decades, connecting Staten Island to Brooklyn and serving as the starting point of the New York City Marathon. While it is no longer the longest suspension bridge in the world, it remains a vital part of the city’s transportation system. The ongoing maintenance and upgrades are crucial to ensuring the bridge remains safe and functional for years to come.
FAQs
Q: What is the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge?
A: The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge is a suspension bridge that connects Staten Island to Brooklyn in New York City.
Q: How long has the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge been in operation?
A: The bridge has been in operation for 60 years, with the first vehicle crossing over it in 1964.
Q: What is the purpose of the bridge?
A: The bridge serves as a vital part of New York City’s transportation system, connecting Staten Island to Brooklyn and serving as the starting point of the New York City Marathon.
Q: What kind of maintenance and upgrades are being done on the bridge?
A: The MTA is conducting ongoing maintenance and upgrades on the bridge, including dehumidifying the cables to stop corrosion and reconstructing exits from one side of the bridge onto the Belt Parkway.
