The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge is a landmark suspension bridge that connects Staten Island and Brooklyn, stretching across the Narrows at the entrance to New York Harbor. Designed by the renowned engineer Othmar H. Ammann, with Leopold Just and the firm Ammann & Whitney, construction began on August 13, 1959. The upper deck opened to traffic on November 21, 1964, while the lower deck was added on June 28, 1969 to accommodate increasing demand. At the time of its completion, the bridge was the longest suspension span in the world, surpassing San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge.
The bridge measures 13,700 feet in total length, with a main span of 4,260 feet. Its towers rise 693 feet above the water, and the clearance below is 228 feet at mean high tide, allowing large ships to pass into New York Harbor. The project cost $325 million at the time, equivalent to more than $3 billion today. It carries Interstate 278 across its two decks, with 13 lanes of traffic in total.
Named after Giovanni da Verrazzano, the 16th-century Florentine explorer who was the first European to enter New York Harbor in 1524, the bridge stands as both an engineering marvel and a cultural symbol. It is operated by MTA Bridges and Tunnels and plays a vital role in connecting Staten Island with the rest of New York City. Each November, the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge famously serves as the starting point of the New York City Marathon, where tens of thousands of runners cross its span.
Today, the bridge continues to undergo rehabilitation and modernization projects to extend its lifespan and improve traffic flow. More than half a century after its opening, it remains one of New York City’s most iconic pieces of infrastructure, embodying both the city’s engineering prowess and its enduring connection to the sea.
