Verrazzano–Narrows Bridge

The Verrazzano–Narrows Bridge is a large suspension bridge that connects the boroughs of Staten Island and Brooklyn in New York City, New York, U.S. It crosses the Narrows, a body of water that links New York Harbor with the Lower New York Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. It is the only fixed crossing of the Narrows and carries many cars every day.

The bridge has two levels and carries 13 lanes of Interstate 278. It was designed by engineers Othmar Ammann, Leopold Just, and others. Construction began in 1959, and the bridge opened to traffic on November 21, 1964. A lower level opened later in 1969 to handle more traffic.

The Verrazzano–Narrows Bridge was once the longest suspension bridge in the world, with a central span of 4,260 feet. It held this record until the Humber Bridge was completed in 1981. Today, it is the longest suspension bridge in the Americas. The bridge collects tolls from drivers to help maintain it.

History

Early plans

A bridge across the Narrows was first suggested in the 1920s. At the time, Staten Island was separated from the rest of New York City, with the only connection being a ferry service. Plans for a bridge called the "Liberty Bridge" were introduced, but they were blocked because some people believed public projects should not be handled by private companies.

There were also ideas for tunnels connecting Brooklyn and Staten Island, but these plans were delayed and eventually stopped because of money problems and local disagreements.

1940s and 1950s bridge plan

In the late 1940s, plans for a bridge across the Narrows were revived. The city asked for permission to build the bridge, and after some debate and conditions, the plans moved forward. However, the project faced delays due to financing issues and disagreements over where the bridge should connect.

Construction

Construction of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge officially began in 1959. Workers built large supports on both sides of the water and then constructed the tall towers and cables that hold the bridge up. The roadway was added in sections, and the bridge was completed and opened to traffic in November 1964. The bridge was a major achievement and became an important connection for people and vehicles between Staten Island and Brooklyn.

Late 1960s to 2000s

After the bridge opened, it quickly became very busy. Within a few years, a second roadway was added to handle more traffic. The bridge also underwent several repairs and updates over the decades to keep it safe and functional.

2010s to present

In recent years, the bridge has undergone major renovations to update its structure and add new features. These improvements aim to keep the bridge in good condition for many more years to come.

Description

The Verrazzano–Narrows Bridge is a big suspension bridge that connects Staten Island and Brooklyn in New York City. It is owned by bondholders and operated by MTA Bridges and Tunnels. The bridge carries Interstate 278, which leads to the Staten Island Expressway and the Gowanus Expressway, making it easier for people to travel between New Jersey, Brooklyn, Long Island, and Manhattan by car.

When it opened, the Verrazzano–Narrows Bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world, with a center span longer than the famous Golden Gate Bridge. Even though it was only a little longer, it could carry much more weight. The bridge has two levels, and special supports help it stay strong against wind and other forces. The bridge also has tall towers made of millions of bolts and rivets, and strong cables that hold everything up. Some birds, like peregrine falcons, make their homes on the bridge towers.

Naming

During the planning of the bridge, it was first called the "Narrows Bridge". Later, it was also named after Giovanni da Verrazzano, an explorer. This idea started in 1951 by the Italian Historical Society of America. They wanted to honor Verrazzano, who explored New York Harbor in 1524.

There was some debate about how to spell the name. Some people wanted it spelled with two "z"s, like Verrazzano, while others used one "z", spelling it Verrazano. In 1960, the name was officially changed to "Verrazano-Narrows Bridge". Later, in 2018, the name was changed again to "Verrazzano–Narrows Bridge" to use the correct spelling with two "z"s. This change was made after a petition by a student and support from some politicians. The new signs with the correct spelling started appearing in 2020.

Tolls

As of January 4, 2026, drivers pay different amounts depending on what kind of pass they use. For cars, the cost is $12.03 by mail or $5.06 for motorcycles. Those with special passes from New York pay less: $7.46 for cars and $3.25 for motorcycles. There are also special lower rates for people who live on Staten Island and use a pass.

There used to be a belief that tolls would stop once the bridge was paid for, but this was proven false. Originally, everyone paid the same toll to cross the bridge, but because of complaints about traffic and pollution, the toll was only collected when entering Staten Island. This changed in 2020 when tolls began to be collected in both directions again.

E-ZPass, a special electronic pass, was introduced in 1995 to help traffic move more quickly. By 1998, cash payments were stopped except for certain residents. In 2017, cash tolls were completely removed, and now cameras take pictures of cars without passes to bill them later.

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Bridge usage

In 2015, about 202,523 vehicles used the Verrazzano–Narrows Bridge each day. It had more traffic than three other bridges that connect Staten Island with New Jersey combined.

In 2011, a group called Transportation for America said the Verrazzano–Narrows Bridge was New York's most dangerous because of its condition and the number of people who use it. The MTA, which runs the bridge, said it was safe and had passed recent checks.

Three local buses and 20 express buses use the Verrazzano–Narrows Bridge. These buses connect Staten Island with Manhattan.

The Verrazzano–Narrows Bridge was not built with walkways for people or bikes. When the bridge was built, it was thought to be too expensive, and some thought it might help keep people from jumping off. Even without walkways, the bridge is sometimes closed for events like the New York City Marathon and bike tours.

There have been discussions about adding walkways or bike lanes to the bridge for many years. In the past, some people suggested temporary solutions, like buses that could carry bikes. Studies have looked at the idea, but plans for adding walkways or bike lanes have not moved forward because of safety concerns and high costs.

The bridge connects eastern Staten Island to Brooklyn.