Construction of Verrazano-Narrows Bridge
Their seminal 1955 report entitled "Joint Study of Arterial Facilities" recommended the construction of the bridge where it stands today.
"The Narrows Bridge would connect Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island, and Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn. To cost $220,000,000, the span would comprise two decks, each of which would carry six lanes of traffic.".
And that is exactly what came to pass, though at rather higher prices than had been expected as of course is typical with such large engineering projects.
Named after Giovanni da Verrazzano, the Italian explorer who in 1524 became the first European to navigate New York Harbor and chart the exact waters where the bridge stands today, the bridge design contract was handed to Othmar Ammann, one of the most renowned bridge designers of the era. Learn more about Verrazzano's historic 1524 voyage and discovery of New York Harbor.
In 1962 the construction of the towers began as well as the establishment of the dual anchorages, one at each side of the Narrows.
Not until the middle of 1963 were the cables spun, as is typical with such large suspension bridges it is not possible to make the cables off site but instead they are assembled, or spun, in-situ.
By October 1963 the cables were in place and the final part of the construction, the double deck, could be started. Made of pre-assembled components that are hoisted into place the double deck not only provides capacity but also rigidity to ensure that there will be no excessive movement of the bridge in the wind. This is one of the learnings from the collapse of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in 1940.
Finally by 1964 the bridge was completed when the concrete road surface was laid. And in November 1964 the bridge was open to the public.
At first only the top level was opened while the lower deck was reserved for the future, but by 1969 the bridge became so popular that this also was opened until we have the current situation with 12 lanes of traffic being in operation.
🔧 Modern Maintenance and 2025 Projects
Ongoing Preservation Efforts: The bridge continues to evolve with cutting-edge maintenance technology. In 2025, the MTA approved a major $249 million maintenance project focusing on advanced cable dehumidification systems to combat corrosion and extend the bridge's operational life.
Current 2025-2026 Improvements Include:
- Cable Dehumidification: Advanced systems targeting all four suspension cables, reducing internal humidity below 40% to dramatically slow steel degradation
- Acoustic Monitoring: Real-time cable condition tracking enabling proactive maintenance before issues develop
- Traffic Optimization: Building on the successful fourth lane addition that eliminated 1,500 tons of annual carbon emissions
Daily Usage: Today the bridge handles over 220,000 vehicles daily, making it one of the busiest crossings in the New York metropolitan area. The bridge remains eastbound-toll-only, with current rates of $10.17 for standard vehicles and substantial discounts for Staten Island residents.
💡 Did You Know? The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge remains the longest suspension bridge in the United States at 13,700 feet total length, with towers rising 693 feet above the water - taller than most Manhattan skyscrapers!