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New York’s 15 Longest Bridges Reshaping the Skyline

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Rising above rivers and connecting bustling boroughs, New York is home to some of the nation’s most impressive bridges. With some of the longest spans in the state, these engineering feats serve as vital arteries for millions of commuters. Each bridge represents the state’s ability to blend architectural beauty with essential transportation infrastructure.

Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge

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At 16,368 feet, it connects Westchester and Rockland counties over the Hudson River. It replaced the old Tappan Zee Bridge in 2017 and was part of New York’s largest bridge project, costing $4 billion. Named after the Tappan tribe and Dutch settlers, its predecessor was notorious for its shaky foundation.

Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge

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The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge spans 13,700 feet across New York Harbor and links Staten Island and Brooklyn. This impressive two-level suspension bridge opened in 1964. During its construction, thousands of Staten Island residents were relocated to make way for the bridge, which honors Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano.

Robert F. Kennedy (Triborough) Bridge

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Commenced in 1936, the Triborough Bridge links three boroughs—Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx—through a network of spans totaling 13,820 feet. Spearheaded by urban planner Robert Moses, it became one of the largest infrastructure projects of the Great Depression. It remains a vital artery for about 200,000 vehicles daily.

Outerbridge Crossing

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This bridge, opened in 1928, links Perth Amboy, New Jersey, and Staten Island. It is named after Eugenius Outerbridge, the Port Authority’s first chairman. At 10,140 feet, this steel cantilever bridge is critical in facilitating commerce, daily commutes, and regional connectivity between New Jersey and New York City.

Williamsburg Bridge

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At 7,308 feet, the Williamsburg Bridge stretches across the East River, linking Brooklyn with Manhattan’s Lower East Side. This suspension bridge, constructed in 1903, was a groundbreaking engineering feat. Today, it is a critical passageway for cyclists and pedestrians, offering sweeping views and a rich cultural history.

Goethals Bridge

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Serving as a bridge between Staten Island and New Jersey, this structure spans 7,109 feet. Initially completed in 1928, it was one of the first major connections to Staten Island. The updated 2017 design brought wider lanes for better traffic flow and integrated advanced earthquake resistance and energy-efficient LED lights.

Francis R. Buono Memorial Bridge

Patrick Nouhailler’s/Wikipedia 

Bridging Rikers Island to Queens, the Francis R. Buono Memorial Bridge supports fundamental services and everyday conveyance to and from the island. Commemorated in honor of Francis R. Buono, a Port Authority officer who lost his life in the line of duty, this bridge provides significant traffic relief for the surrounding communities.

Manhattan Bridge

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At 6,855 feet long, this bridge finished in 1909 and remains an indispensable link between Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. Designed by Leon Moisseiff, it pioneered the use of deflection theory. Its double-deck design supports vehicles, subway lines, and pedestrian paths and is essential to New York City’s transportation system.

Bayonne Bridge

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The Bayonne Bridge, which links Bayonne, New Jersey, with Staten Island, was built in 1931 as the world’s longest steel arch bridge, stretching 5,780 feet. In recent years, the bridge underwent a significant renovation to raise its roadway, allowing larger ships to pass beneath and facilitating maritime traffic in New York Harbor.

George Washington Bridge

Acroterion/Wikimedia Commons 

With a span of 4,760 feet across the Hudson River, the George Washington Bridge connects New Jersey with Manhattan, supporting heavy traffic flow. Since 1931, its raw steel framework has provided a modern aesthetic, a deliberate design choice shaped by the Great Depression. When it commenced, the bridge charged 50 cents for a round trip.  

Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge

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Renamed in 1978 to honor the Brooklyn Dodgers legend, it provides access to beaches and parks. A vital link between Brooklyn and the Rockaways, the Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge spans 4,022 feet over the Rockaway Inlet. Its vertical-lift structure also allows maritime vessels to pass underneath with ease.

Whitestone Bridge

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This suspension bridge spans the East River between the Bronx and Queens. Stretching 3,770 feet, it opened in 1939, just in time for the World’s Fair. Its construction marked the beginning of New York’s car-friendly infrastructure boom. Interestingly, engineers had to redesign parts of the bridge after strong winds caused it to sway during storms.

Queensboro Bridge

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Known for its iconic design, it spans 3,725 feet, connecting Manhattan to Queens across the East River. When it launched in 1909, the double-decked layout was considered revolutionary, accommodating pedestrian and vehicle movement. Nicknamed ‘Blackwell’s Island Bridge,’ it is known for its appearance in popular culture.

Brooklyn Bridge

Suiseiseki/Wikimedia Commons 

Since 1883, this bridge has connected Manhattan and Brooklyn over the East River, becoming a New York City icon. Designed by John A. Roebling, it was the world’s first steel-wire suspension bridge, stretching 1,595.5 feet. Its striking Gothic-inspired towers make the structure a key transportation hub and a lasting symbol of American ingenuity and achievement.

Willis Avenue Bridge

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The Willis Avenue Bridge crosses the Harlem River and connects Manhattan and the Bronx. Its swing design accommodates river traffic. Originally built in 1901 and reconstructed in 2010, it handles thousands of vehicles daily. This bridge is also part of the New York City Marathon, which makes it culturally significant for its annual event.

Written by Jace Lamonica

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