A bridge across the Narrows had been proposed as early as 1926 or 1927, when structural engineer David B. Steinman brought up the possibility of such a crossing. At the time, Staten Island was isolated from the rest of New York City, and its only direct connection to the other four boroughs was by the Staten Island Ferry to South Ferry in Manhattan, or 39th and 69th Streets in Brooklyn. In 1928, when the chambers of commerce in Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, and Staten Island announced that the Interboro Bridge Company had proposed the future construction of the "Liberty Bridge" to United States Department of War. The bridge's towers would be 800 feet (240 m) high and it would cost $60 million in 1928 dollars. In November 1929, engineers released plans for the 4,500-foot (1,400 m) Liberty Bridge spanning the Narrows, with 800-foot-tall towers. It was hoped that the new construction would spur development on Staten Island, along with the Outerbridge Crossing and the Bayonne Bridge, which were under construction at the time.
The Liberty Bridge would carry vehicles from Bay Ridge to an as-yet-undetermined location on Staten Island. On the Brooklyn side, the city planned to connect the Liberty Bridge to a "Crosstown Highway", spanning Brooklyn and Queens and connecting to the proposed Triborough Bridge in northwestern Queens. The city also envisioned a possible connection to the preexisting Manhattan Bridge, connecting Downtown Brooklyn to Lower Manhattan. However, a vote on the planned Liberty Bridge was never taken, as it was blocked by then-Congressman Fiorello H. La Guardia, who believed that a public necessity should not be provided by...
Read morePretty bridge, drivers nightmare. Accident central. MTA often closes lanes without warning, lane markings cannot be seen at night, and during rain(and are often changed and repainted without removing the old lines causing lanes merging into each other). Upper level left open during falling/melting ice from upper towers. Lower level open while welding takes place on upper level allowing sparks to fall on your car and the other the cars passing by. Failure to salt during snow and black ice often creates a smash up derby. Pot-hole city every February. Restrictions are often enforced too late due to wind and snow leading to overturned trucks. Yep, it's there, just google it. All this( I know it sounds like whining, and I know it's a lot of complaining), and there is still the audacity to charge cars $19! Also, believe it or not there are different rates to cross the bridge for people who live in the same NEW YORK CITY, yet America is supposedly the land where people are equal. Staten Island NYC residents pay $5.90, and everyone else pays $19.00, and the ONLY commuter discount is exclusively for commercial vehicles or residents of SI. Clusterphuck. Great job Cuomo, DeBlasio, and NEW YORK. No accountability for the government mismanaging...
Read moreThe Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge is an iconic structure connecting Staten Island and Brooklyn, offering breathtaking views of the New York Harbor. The sight of the bridge itself, whether from the water or vantage points in Jersey City, is truly stunning. The elegant suspension design, with its towering cables and massive span, makes it one of the most picturesque landmarks in the region.
However, the tolling system is atrocious. Unlike most New York bridges that charge tolls in only one direction, the Verrazzano charges both ways, making it an expensive crossing for commuters and visitors alike. The high tolls feel excessive, especially considering the limited alternative routes available. For a bridge that plays such a critical role in connecting boroughs, the pricing seems unfair and burdensome.
While the bridge itself is an engineering marvel and a pleasure to look at, the steep and relentless tolls diminish its appeal. It’s frustrating that such a vital connection comes at such a high cost, making regular crossings impractical for many. If not for the tolling issue, the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge would be a near-perfect experience, combining functionality with...
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