Roads and Bridges: Trivia Tuesday, July 15

Last week's answer

Question: Which bridge has the longest main span in the U.S.?

Answer: B. Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge

Spanning the Narrows to connect Brooklyn and Staten Island, the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge has served as a vital link in New York City’s transportation network for more than six decades.

Named after Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano, the bridge was a feat of mid-century engineering and remains the longest suspension bridge span in North America.

The idea for a bridge crossing the Narrows emerged as early as the 1920s, but it wasn’t until the late 1940s that the project gained momentum under the influence of urban planner Robert Moses, according to NYCparksgov.org.

Following years of debate and planning, construction began in August 1959. Designed by engineer Othmar Ammann and built by Ammann & Whitney, the structure was completed ahead of schedule. The upper deck opened to traffic on Nov. 21, 1964, at a cost of approximately $320 million.

At the time of its opening, the bridge’s 4,260-foot central span was the longest in the world, according to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). Its towers are set farther apart at the top than at the base, an intentional design choice to account for the Earth’s curvature. The lower deck, planned from the start, was added in 1969 to accommodate increasing traffic.

Over the years, the bridge has undergone numerous updates to ensure safety, improve traffic flow and modernize infrastructure. In the 1990s and early 2000s, key renovations included deck rehabilitation to address corrosion, repainting and replacement of electrical systems.

Beginning in 2011, the MTA launched a $1.5 billion rehabilitation program, which included rebuilding the upper deck and adding a dedicated high-occupancy vehicle lane. In 2017, the bridge transitioned to a cashless tolling system to reduce congestion, replacing traditional toll booths with electronic gantries.

Efforts to preserve the bridge continue. In early 2025, the MTA issued requests for proposals to reconstruct ramps and dehumidify the bridge’s four massive suspension cables. The dehumidification system is designed to reduce humidity within cable sheaths, slowing corrosion and extending the structure’s lifespan.

In June 2025, the MTA approved a $249 million contract for a major suspension cable rehabilitation, according to AMNY.com. Work is expected to begin in spring 2026, with most activity scheduled during overnight hours to minimize disruptions. The project includes detailed inspections and sealing systems to protect internal cable wires.

Today, the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge carries more than 200,000 vehicles per day as part of Interstate 278. It also serves as the ceremonial starting point of the New York City Marathon. With ongoing investments in safety, structure and technology, the bridge continues to stand as a symbol of innovation and resilience.

As it enters its seventh decade of service, the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge remains not just a physical connection between boroughs, but a lasting testament to engineering excellence and the evolving needs of a growing metropolis.