Verrazzano–Narrows Bridge

The Verrazzano–Narrows Bridge

The Verrazzano–Narrows Bridge is a very big bridge in New York City. It connects two parts of the city: Staten Island and Brooklyn. This bridge goes over a body of water called the Narrows, which links New York Harbor to the Lower New York Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

The bridge has two levels and many car lanes. It was built by clever engineers Othmar Ammann and Leopold Just. People started building it in 1959, and it opened for cars in 1964. A second level opened in 1969 to help with traffic.

When it first opened, the Verrazzano–Narrows Bridge was the longest bridge in the world. It held this record until a new bridge called the Humber Bridge was built in 1981. Today, it is the longest bridge in the Americas. The bridge charges a fee, called a toll, to help pay for its care and upkeep.

The bridge is very important for people who live in or visit New York City. It helps cars travel between Staten Island and Brooklyn easily. Even though it is very busy, workers keep it safe and strong for everyone who uses it.