The George Washington Bridge, or the GWB as it's commonly called, is an iconic suspension bridge connecting New Jersey and New York City. The bridge spans the Hudson River and is named after George Washington, the first President of the United States. The GWB is one of the most traveled bridges in the world, with millions of vehicles crossing it every year. 🔗GWB wikipedia
George Washington Bridge
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| George Washington Bridge |
Location:
The George Washington Bridge is located in the northeastern United States, spanning the Hudson River and connecting Washington Heights in Manhattan, New York City to Fort Lee, New Jersey.
GWB Bridge Design & Overview
Design:
The George Washington Bridge is a marvel of engineering and design. The bridge features two main towers, which rise 604 feet above the river. The bridge's deck is suspended from these towers by a series of steel cables. The deck is made up of two levels, with eight lanes of traffic on the upper level and a pedestrian and bike path on the lower level.
The bridge's design was influenced by the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge, which spans the Ohio River between Cincinnati, Ohio, and Covington, Kentucky. Othmar Ammann, the George Washington Bridge's designer, worked on the Roebling Bridge early in his career and used some of the design principles he learned on that project in his work on the GWB.
How Much Did It Cost To Build The George Washington Bridge?
The cost to build the George Washington Bridge was approximately $60 million, which is equivalent to around $1.5 billion in today's currency when adjusted for inflation. The bridge was opened to traffic in 1931 and was financed through a combination of public and private funding.
Overview:
One of the most notable features of the George Washington Bridge is its size. At 4,760 feet (1,450 meters) in length. The height of the George Washington Bridge is 604 feet (184 meters) and with a main span of 3,500 feet (1,070 meters), it was the longest main span in the world when it was built, and is still one of the longest today. The bridge is also over 200 feet (61 meters) above the water, providing stunning views of the New York City skyline and the Hudson River.
Why Was The George Washington Bridge Built?
The George Washington Bridge was built to connect New York City to Fort Lee, New Jersey, and to provide a direct route for vehicular and pedestrian traffic across the Hudson River. The bridge was also intended to stimulate economic growth in the region by improving transportation links between the two states.
History:
The idea for the George Washington Bridge began in 1906, when the New York State Legislature authorized the creation of the Port of New York Authority, which would oversee the construction of a bridge connecting New Jersey and New York. Construction on the bridge began in 1927 and was completed in 1931.
The bridge was designed by Othmar Ammann, a Swiss-American engineer who is famous for his contributions to the field of suspension bridge design. The bridge's main span is 1,067 meters long, making it the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time of its construction.
Tolls & Ez Pass
The George Washington Bridge has a toll for vehicles entering New York City. The toll rate varies depending on the type of vehicle and the time of day. The toll money is used to maintain the bridge and improve its infrastructure.
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| George Washington Bridge traffic |
Tolls:
As of January 2023, the cash toll for a standard vehicle on the George Washington Bridge is $16.00, while the toll for an E-ZPass tag is $10.50. However, toll rates may be subject to change, and discounts may apply for certain vehicles or frequent commuters. It's always a good idea to check the Port Authority of NY & NJ website for the most up-to-date toll information.
Ez Pass
The toll for the George Washington Bridge can be paid using EZ Pass, which is an electronic toll collection system. The EZ Pass system allows drivers to pay their tolls electronically, without having to stop and pay cash. To use EZ Pass on the George Washington Bridge, drivers need to have an active EZ Pass account and make sure their device is properly mounted in their vehicle. The toll amount varies depending on the type of vehicle and time of day.George Washington Bridge Facts
- The George Washington Bridge is a double-decked suspension bridge that spans the Hudson River and connects Fort Lee, New Jersey to the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan in New York City.
- It was designed by Swiss engineer Othmar Ammann and opened in 1931, becoming the world's longest suspension bridge at the time.
- The bridge has a total length of 4,760 feet (1,450 meters) and a main span of 3,500 feet (1,067 meters).
- It is named after George Washington, the first President of the United States, and is often referred to as the "GW Bridge" or simply the "George."
- The bridge carries over 100 million vehicles per year, making it one of the busiest bridges in the world.
- It is also an important landmark and symbol of New York City, featured in many films, TV shows, and other media.
- The bridge's toll plaza was once notorious for causing long delays and traffic congestion, but has since been modernized with the use of electronic tolling technology.
George Washington Bridge Q&A
1. How long is the George Washington Bridge?
The total length of the bridge is 4,760 feet (1,450 meters).
2. When was the George Washington Bridge built?
Construction began in 1927 and the bridge opened to traffic on October 24, 1931.
3. How many lanes does the George Washington Bridge have?
The bridge has a total of 14 lanes, with 8 upper level lanes and 6 lower level lanes.
4. How much is the toll for the George Washington Bridge?
As of 2023, the toll for cars using E-Z Pass during peak hours is $14.75 and $19.00 for cash. For off-peak hours, the E-Z Pass toll is $13.00 and $15.00 for cash.
5. Can pedestrians walk across the George Washington Bridge?
Yes, there is a pedestrian walkway on the bridge's upper level, offering scenic views of the Hudson River and the Manhattan skyline.
6. What is the weight limit for trucks on the George Washington Bridge?
The maximum weight limit for trucks on the George Washington Bridge is 80,000 pounds (36,287 kilograms).
7. What is the daily traffic volume on the George Washington Bridge?
The bridge carries approximately 300,000 vehicles per day.
8. Does the George Washington Bridge have any special features?
Yes, the bridge features a unique latticework of steel cables that support the roadway, as well as two massive towers that rise 604 feet (184 meters) above the Hudson River. It is also the world's busiest motor vehicle bridge, as well as a popular subject for photography and film.
Conclusion:
The George Washington Bridge is more than just a bridge. It's a symbol of the connection between New Jersey and New York City and a testament to the ingenuity of its designers and builders. From its tolls to its history and design, the GWB is a fascinating structure that deserves recognition and appreciation.
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