The George Washington Bridge is a suspension bridge that crosses the Hudson River, connecting Manhattan Island to northeastern New Jersey. Designed by Othmar Ammann, it features two steel towers and four main cables. Construction began in 1927 and it opened in 1931. The upper level has eight lanes of traffic and the lower level has six. Trucks and RVs are restricted to the upper level and pedestrians and bicycles can cross for free during certain hours. A toll is required for vehicles entering New Jersey.
The George Washington Bridge is a man-made toll suspension bridge located in the United States. It crosses the Hudson River and provides vehicle access from the shores of Manhattan Island in New York to northeastern New Jersey. The bridge was intended to be covered with ornamental stone and concrete after it was built, but it was later decided to leave the steel skeleton on display.
The bridge falls under the jurisdiction of a bi-state government agency, the New York and New Jersey Port Authority. A Swiss-born architect named Othmar Ammann, who was also the authority’s chief engineer, designed the bridge in 1923. The suspension bridge design was considered ahead of its time. It features two 570-foot (174 m) steel towers with a 3,500-foot (1,100 m) center span. Four main cables help support the bridge, which is 119 feet (36 m) wide.
Construction of the George Washington Bridge began in 1927 and the bridge opened for use in 1931. During its first full year, more than 5 million vehicles traveled over the George Washington Bridge. The upper level has eight lanes of traffic and the lower level, which opened in 1962, has six lanes.
The George Washington Bridge became the longest suspension bridge when it was completed, surpassing the 7,500-foot-long (2,286 m) Ambassador Bridge that connects the United States and Canada. In 1937, the 8,981-foot-long (2,737.4 m) Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California surpassed that record. The George Washington Bridge is even commemorated on a postage stamp issued by the United States Postal Service in 1952.
Trucks and RVs are restricted to the upper level of the George Washington Bridge and may not exceed 13 feet 6 inches (4 m) in height. Trucks carrying dangerous material or oversized cargo or traveling in convoys must make arrangements before entering the bridge. Pedestrians and bicycles are usually able to cross the bridge for free using the south sidewalk from 6am to 11pm. The upper level of the bridge is connected to the George Washington Bridge Bus Station located in Manhattan.
While the George Washington Bridge allows drivers to leave the state for free, a toll is required for vehicles entering the state. Trucks pay per axle, while cars have a flat rate. Discounts are offered for carpooling and off-peak hours, as are the various discount pass schemes.
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