50 years ago today, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge became the first pathway from Staten Island to Brooklyn and visa versa.

"When the Verrazano opened to traffic on November 21, 1964, it was the longest cable suspension bridge in the world, edging out its West Coast rival, the Golden Gate Bridge, by a mere 60 feet. Today it remains the longest in the United States, spanning 9,865 feet. The Verrazano remains the major commuting artery connecting Staten Island to the rest of New York City, carrying nearly 200,000 drivers each day." (x)

Embrace the Culture

Historic Richmond Town will be hosting the exhibit, "Spanning the Narrows for Five Decade." The exhibit has been open since mid-August at the Staten Island Historical Society and will continue to run through the end of 2014. "The exhibit will feature historic photographs detailing the bridge's construction and artifacts, including a section of cable, the Opening Day program and one of the original medals given to all contractors who helped build the bridge."

The New York Transit Museum, in Brooklyn, is also hosting exhibits on the Verrazano Bridge showcasing photographs from the bridge's construction, actual pieces of the bridge and memorabilia from the opening ceremony. Author Gay Talese is rereleasing his book called "The Bridge," stories of workers who helped build the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.

Earlier today, November 21, MTA officials held a ceremony at the Overlook in Fort Wadsworth. At the ceremony, "United States Post Office representatives will officially unveil an express mail stamp commemorating the bridge's 50th anniversary."

Verrazano Fun Facts

Bensonhurst Bean collected numerous facts that you make not know about. Here are a few that amazed us:

  • As of 2009 - there are 262 LED lights
  • The lower deck opened in 1969 - 5 years after the opening ceremony
  • The roadway of the bridge is 12 feet lower in the summer than in the winter because of thermal expansion
Posted by Tom Crimmins Realty, Ltd. on

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