Following the Brooklyn and Williamsburg Bridges, the Manhattan Bridge was the final of three suspension bridges erected across the lower East River. The Manhattan Bridge was originally to be known as "Bridge No. 3" since it was the third bridge to be completed. However, when the Brooklyn Bridge became popularly known as the "Third Bridge," the Manhattan Bridge was also called by this name. The original plan for the Manhattan Bridge was developed by John A. Roebling's son, Washington Roebling. The younger Roebling hired his friend, Thomas Jefferson Russel, to design the structure. Work on the bridge began in 1869 and it was opened to traffic the following year. The total cost of the bridge was $7 million at that time which made it then the most expensive single structure ever built at that time. In addition, the bridge was being constructed from local limestone with iron girders and wire cables. It had a main span of 1,200 feet and could carry six lanes of traffic. In 1918, after the death of his son, John A. Roebling withdrew himself from active management of the company. He did offer suggestions during the planning stages of the project but after that he left it to others to execute. However, he did receive a medal from the American Institute of Steel Construction for his work on the bridge.