NYC DOT - Brooklyn Bridge

About the Bridge

Current Projects

Previous Contracts

Upcoming Contracts

About the Bridge

The iconic Brooklyn Bridge connects Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn Heights. Known for its stone arches, the Brooklyn Bridge supports five lanes of vehicles (no trucks), a pedestrian promenade and protected bicycle path. As of 2022, an average of over 107,000 vehicles, 32,000 pedestrians and 4,000 cyclists travel over the Brooklyn Bridge each day.

Bridge Facts

Total length of bridge and approaches: 6,016 feet

Main span: 1,595.5 feet

Clearance at center: 135 feet

History

The Brooklyn Bridge was designed by John A. Roebling. Construction began in 1869 and was completed in 1883. At the time, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. The Brooklyn Bridge connects the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn by spanning the East River.

Because of the elevation of the span above the East River and the relatively low-lying shores, the rest of the bridge, sloping down to ground level, extends quite far inland on both sides of the river.

Between 1944 and 1954, a comprehensive reconstruction took place. The inner and outer trusses were strengthened, new horizontal stays were installed between the four main cables, the railroad and trolley tracks were removed, the roadways were widened from two lanes to three lanes, and new approach ramps were constructed. Additional approach ramps to the FDR Drive were opened to traffic in 1969.

The Brooklyn Bridge was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964 and a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1972. The bridge and multiple Manhattan and Brooklyn lots comprising the approaches were designated as NYC Landmarks in 1967. In recent decades, the structure has been refurbished to handle the traffic demands during its second century.

In September 2021, a two-way protected bike lane opened along the Brooklyn Bridge, repurposing one lane of vehicular traffic to accommodate the rise of cycling in NYC.

Current Projects

Rehabilitation of Towers and Approach Arches

During Contract 7, NYC DOT will improve the load carrying capacity of the arch blocks and strengthen the masonry towers while focusing on repairs of the historic brick and granite components. The contract began in September 2019 and will continue until 2023.

Project Scope:

Strengthen masonry towers

Rehabilitate arch blocks and foundations

Replace brick infill walls

Rehabilitate basement floors

Repoint and reset granite stones

Improve lighting at the towers

Impacts:

Occasional lane closures will take place to inspect and repair bridge components

The bridge promenade will be open at all times, although portions of the walkway may be narrowed at times

Limited vehicular lane and sidewalk closures

Construction Project Contact:

Please contact Anita Navalurkar, the Brooklyn Bridge Community Liaison, with questions about the Brooklyn Bridge Rehabilitation project at 347-647-0876 or brooklynbridgeoutreach@gmail.com.

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Previous Contracts

Contract 5D (1998-2000): Brooklyn Bridge Emergency Re-Decking Contract, $37M

Contract 5 (2007-2009): Brooklyn Bridge Travelers Replacement, $45M

Contract 6 (2010-2017): Rehabilitation of Approaches and Ramp Super Structure, Painting of the Whole Bridge, $650M

Contract 6A (2017-2019): Rehabilitation of Stone Masonry Walls at Bridge Approaches and Ramps, Sandy Related, $18M

Upcoming Contracts

The Brooklyn Bridge is continuously maintained in a State of Good Repair through capital projects and routine, in-house repairs to improve its components as they withstand weather conditions and vehicular traffic.