Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, Double-decker suspension bridge connecting Staten Island and Brooklyn, New York, United States
The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge stretches 13,700 feet (4,176 meters) across New York Harbor, featuring steel towers that rise 693 feet (211 meters) above the water and a central span of 4,260 feet (1,298 meters) that allows large ships to pass underneath.
Opened on November 21, 1964, the bridge held the title of the world's longest suspension span at that time, and a second deck was added in 1969 to accommodate growing traffic demands between the two boroughs.
The bridge is named after Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano, who became the first European to sail into New York Harbor in 1524, and the spelling with two z's was adopted after requests from the Italian-American community.
The bridge operates around the clock with cashless tolling, charging eastbound drivers $10.17 via E-ZPass, while Staten Island residents receive a reduced rate of $2.75 through a special discount program, and bicycles and pedestrians are not permitted except during special events.
The steel cables of the bridge expand and contract with temperature changes throughout the year, causing the double-deck roadway to sit up to 12 feet lower during summer months compared to winter due to thermal expansion.
Location: Staten Island
Location: Brooklyn
Inception: 1964
Official opening: November 21, 1964
Height: 211 m
Length: 4,176 m
Longest Span: 1,298 m
Made from material: steel, concrete
Website: http://web.mta.info/bandt/html/veraz.html
GPS coordinates: 40.60639,-74.04556
Latest update: November 28, 2025 11:42
This collection brings together some of the most outstanding transport structures worldwide, representing engineering ingenuity and technical daring from various eras. From the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge of Japan, which holds the global record for span length at 1,991 meters (6,532 feet), to the Landwasser Viaduct in Switzerland, built in 1902 and opening directly into a mountain tunnel, each structure tells a story of overcoming geographical challenges. These constructions connect areas separated by bays, straits, deep valleys, or waterways. The Hangzhou Bay Bridge in China stretches 36 kilometers (22 miles) across the waters of the East China Sea, while the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel in the United States cleverly combines two modes of crossing over 37 kilometers (23 miles). In Scotland, the Forth Bridge has spanned the estuary since 1890 with its three distinctive steel cantilever spans, and in Bordeaux, the Jacques Chaban-Delmas Bridge stands out as Europe's tallest bascule bridge. Beyond facilitating transport, these structures have become visual landmarks and destinations in their own right. The Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado overlooks the Arkansas River by 955 feet (291 meters), while London's Millennium Bridge offers a direct pedestrian route between the Tate Modern and Saint Paul’s Cathedral. Each of these sites warrants a visit to appreciate the scope of technical achievement they embody.
This collection gathers bridges and engineering structures that mark the history of modern infrastructure worldwide. Structures such as the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge in Japan, with its span of 3,911 meters, or the 37-kilometer Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel in Virginia demonstrate technological advances made to cross natural obstacles. These include suspension bridges, cable-stayed bridges, and viaducts that often set records for length or height. From the Confederation Bridge linking Prince Edward Island to New Brunswick in extreme weather conditions, to the Øresund Bridge connecting Denmark and Sweden, these structures change the geography and facilitate exchanges between regions. The Vasco da Gama Bridge in Lisbon, the Norman Bridge crossing the Seine at Honfleur, or the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge in Istanbul illustrate how modern engineering addresses transportation needs while adapting to each site's geographic constraints.
This collection gathers bridges that hold world records for span length, defined as the distance between two main pylons. While the longest bridge in the world measures 165 kilometers in China, this refers to the maximum span covered in one continuous structure. These constructions demonstrate engineering achievements in crossing maritime straits, rivers, or valleys without intermediate supports. The Çanakkale Bridge in Turkey crosses the Dardanelles Strait with a span of 2,023 meters, setting the current record for suspension bridges. In Japan, the Akashi Strait Bridge connects Kobe to Awaji Island with a central span of 1,991 meters. In China, several bridges exceed 1,600 meters in span, such as the Yangsigang Bridge over the Yangtze in Wuhan or the Xihoumen Bridge in the Zhoushan Archipelago. South Korea with the Yi Sun-sin Bridge, Denmark with the Great Belt Bridge, and Turkey with the Osman Gazi Bridge complete this list of remarkable structures. These bridges are interesting destinations for observing modern civil engineering accomplishments. They connect cities and regions, significantly reducing travel times while offering scenic views of the landscapes they cross. Visiting them allows appreciation of the scope of work involved in constructing these infrastructures under often challenging conditions.
Battery Weed
781 m
Alice Austen House
1.8 km
Fort Lafayette
626 m
Fort Tompkins
1.5 km
Old Town, Staten Island
3.6 km
Saitta House
2.7 km
National American Indian Memorial
948 m
Garibaldi-Meucci Museum
2.6 km
New Utrecht Reformed Church
3.8 km
Tappen Park
3.5 km
Harbor Defense Museum
1.2 km
Buono Beach
1.8 km
John J. Carty Park
1.4 km
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Grotto
2.6 km
Fort Wadsworth Light
712 m
Houses at 216–264 Ovington Ave.
3.5 km
Fort Tompkins Light
709 m
Senator Street Historic District
3.8 km
Boardman–Mitchell House
3.2 km
Casemate Fort, Whiting Quadrangle
1.1 km
Edgewater Village Hall and Tappen Park
3.5 km
Holy Angels Catholic Academy
3.3 km
Dover Patrol Monument
1.1 km
Alpine Theatre
3.7 km
Paramount Theatre
3.5 km
South Beach
2.5 km
Stapleton Library
3.5 km
Rex Theatre
3.6 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes