Great South Bay Bridge, Road bridge in Suffolk County, New York, United States
The Great South Bay Bridge consists of two parallel spans that cross over water to connect Long Island's South Shore with Captree Island as part of the Robert Moses Causeway system. Each span handles traffic in a separate direction, with dedicated lanes for vehicles traveling to and from the barrier islands.
The original span opened in 1954 as Captree Bridge, establishing the first crossing to the area. A second parallel structure was added in 1964 to accommodate rising traffic volumes from increasing beach and park visits.
This crossing serves as the main gateway for visitors heading to popular recreational spots like Fire Island Lighthouse, Jones Beach Island, and nearby state parks. People use it daily to reach beaches and nature reserves along the South Shore.
The bridge offers better views on clear days when visibility is good, so plan your crossing accordingly if scenic views are important. Morning or weekday crossings tend to have lighter traffic compared to weekend beach trips, making the drive more comfortable.
The structure was originally named Captree Bridge after its destination, a detail most drivers overlook when crossing today. This original name reflects how the area's transportation history developed from simple island connections to a major coastal corridor.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
