Brooklyn Bridge: a bit of history
The beginnings of the Brooklyn Bridge
As noted in the introduction, the Brooklyn Bridge is almost 2 kilometers long. It is supported by four steel cables 28 centimeters in diameter. Its construction began in 1869 and ended 14 years later, in 1883. The Brooklyn Bridge was designed by John Augustus Roebling, a German architect, but he died 2 years later of tetanus. His son, Washington Roebling, therefore decided to continue the work. The latter will also be the victim of an accident, but will continue to follow the progress of the construction very closely until the end. In 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge was inaugurated.
An expected inauguration
Le May 24th is the official opening date for the Brooklyn Bridge. Washington Roebling's wife Emily Warren Roebling was the first person to cross the bridge. On the same day, more than 150 people and nearly 000 vehicles also took the Brooklyn Bridge to cross the East River. At that time, the Brooklyn Bridge was thesingle link between Manhattan and the Brooklyn neighborhood.
Some figures on the Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is an imposing monument as evidenced by the few figures below:
- Total weight of the bridge (excluding pillars and cables): 15 000 tons.
- Exact deck length: 1 830 meters.
- Height above water: 48 meters.
- Brooklyn Bridge width: 26 meters.
- Number of floors : 2. The bottom is reserved for vehicles that can travel on 6 lanes and in both directions. The top is a " promenade »Dedicated to pedestrians, bicycles ... For better access, wooden slats cover this floor.
According to statistics, the Brooklyn Bridge is used every day by 150 vehicles, 000 pedestrians and 3 bicycles.
Crossing the Brooklyn Bridge: a must-do activity!
Over time, the Brooklyn Bridge has become a symbol of New York City. Today, thousands of tourists, but also locals rush to cross this famous Brooklyn Bridge! With your camera in hand, you'll be able to take a bunch of pretty shots from this bridge. During your crossing, you will also be able to admire breathtaking views and live a magical experience!
How to cross the Brooklyn Bridge?
To cross the Brooklyn Bridge, several solutions are available to you: by car, on rollerblades, on foot or even by bike. For my part, I strongly advise you to opt for the third option, for two specific reasons. If you choose to cross the bridge on foot, you will be able to admire all the beauty of this monument, but not only. The view from there over Manhattan and the East River is simply magnificent.
Usually the walk takes 30 minutes (only the driveway). This duration varies of course according to your walking pace, whether you take breaks or not, the duration of the latter ...
Cycling is also an interesting alternative. The runway for cyclists is in the middle of the driveway.
When crossing, be sure to respect the pedestrian lane and the cycle lane. Indeed, during the day the bridge is very busy and in order to circulate in the best conditions, it is very important to respect certain common sense rules. Otherwise, cyclists may call you to order!
Take a guided tour to learn more about the Brooklyn Bridge!
Here's another way to see the Brooklyn Bridge. With the Brooklyn Bridge guided tour, you will be able to know more about this monument and thus unravel all its secrets. For about 2 hours, a guide will explain the history of this bridge and much more!
There are departures all day (morning and afternoon) and these tours are organized in small groups.
What to see from the Brooklyn Bridge?
As stated several times in this article, crossing the Brooklyn Bridge, you will be able to enjoy a breathtaking view of the Manhattan skyline. Here is a quick overview of what you can see:
- On the left from Brooklyn, you can see Pier 17, a huge shopping center. If the weather is fine, you might also have the chance to see the silhouette of the Statue of Liberty, but also Governors Island.
- On the right side you will be able to distinguish the very high Empire State Building protruding from all other buildings in Midtown. On the highway that runs north towards the East River (JF Kennedy lane), you will have the possibility of seeing monster traffic jams.
- Also, don't forget to bow your head. Below, a large flow of cars goes under your feet. This is a lot of fun.
- Above your heads, don't forget to take some pictures of the cable that intersect. This is quite photogenic!
Of course, the best view is still the one overlooking the skyline. Departing from Brooklyn, you can therefore make the most of the superb view of the Manhattan cityscape that awaits you. Also, in this sense, the bridge descends slightly.
How much does it cost to cross the Brooklyn Bridge?
This is entirely free ! So don't hesitate to go back and forth as much as you want! AND the Brooklyn Bridge is open 7 days a week, 7 hours a day.
When is the best time to cross the Brooklyn Bridge?
The Brooklyn Bridge is open in permanence et everyday. You can therefore cross it as soon as you want. For my part, I recommend two moments: the morning and night. Why, would you tell me? Quite simply, because in the morning you will have the chance to attend a magnificent Sunrise whose golden and sparkling colors illuminate the buildings of Manhattan. In addition, in the morning the crowd is not present. You can therefore enjoy a little peace, cross the bridge in peace and admire the view serenely.
Night is also a great time to visit the Brooklyn Bridge, and for good reason! At night, the Brooklyn Bridge is illuminated and if you stand in the middle, you will have the chance to contemplate all the city lights. A show not to be missed!
Also, choose a day of good weather. It will be all the more enjoyable!
The crossing on foot takes about 30 minutes.
The Brooklyn Bridge, a ubiquitous symbol of New York
The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the emblematic monuments of New York just like the Statue of Liberty, the Chrysler Building, the Guggenheim or the MOMA. From this symbol, you have a magnificent view of many skyscrapers but also of the New York skyline, that is to say the typical shape of these buildings.
The view of New York from this bridge that overlooks the Hudson River at sunset is a fabulous moment. This suspension bridge is a crossroads between different neighborhoods and connects Brooklyn to southern Manhattan: Lower East Side.
This symbol has been used in many films and is even the subject of the Lumière brothers' 1896 film “Brooklyn Bridge”. In 1998, the mythical monster Godzilla died in the cables of the bridge. It has also been used as a strong cinema symbol in the films: I Am Legend in 2007 and Cloverfield in 2008.
How do I get to the Brooklyn Bridge?
To help you better, here is a map that will allow you to better locate the Brooklyn Bridge:
Depending on the direction in which you arrive, you will have several solutions to access the Brooklyn Bridge. If you arrive Manhattan side, here are the metro lines to take:
- Lines N and R to City Hall station.
- Lines 4, 5 and 6 to Brooklyn Bridge - City Hall station.
- J and Z lines to Chambers Street.
Brooklyn side :
- Lines A and C to High Street - Brooklyn Bridge station.
The Manhattan side bridge entrance is at Center St. and the walk begins in front of the Brooklyn Bridge - City Hall subway station. To help you find your way, “Brooklyn Bridge Trail” signs will show you the way to go.
On the Brooklyn side, the boardwalk is at the intersection of Tillary St. and Adams St. The crossing begins right in the middle of the intersection and you won't be able to miss the entrance.
Take the opportunity to discover Brooklyn!
If you are heading from Manhattan to Brooklyn, do not hesitate to spend a little time in this district of New York. In Brooklyn you will find a multicultural district where all cultures mingle.
If you get a little hungry after your crossing, I advise you to go to the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory (1 Water St, Ste A, Brooklyn, NY 11201-1335) where delicious ice cream awaits you.
In Brooklyn, you can also do some interesting activities such as conquering the Brooklyn Bridge Park (334 Furman St, Brooklyn, NY 11201). This park is a quiet place where it is pleasant to rest. This allows you to relax in the great outdoors while escaping the constant Manhattan crowds.
Finally, on either side of the Brooklyn Bridge, do not hesitate to make a small detour through the neighborhoods of Dumbo et Brooklyn Heights.
If you are lucky enough to be heading to New York soon, a Brooklyn Bridge crossing should be included in your list of activities. I therefore wish you a good stay and do not forget your camera to immortalize your crossing!
