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|  Frequently Asked Questions Bridge Information |  |
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| Q: How many bridges are there in New York City? How many are under the jurisdiction of DOT?
A: There are 2,027 bridges in New York City. DOT's Division of Bridges owns, operates, and/or maintains 788 structures and 757 non-movable bridges. While the Division is responsible for the capital rehabilitation of the 61 culverts in Staten Island, maintenance and inspection responsibilities remain with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection.
Q: Where are the 788 DOT-operated bridges located?
A: Of the 788 bridges, 20 connect boroughs. Of the remaining 768, 20% are in the Bronx, 23% are in Brooklyn, 23% are in Manhattan, 26% are in Queens, and 8% are in Staten Island.
Q: Who other than DOT operates bridges and tunnels in New York City?
A: Other government agencies and public authorities that are responsible for bridges and tunnels include the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, the New York State Department of Transportation, Amtrak, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and several units of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).
MTA Bridges and Tunnels (formerly known as the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority) operates the following structures: Bronx-Whitestone Bridge, Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel, Cross Bay Veterans Memorial Bridge, Henry Hudson Bridge, Marine Parkway-Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge, Queens Midtown Tunnel, Throgs Neck Bridge, Triborough Bridge, Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. The MetroNorth Railroad and the Long Island Railroad, both subsidiaries of the MTA, operate bridges and tunnels on their rail lines. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey operates the following bridges and tunnels: Bayonne Bridge, George Washington Bridge, Goethals Bridge, Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel, Outerbridge Crossing. Q: Which bridge carries the largest amount of daily traffic?
A: The Queensboro Bridge. On an average weekday in 2007, some 181,365 vehicles crossed this celebrated cantilevered bridge between 59th Street in Manhattan and Long Island City in Queens. The Brooklyn Bridge had 131,551 vehicle crossings, the Williamsburg Bridge had 110,545 and the Manhattan Bridge had 73,205.
Q: How many New York City bridges are classified as historic landmarks?
A: As of January 1, 1998, ten bridges in New York City had been awarded some degree of landmark status. They include seven that are under the jurisdiction of the New York City Department of Transportation: the Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queensboro, Washington, University Heights, Carroll Street and Macombs Dam Bridges. The three landmarked bridges not operated by DOT are the George Washington Bridge (Port Authority of New York and New Jersey), Highbridge (NYC Department of Environmental Protection), and Hell Gate Bridge (Amtrak).
Q: What was the first bridge built in New York City? What is the oldest bridge still standing in New York City?
A: New York City’s first bridge, known as the King’s Bridge, was constructed in 1693. Fitted with stone abutments and a timber deck, it spanned Spuyten Duyvil Creek between Manhattan and the Bronx. It was demolished in 1917. The oldest bridge still standing in New York City is Highbridge, which spans the Harlem River between Manhattan and the Bronx; it was built in 1843. Highbridge is an aqueduct that carries a water main; it is not accessible to passengers or vehicles. The oldest bridge that is open to passengers or vehicles is the Brooklyn Bridge, which opened in 1883.
Q: When were the East River Bridges built? Which of the East River Bridges is the longest?
A: The four major bridges over the East River were constructed within four decades, from the start of construction on the Brooklyn Bridge in January 1870 to completion of the Manhattan Bridge in December 1909. The Brooklyn Bridge, one of New York City’s most celebrated architectural wonders and arguably the most influential bridge in American history, was completed in 1883. Designed by John Augustus Roebling and completed by his son Washington Roebling, the Brooklyn Bridge was, at the time of its completion, the longest suspension bridge in the world, with a main span of 1595.5 feet. The Williamsburg Bridge, with its 35-story steel towers, is the largest of the three suspension bridges that span the East River. When it was completed in 1903, it became the longest suspension bridge in the world, with a main span that is 1,600 feet long.
The two-decked Queensboro Bridge is one of the greatest cantilever bridges in the history of American bridge design. It was completed in March 1909. The last of the great bridges constructed across the East River, the Manhattan Bridge, opened on traffic on December 31, 1909. Q: How many movable bridges does New York City operate?
A: There are 25 movable bridges in New York City, including two retractile bridges, seven swing bridges, four lift bridges, and twelve bascule (drawbridge) bridges.
Q: What are the procedures for opening one of the movable bridges to allow for the passage of marine traffic?
A: The procedures for opening the City’s movable bridges are stipulated by United States Coast Guard regulations. While no permits are required for an opening, for most bridges the regulations state that two to four-hour notifications must be provided. This notification is done by one of three methods. First, a vessel may contact the affected bridge by means of a two-way marine radio. Secondly, a call can be made from the vessel or the dispatcher of the vessel to the Bridge Operations Section Office. Finally, a call can be made to DOT’s Communication Center.
Q: Who do I contact to report a damaged railing or other hazard on a City bridge?
A: Call the New York City Call Center, 311.
Q: Can I use my E-Z Pass to pay tolls on all New York City bridges?
A: There are no tolls on bridges operated by the New York City Department of Transportation. E-Z Pass can be used on all bridges and tunnels operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. (See the answer above to the question "Who other than DOT operates bridges and tunnels in New York City?" for a list of bridges and tunnels operated by the MTA and the Port Authority.) You can call the E-Z Pass customer service number at 800/333-TOLL for additional information.
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