Brooklyn Bridge, New York (must see)

The Brooklyn Bridge is a suspension bridge crossing the East River from Brooklyn to Manhattan in New York City. Since its construction, the bridge has become an icon of New York City, an outstanding architectural effort that is still admired across the world. The Brooklyn Bridge was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964 and a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1972.

There had been proposals for a bridge connecting Brooklyn to Manhattan as early as the beginning of the 19th century. The Brooklyn Bridge was designed by civil engineer John Augustus Roebling. His son, Washington Roebling, was the chief engineer of the project. Construction began in 1869 and was completed in 1883. The bridge’s opening day, May 24, 1883, was marked by much celebration and was attended by the President of the United States Chester Alan Arthur.

The bridge is an early steel-wire suspension bridge. It has a cable-stayed suspension design fitted with vertical and diagonal suspender cables. Its huge stone towers have Neo-Gothic pointed arches. Clearance for shipping on the river is provided by viaducts with long approaches that raise the bridge well above the surface.

The main span between towers is almost 2,000 feet long. The bridge stretches and contracts up to 16 inches with temperature changes. Navigation clearance is 127 feet above high water. The spans are held up by six trusses parallel to the roadway. The trusses are carried by suspender ropes hanging from the four main cables.

A distinctive feature of the Brooklyn Bridge is an elevated promenade 18 feet above the automobile lanes. The promenade has a white line down the middle to separate cyclists from walkers. A stroll across the elevated pedestrian walkway provides a true New York City experience.