Chase Corporation Bridge & Highway

The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge – Redecking with Rosphalt

In 1524, Giovanni de Verrazzano was the first European explorer to enter New York Harbor and the Hudson River. In his writings to King Francis, Verrazzano described, "After a hundred leagues we found a very agreeable place between two small but prominent hills," set "between them a very wide river, deep at its mouth, flowed out into the sea." 

To celebrate this historical moment, let's pay tribute to the landmark named in Giovanni de Verrazzano's honor: the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.

The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge: A New York Icon

The Verrazzano–Narrows Bridge connects the New York City boroughs of Brooklyn and Staten Island. It spans the Narrows, a body of water linking the somewhat enclosed New York Harbor with Lower New York Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. It is the only fixed crossing of the Narrows.

The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, a true marvel of engineering, was masterfully designed by Ammann & Whitney. It stands as a testament to human ingenuity, measuring a staggering 13,700 feet (4,176 m) long, 103 feet (31 m) wide, and 693 feet (211 m) tall, with a central span of 4,260 feet (1.30 km; 0.81 mi). It proudly holds the title of the longest suspension bridge in the United States. The double-deck bridge efficiently carries 13 lanes of Interstate 278: seven on the upper level and six on the lower level, a sight that never fails to inspire awe.

For trivia buffs: When the bridge was named in 1960, an error in the construction contract resulted in the misspelling of the "Verrazano-Narrows Bridge." The name was formally corrected to "Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge" in 2018. This correction was not just a matter of spelling but also a recognition of the bridge's historical significance and a tribute to its namesake, Giovanni de Verrazzano.

The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, a beacon of New York City's progress, opened on November 21, 1964, marking a significant milestone in the City's infrastructure. In response to the mounting traffic concerns, a lower deck was added in 1969, effectively alleviating the high traffic levels and improving the City's transportation system.

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The Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority (TBTA), which is doing business as MTA Bridges and Tunnels, operates seven toll bridges and two tunnels in New York City. The TBTA plays a crucial role in maintaining and operating the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, ensuring its safety and efficiency for the millions of people who use it every year.

The TBTA spearheaded a $1.5 billion reconstruction of the bridge's two decks in 2014, ensuring its continued safety and functionality. Contact us to learn about Chase Corporation's involvement in resurfacing these decks with Rosphalt.