Verrazano-Narrows Bridge

Why do I need to pay $ 15 to cross a bridge? Maybe the NY State can answer. This amazing bridge is huge, tall and gorgeous. The bridge itself, and the view from it is breath taking. Every time I see it, it make me think about the people who built this bridge. There are many difficult to build building and bridges in New York. And this is one of the ones that made me think about how they did it.
It is expensive, but you can’t avoid it.

Having been nearly 7 years since Ive reviewed this bridge my opinions have definitely changed. My job brings me all over the 5 boroughs and Ive been on/​over this bridge way to many times. Hours of life have been spent either on the bridge on trying to cross this bridge. Time I may never get back, ever.
Looks wise, its not a terrible looking bridge but its no Williamsburg Bridge or 59^th street bridge. Architecturally its a gem. Isn’t it the longest span in the USA?
They’ve just started a major rehab project on the top deck of the bridge which is supposed to last for a few years. The lanes are now shifted and most people get confused and cant drive with new markings which has made for some close calls. This work gets completed at night so it wouldn’t affect the daytime rush hour. Gee thanks guys.
The tolls: $ 15 !!!

$ 16 to cross the bridge. Staten Island looks farther then ever! Lol
The bridge itself is gorgeous, from the Brooklyn side, from the Staten Island side, or from the bridge itself which is the highest one (not sure about that, but it definitely feels like it).
Traffic: after you cross the bridge to Staten Island, you get the real traffic. Usually the lower level move faster since commercial cars do not use it.

What can i say i have a thing for bridges !! … no not realy, they are cool but the only reason im on this bridge that at this point should be called «Vinrrazano» is because i have to use it to get to work and back .
It definitely is a beautiful bridge, i mean cmon John Travolta loved it (Saturday Night Fever) and there’s a beautiful view of the Manhattan skyline and of Brooklyn and Staten Island (depending which way you’re headed) .
BUT because it is the only bridge connecting Staten island to All the other Boros, There tends to be alot of traffic on it during prime– time hours. You have everyone from the west heading east which includes NJ, PA and pretty much anyone else coming from the west or south and then you have all the people from the east heading west and most dont like to cut through the City (Manhattan) so they dish out the $ 16 or $ 17 to cross it ! I forget what the full price was because us residents only pay like $ 5.50 or something like that.
Anyway bottom line is, beautiful bridge, overpriced, lots of traffic and beautiful view. Ok now enjoy my bri… i mean The Bridge ! ;)

Narrows is RIGHT!!!
I wish this bridge had wider lanes!

Very long and very narrow

Par un point de vue qui m’avait échappé lors de mon initiatique traversée en ferry, j’ai fait connaissance récemment du Verrazano — Narrow Bridge.
Sans le savoir, je l’avais pourtant déjà vu. En effet, chaque marathon de New York prennent leurs points de départ sur ce pont suspendu, du coté de Staten Island. il sert de liaison entre ce bourought et celui de Brooklyn.

I think that this Bridge don’t get the credit it deserves. If you ask me, this is the most beautiful bridge. It is high, with beautiful view of Staten Island, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Jersey. You will have to pay when you cross the bridge from Brooklyn to Staten Island, but you will not need to pay on the way back.
I once crossed it when they were working on maintaining it that was amazing to see people tie themselves to the ropes that hold the bridge.

Wasn’t the bridge suppose to be free after it was paid for? Well at $ 16 a car I’m pretty damn sure it has been paid over 10x and for that price you would think it was a super bridge, maybe 6 lanes both ways, no traffic, but nope, there is always traffic! And at the price of the toll you would think they would have the new fancy easy pass lanes that don’t require you to slow down! I would really love to know where the money goes! In Puerto Rico they were building a highway, I have property in grande, the highway was built with five lanes, no toll booths because it reads the license plate, and no traffic, in three years! oh and the toll is like $ 1.25! Nyc get it together!
Oh and yes Staten Island residents get a discount, woopty doo!

Despite being prohibitively expensive, this bridge is an absolute necessity for many from Staten Island and NJ everyday. It may seem congested at times, but even then it’s incredible the speed with which thousands of cars can move at peak hours.

So we’re reviewing bridges now, too? Alrighty…
It connects Staten Island to Brooklyn (yeah, I know – almost every other review mentions it). There’s some pretty cool history to it, being named after Giovanni da Verrazano – the first European who sailed into New York Harbor in 1524. There is an upper and lower level – I was on the upper-​deck going to Brooklyn and it was much nicer than the lower-​deck since the view is a lot better – beats looking out wide steel dividers on the side. The only bummer is that there is construction going on right now, so expect the traffic to be a wee-​bit more backed up than usual since a couple of lanes are closed. However, the traffic isn’t actually that bad. I was surprised at how quickly I made it to Brooklyn coming from Jersey around lunch time.
The toll is $ 16, which I could’ve used towards a full tray at Spumoni’s, but I’m sure MTA was like, «Lunch? Haaaaaa… fuhgeddaboudit.» The $ 14 toll at the Goethals Bridge didn’t help either. Overall, it’s a pretty neat suspension bridge to look at. It looks structurally sound and does play host as the near-​starting point of the NYC Marathon. Redevelopment work is being done, so hopefully cheap steel won’t be used, i.e. the crap that was used on the SF-​Oakland Bay Bridge.

I never pay attention to how much tolls cost because I have an EZ Pass. On my last trip the EZ Pass wasn’t working so I got stuck at the gate and had to wait for a guard to come over and manually charge me SIXTEEN DOLLARS to cross this bridge. Are you kidding me? I had NOOOOOO idea. True, this is a toll which pays for both crossings (into and out of Brooklyn). This did not matter to me! On my journey in I came through the Holland Tunnel and over the Manhattan Bridge (paid tolls for the tunnel) so I got double charged! My tolls for the entire trip (minus this bridge) both ways were only about $ 24. I’m never crossing this bridge again!!! Okay it’s only $ 11.08 round trip with the EZ Pass but I don’t think it was fair that I got charged the full price just because my EZ Pass wasn’t working. It was Sunday and I had called the service office, which is CLOSED ON SUNDAYS. Not fair.
P. S. I will take this bridge again but only inbound. On the way out I will take the Brooklyn Bridge to the Holland Tunnel outbound. I believe this way I can avoid all tolls. I’m not crazy enough to do this on every trip but I do believe they owe me one!
P. P. S. This is a double decker bridge I always take the top level because even the thought of the lower level gives me claustrophobia. Also — not the cutest looking bridge I’ve ever seen.

I have crossed this bridge maybe three times in my entire 27 years. The two most recent were today and last month, visiting different Head Start programs that my research project recruited subjects from.
All I have to say about this bridge is… it’s nice to be up before the sun and watch it rise over this structure. Cool times, but don’t think I’ll be back soon. $ 16 toll… damn.

The bridge is lovely to look at nice suspension and the traffic was moving well on Saturday afternoon. Nice to have another way out of Brooklyn to get to the NJ turnpike. I recommend this bridge as an alternative to the George Washington Bridge which is not a good alternative. It took us over an hour to drive 4 miles.

Staten Island Residents will get a discount through EZ-​PASS.

The Verrazano Narrows is named after a type of surgery which allows an entrance, exit, orifice or passageway on your body to be «thinned», «reduced» or «shrunk». This little-​known procedure was invented by Doctor Statenisla Verrazano of Brooklyn, NY, and will become extremely popular with both genders in the middle-​to-​latter portion of the 21^st century. «Verrazano Narrows» surgery is cheap (in 2015) (if you know where to go) (and yes, I mean back alley surgery) (it’s okay, I’m still alive, and a testament to the wonders of saving money using back alley surgery) (or flying to Myanmar for surgery, also a great option) (but back to the review), however after about 2035, it will become both extremely popular and extraordinarily expensive. You will receive mass junk mail such as: «SNUG IS SEXY! BARGIN BASMINT PRYCES ON VERRYZANO-​NARROS SUREGARY.» It’s a pretty bleak future. I’ve seen it. But this bridge still exists. And is renamed Amerigo-​Columbus Bridge. Sure, Gary.
By the way the whole «tiny passageways are the best» theory is a myth. For me anyway. So.
Less famously, there’s also a bridge named «Verrazano Narrows». And it’s usually pretty empty and never gets backed up and is free to cross going both ways. And pigs can fly. But rather than get into a discussion about the Staten Island Police let’s talk bridge.
I love what Michael said. «Hasn’t collapsed with me on it yet so that’s a plus.» That would be the best one-​sentence review ever.
Yes, it’s obscenely overpriced ($ 14 one way, free other way). It gets backed up, often. But despite this, it’s one of my favourite bridges in the whole world. Just ahead of GWB as my fave in the NYC area.
If you see birds flying around here, they’re «Verrazano Sparrows.»
It looks amazing from near or far. You can see it from the SI Ferry, from Jersey, probably from Taiwan and the Galapagos too. I’ve crossed it dozens of times, but my favourite memories here involve sleeping (not being sexual for once).
If you see old Native American weaponry lying around, it’s just the «Verrazano Arrows.»
See, I do something you would think is kind of stupid. I do it fairly often. And that is, spending the night in my car. Partly because I’m poor, I’m a travelling musician, plus I like to sleep next to beautiful things and wake up to them. Maybe I like the thrill. The freedom.
If you see large vegetables growing here, they’re «Verrazano Marrows.»
When I sleep in New York City, I sleep here. I usually use rural truck stops, where everyone else is sleeping in vehicles too. Rarely in cities. However I make an exception for the VNB. I sleep here several times a year. Rather than paying for an expensive NYC motel, or sleeping over with one of my many friends in NYC (my friends usually want to have sex or get high. I don’t do drugs, and I don’t like turning people down for drugs or sex or both, plus I can’t always trust myself on the sex part and I prefer not to deal with the complications), I come here and sleep instead. For real. I won’t tell you exactly where, because you might come and find me one night and that would be creepy. And cool. But mostly very creepy. And okay, not cool at all.
If you see 2 women that both look like the woman from Rosemary’s Baby here, it’s just «Verrazano Mia Farrows.»
Anyway, it’s a wonderful place to fall asleep, and a wonderful sight to wake up to. I could sleep here every night and never get tired of the sight. It can get scary in the middle of the night. Too hot in summer even with all the windows down which makes it even scarier. Too cold in winter even with engine running which can leave you out of gas and is bad for the environment (and your health). So I don’t do it when it’s too cold or hot, and I do not recommend it to others.
If you see a fortune teller here, they’re probably reading «Verrazano Tarots.»
Verrazano. You’re one of the world’s most beautiful, grand, spectacular bridges, and I’ve seen many. Thank you for existing. If you were a girl, I would make out with you. If you were a boy, I would turn you down for a sleepover (I can’t trust myself). If you were androgynous, I would be all over that. However you are a «mere» bridge. A hunk of metal. But what a hunk of metal you are, Verrazano.
Oh and if you need the number of Dr. Statenisla Verrazano let me know. But I don’t recommend you have the surgery. You don’t need surgery. What you need is to make your *diet* less *sugary*. Key difference. Speaking of keys. The Lime Pie in Key West is pretty spectacular. But I digress.
Although if you want to get to Key West from Bay Ridge or Coney Island in Brooklyn, you would start by crossing this bridge, so…
It’s a beautiful testament to the wonderful things that humankind can create (by now we should use humankind instead of mankind). But do not attempt to make the crossing in one of the «Verrazano Wheelbarrows.» They’re only for show. Much like my… oh, is that the time? (Pulls pants back up)
So how ’bout those Mets. I mean Nets.

Pros:
— Convenient access between Brooklyn and Central Jersey
— Allows Staten Island residents to leave Staten Island
— Not bad to look at
Cons:
— Traffic, traffic traffic
— Takes my money
— Toll rises every 1 – 2 years
Summary:
What can I say, it’s a bridge. Nothing great, but not bad either!

Had the pleasure of going underneath the Verrazano-​Narrows Bridge. Had never heard of the bridge before, but it has been around since 1964. It connects Brooklyn with Staten Island.
Got to say that it looked pretty impressive from the deck of our cruise ship. Maybe one of these days we will get to drive on it as well.

Update: Verrazano-​Narrows Bridge will be renamed Amerigo-​Columbus Bridge! Holy Batman! …Just Joking around, calm down now…
It turns 50 years old this year — so Happy Birthday, Verrazano Narrows!!!
I do not write updates — but looking at the fact that I cross this engineering marvel about 729 times a year, I feel like it deserves one.
Now, in real life, it is getting an update as well — there is a plan to make separate lane for bikes and pedestrians. With New York City Marathon starting from this point, a pedestrian lane is an interesting option to consider. And, may be, they going to raise toll once again. Yay! Right? No?.. I have to say, toll is not bad if you are a resident and have ezpass — but in all fairness, it should be free for whose who lives in the forgotten borough.
But, back to the bridge as it stands today. It stands tall — visible from Brooklyn, Manhattan and even JerZ. Spinning from the unknown land of Staten Island to sleepy Bay Ridge, it covers the entry to New York Bay, known as Narrows. Now, Narrows are not that Narrow, since at one point, Verrazano-​Narrows was a longest suspension bridge in the world, and is surpassing Golden Gate by 60 feet in length. (take that, California!)
There is no photography or videotaping allowed on a bridge itself, but you can catch majestic views from Fort Wadsworth and South Beach on Staten Island side, or from waterfronts along Bay Ridge side — Veterans Memorial Pier is a good location. Tip: Sunrises over the bridge in summer are particularly beautiful from South Beach.
No matter how many times I cross it, or how many times I stand under it in Fort Wadsworth looking up at the span, I am still in awe at its beauty — the towers that reach the sky, and the endless suspension cables arching so visually effortlessly it seems whole structure just floats in the air.
Beautiful.

Spectacular.
I don’t think there’s too many negatives to describe this bridge, other than that its heavily used and the one-​way toll is quite steep. But this is a beautiful and incredible bridge, that should be preserved for the ages.
A little bit of history on the bridge. It was the last public works project overseen by Robert Moses, who pretty much oversaw just about every public works project in NYC from the 1930’s through the 1960’s (the bridge was completed in 1964). It was named Verazzano after its namesake Giovanni Verrazzano, crossed the body of water which it spans over 400 years ago.
Unlike some of the other bridges that bring you into and out of New York City, this one can be seen in New Jersey! Literally. This bridge can be seen out as far as Old Bridge and on some parts of the Turnpike. When heading onto the bridge, the huge pillars stand out almost like its waiting for you to cross. Not to mention, the majestic it has when you actually see the entire bridge leaves you awestruck.
So, you get to the bridge, and before you cross, you can choose whether you want to use the upper level, or lower level. I’ll always go upper. It’s the most popular and you get the better views, but the trade off is you have to pick your lane pretty early depending on where you want to go (if you want to take the Belt Parkway, use the left-​most lane, if you want to go to Queens, stay in the other lanes). But take in the pillars and the views of the New York Harbor (to the left you get an extravagant view of the city’s skyline and the Statue of Liberty), and to the right you get to see Brooklyn and bits and pieces of Coney Island. But it’s all worth it. Oh, did I mention how the bridge looks like an enormous Christmas tree when it lights up at night? It just adds to the terrific view.
I can ride over this bridge all day, any day, and I would never get tired of going over it. I’ve been over it several times, and can’t wait to go over it again.
This bridge is also the starting point for the New York City marathon, and rightfully so.

I award four stars even though it’s expensive ($ 15.00) and traffic is BRUTAL.
You cannot beat the view and I wish Mayor Mike had gotten his way to open the pedestrian/​bike path on the upper level. It would have really given the Golden Gate a run for her money. I imaging walking across with traffic would be kind of terrifying and shaky as this is the longest suspension bridge in the US.
You must take the upper level if you want to see anything. And oh the sights you will see. Just try to have someone drive you…