The Brooklyn Bridge: New York City Engineering Wonder

New York City is not short of iconic constructions, and the Brooklyn Bridge is perhaps one of the most recognisable. It has made it into movies, paintings, novels and poems, and onto album covers, coffee mugs and t-shirts. Among the attributes that make it a marvel of design are its neo-Gothic towers with double-pointed arches, its cable arrangement forming an intricate web-like pattern, and its long body stretching over the East River. 

The Brooklyn Bridge: CONNECTING POINT

Designed by engineer John A. Roebling, it was officially inaugurated in 1883 after fourteen years of construction work, becoming the first bridge to connect Manhattan and Brooklyn. It was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time. Before its completion, one could only get from shore to shore by ferry, and when the weather was severe the ferries could not cross.

Great views

A stroll over the 486 meter-long wooden walkway will render stunning views of Lower Manhattan and New York’s harbour, taking in the Statue of Liberty, Governor’s Island and the Verrazano Bridge to the south. The view to the north reveals the Manhattan and Williamsburg Bridges, and to the east one can see Brooklyn.

Popularity

The easiest way to access the bridge is via subway, with a number of stations close to the access points on either side. The complete walk is almost two kilometers long and should take at least one hour at a leisurely pace with enough time to enjoy the views and take photos. It has always attracted visitors but today, in the age of social media and selfie sticks, this may also mean crowds, so be prepared.

Move!

There are some rules that must be observed to assure everyone’s safety and enjoyment. The wooden walkway is clearly divided between pedestrians and bicycles. New Yorkers are known to be in a rush for most of their waking hours, and will not hesitate to yell at you if you are invading the lane.

Early or late

Anytime is good to visit, but right before sunset the last rays of sun slip through the bridge’s iconic arches before falling behind the skyscrapers in Lower Manhattan. It is also the most crowded time of the day, so an early morning or a night visit is a good idea. Also, consider visiting places like the Brooklyn Bridge Park, the Brooklyn Heights promenade or Pier 15 in Manhattan for excellent views of the bridge itself.

The masters Emily Roebling (1843-1903) When her husband Washington became ill, Emily studied mathematics and took charge of the completion of the bridge. With a rooster in her arms, she became the first person to cross the bridge, and was honoured by the mayor of New York. John Roebling  (1806-1869) This German immigrant began design work on the bridge in 1867. In 1869, while taking measurements, a ferry crushed his foot, which caused the amputation of all its toes. The engineer then developed tetanus and died a few weeks later. W. A. Roebling (1837-1826) After his father’s death, Washington Roebling was named chief engineer of the  project. However, while working in one of the caissons - sealed chambers under the river -, he became ill with decompression sickness, and had to remain at home.