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Yet another of O.H. Ammann's masterpieces (whom can be credited
for the Triborough, Bronx-Whitestone, Bayonne, Throgs Neck &
Verrazano Brides), this magnificent bridge crosses the Hudson to
connect upper Manhattan at West 178th St with Fort Lee, New Jersey.
At the time of its dedication it was considered to be the longest
suspension bridge in the world.
The cables of the GWB are 35 7/8 inches in diameter and withstand
a pull of 180 million pounds! The original cost of the bridge was
$59 million. The Towers were originally going to be encased in stone
and masonry but it was left off due to the depression. So, the bridge
opened 8 months ahead of schedule and the Port Authority saved one
million dollars in the process.
I've crossed it many times by car and a few handfuls by foot and
each time feels like the first time. It's just as much a treat as
the Brooklyn Bridge! You've got fantastic views. Northward you'll
be able to see the remainder of Manhattan and the Bronx, with Riverdale
not too far in the distance. To the South is part of the Mid-Lower
Manhattan Skyline. 'Though, don't count on being able to take pics
of these features since there always seems to be a mist or haze?
'but they're always visible to the naked eye.
Below the Bridge on the Manhattan side is Fort Washington Park.
Within this park are great spots to view the Bridge alongside the
Hudson River. There's also a light house at the very foot of the
bridge. "Great Picture taking moments!" So bring your
camera! 'But be sure you're ready for a hike should you choose to
venture into this park since the exits and entrances to the park
are greatly distanced off from one another. I would say I walked
miles and miles and came across only a few exits. Maybe I didn't
look hard enough? Nonetheless, It's yet another way to get a different
perspective of this great bridge. One point of entry into the park
is from Riverbank State Park at
145th Street.
At the end of your trip should you accept this mission is the little
red lighthouse which was originally built and installed at Sandy
Hook, New Jersey. In the late 1800's is was dismantled and moved
to Jeffery's Hook where its stands today. As you can see from the
photo above on this page it's quite a picture taking moment!
At the end of the bridge on the Jersey side you'll find the palisades
to your right and the Fort Lee Historic Park to your left. The palisades
are pretty much a woodland walk just along the Hudson River going
north of the bridge. Occasionally you'll find openings in the brush
through which you see grand views of upper Manhattan, the Cloisters
and a decent view of the bridge.
The Historic Park to th south of the bridge on the Jersey side
has a great little revolutionary museum for which I don't recall
paying entrance to, but there might be a small fee now. Beyond this
museum, should you continue to walk into the woodland, are historic
remnants of American military camps, canons and things of such from
the revolutionary war. There is this one spot at a cliff which overlooks
the George Washington Bridge. You'd have to be there in person to
appreciate it....'words just couldn't do the trick! But it's a bit
of a hike uphill if you want to venture into this park.
Should you wish to learn more about this bridge read the stats
section below or you could visit:
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nycroads.com
(up to the minute info and more on our bridges and roads)
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Transportation Alternatives
Getting there by Subway:
A, B, C, 1, 9 will leave you reasonably close by
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