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Enjoy views of the majestic bridge from along the waterfront or take in the beauty and splendor of this historic bridge from directly beneath, at Emily Warren Roebling Plaza.

Completed in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge was the first bridge to connect Manhattan and Brooklyn across the East River. At the time of its opening it was the longest suspension bridge in the world, about 1.1 miles across. Take a walk across or enjoy the beauty of the neo-gothic towers and iconic pointed arches from the lawns below.

To walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, use the Brooklyn Bridge Pedestrian Walkway which begins at the intersection of Tillary Street and Boerum Place or access the pedestrian walkway via the staircase located in the underpass on Washington Street/Cadman Plaza East and Prospect Street.

The Brooklyn Bridge is a fully operational bridge managed by the NYC Department of Transportation, the Bridge is free to walk across. For more information on the history and use of the Bridge please see here.

Brooklyn Bridge Turns 140!

When the Brooklyn Bridge opened on May 24, 1883, it was a modern, majestic marvel—the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time, and the first connection between Brooklyn and Manhattan. With two 278-foot tall, neo-Gothic stone towers, the bridge combines form with function, offering beauty and inspiring awe—then and now.

The bridge was a family effort; designed by John A. Roebling, engineered by his son Washington Roebling, and completed by Emily Roebling, after her husband Washington became partially paralyzed from his work on the bridge. Emily Warren Roebling Plaza, named in honor of the person who ensured the Brooklyn Bridge became a reality.

Emily supervised construction and day-to-day project management for 10 years and served as the liaison to Washington, who watched the construction from his bed through a telescope. This final section of Brooklyn Bridge Park pays tribute to the rich history of the Bridge. The Brooklyn Bridge took 14 years to build. Brooklyn Bridge Park broke ground in 2008, and was complete in 2021, with the opening of Emily Warren Roebling Plaza. Providing 85 acres of relaxation, recreation and natural beauty every day of the year, Brooklyn Bridge Park is a living celebration of the Brooklyn Bridge.

 

Visit Emily Warren Roebling Plaza to see a photo cube with historical construction images and to learn more about the history and construction of the Bridge

  • How do I get on the Bridge?

      To walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, use the Brooklyn Bridge Pedestrian Walkway located at Washington Street and Prospect Street, right at the northeast corner of Cadman Plaza. You can also just walk straight onto the bridge from Adams Street. On the Manhattan side, cross Centre Street near the Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall subway station for the 4, 5 and 6 lines to the Brooklyn Bridge Promenade.

  • Is the Bridge free?

      The Brooklyn Bridge is a fully operational and functioning piece of transportation infrastructure in NYC. You can walk, drive, or bike across the Bridge for free all day every day.

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