The Brooklyn Bridge Explained

The Brooklyn Bridge is a cable-stayed suspension bridge spanning the East River in New York City. It opened on May 24, 1883.

John A. Roebling designed the bridge. His son Washington Roebling served as chief engineer during construction. Family bonding, civil engineering style.

Brooklyn Bridge stretches and shrinks with temperature changes.

Construction started in 1870. The project took thirteen years to complete.

The main span measures 1,595.5 feet long. At opening, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world.

Each tower stands 278.25 feet tall above mean high water. They are built of limestone, granite, and Rosendale cement.

Four main cables support the deck. Each cable contains 5,282 parallel galvanized steel wires bundled into nineteen individual strands.

An elevated pedestrian promenade runs between the two roadways. It sits 18 feet above them.