When opened in 1931, the Bayonne Bridge was the longest steel arch bridge in the world and was awarded a “Most Beautiful Steel Bridge” prize by the American Institute for Steel Construction. The arch span is 1,775 feet long and 325 feet at the highest point. The original roadway was 151 feet above the water, but has now been raised to 215 feet in order to accommodate larger, more efficient container ships to pass through the Port Newark, Elizabeth, and Howland Hook Marine Terminals.
Benefits to Region
“Raise the Roadway” has significant long-term benefits:
The newer, larger vessels, with cleaner and more efficient engines calling on our port ultimately displace the need for multiple smaller vessel calls, meaning cleaner air for our neighbors.
Wider lanes, new shoulders, and median safety dividers upgrade the bridge to current design standards.
A bikeway and walkway extending the entire length of the bridge makes traveling the bridge easier for all of us.
New piers, a new roadway deck, and new approach roads ensure that the bridge will last for generations.
The new Bayonne Bridge design allows for future mass transit service.
Bayonne Bridge Pedestrian Walkway
The Bayonne Bridge’s pedestrian walkway reopened on May 24, 2019 and is open to the public from 6am to 11:59pm, 7 days a week.
Milestones
Contract Award Date: May 2013
New Elevated Roadway Opening and Start of Cashless Tolling: February 20, 2017
Ship Simulation Study: Completed February 16, 2017 (learn more)
Navigational Clearance (Air Draft 215 Feet Above Mean High Water): June 8, 2017
Main Span Completion: February 11, 2019
Bridge Rededication Ceremony: June 14, 2019
Project Completion: 2019
Construction Time-Lapse Video
Closures and Detours
BAYONNE, NEW JERSEY
There are no scheduled local street closures in Bayonne, NJ at this time.
STATEN ISLAND, NEW YORK
Richmond Terrace, between Nicholas Avenue and Morningstar Road, is closed Monday through Saturday overnight from 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. the following morning, until September 2019.
Holiday and Events Schedule
The Bayonne Bridge will remain open, with no lane closures, during the following holidays and events:
New Year's Day
President's Day
Passover
Easter
Mother's Day
Memorial Day
Father's Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Rosh Hashanah
Yom Kippur
New York City Marathon Weekend
Thanksgiving
Hanukkah
Christmas
Construction-Related Travel Updates
Please visit the Planned Weekly Construction page for the most current scheduled bridge closures, traffic holds, street closures and detours. Sign up for e-alerts to receive the latest information on bridge closures and traffic holds.
