Reaching across the Kill Van Kull sits the Bayonne Bridge a testament to human ingenuity. The Bayonne Bridge connects Bayonne New Jersey with Staten Island New York. The bridge is more than just a crossing. It is a landmark. This colossal steel arch is longer than the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Designed by Othmar Ammann and Cass Gilbert the Bayonne Bridge opened November 15 1931. Dedication ceremonies occurred the day before. The bridge’s primary mission was to allow vehicle traffic from Staten Island to reach Manhattan via the Holland Tunnel. Its construction was a marvel. Engineers used hydraulic jacks. They supported the arch’s sides during construction. This ensured shipping traffic was not disrupted.
Originally, the Bayonne Bridge had a mid-span clearance of 151 feet. This height was adequate for the US Navy’s tallest ships at the time. However, times changed. The expansion of the Panama Canal brought larger ships known as New Panamax. These ships needed more vertical space. The Bayonne Bridge was in the way.
A project began in 2013 to increase the bridge’s clearance. The roadbed was raised approximately 64 feet. It reached a total of 215 feet. This allowed larger ships to pass underneath. The project was completed in 2019. It added new roadways for motor traffic. It also created a separate path for pedestrians and bicyclists.
The arch of the Bayonne Bridge consists of 40 linear segments. Its design shares influence from the Hell Gate Bridge. The Bayonne Bridge was the first to use manganese steel for the main arch ribs and rivets. This made it lighter than its sister bridge the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Interestingly, the scissor blades used at the Bayonne Bridge’s opening were sent to Australia. They were used for the Sydney Harbour Bridge’s ribbon-cutting. Afterward, the blades were separated. One was sent back to the Port Authority.
During World War II the Bayonne Bridge had a secret role. The space under its Staten Island approach stored uranium. This material was used in the Manhattan Project.
In 1985 the Bayonne Bridge was named a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. The Bayonne Bridge began accepting E-ZPass in June 1997. This was the first PANYNJ bridge to use the system.
The Bayonne Bridge is a vital transportation link. It is also a piece of art. It has appeared in films like War of the Worlds and A Beautiful Mind.
As you stand before this magnificent structure consider its history. The Bayonne Bridge stands tall connecting communities. The Bayonne Bridge facilitates commerce. It is a testament to engineering innovation.