When the George Washington Bridge was completed and dedicated in 1931, it was the world’s longest suspension bridge. Over the years, the bridge has undergone several modifications, including the addition of six lanes to the lower roadway in 1962. Today, it’s the busiest motor vehicle bridge in the world, accommodating over 50 million eastbound vehicles annually as it connects not just New Jersey to New York, but the Mid-Atlantic to New England.
The “Restoring the George” program, launched by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) in 2015, is a comprehensive $2 billion investment aimed at ensuring the bridge’s longevity. The program comprises 11 repair projects, including:
- Rehabilitation of Cable Strands in Anchorages: Completed between 2013 and 2017, this project maintained the main cable strands at anchorage points.
- Lower Level Eastbound Main Span and Approach Roads Pavement Rehabilitation: Completed between 2015 and 2016, this project provided a smoother riding surface for motorists.
- Replacement of the Palisades Interstate Parkway Helix and Rehabilitation of Upper Level Spans: Completed between 2016 and 2020, this project improved roadway geometry and safety.
- Suspender Ropes Replacement and Rehabilitation of the Main Cables: Scheduled for completion by 2030, this project involves replacing all 592 suspender ropes and rehabilitating the main cables.
Amazingly, this 15 year project to restore the GWB is happening without having to close the busiest motor vehicle bridge in the world. The project includes upwards of 200 workers at the bridge five to six days a week. Much of the work happens at night, when traffic is lower.
“These are once-in-a-lifetime projects, for sure. The work we’re doing now will last another 100-plus years…The fact that we’re able to do all this work while the busiest bridge in the world is still active is a major engineering feat.”
Ken Tripaldi, Senior Engineer of Construction, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
The “Restoring the George” program is expected to be completed by 2030. The final phase involves the replacement of the bridge’s original steel suspender ropes and the construction of a newly built sidewalk on the bridge’s south side.
Funding for “Restoring the George” comes from a combination of federal, state, and local sources. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has committed over $2 billion to the project, with additional support from federal transportation grants and state infrastructure funds.
“I want to pay tribute to the men and women of the Port Authority and the union construction workers who deal with these monumental challenges in renovating our existing legacy infrastructure as well as building new projects.”
Rick Cotton, Port Authority Executive Director
The “Restoring the George” program is a testament to the commitment to preserving and enhancing one of the world’s most iconic bridges. By investing in these critical repairs and upgrades, the Port Authority ensures that the George Washington Bridge will continue to serve as a vital transportation link for generations to come.
Sources
- Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. “Restoring George Washington.” https://www.panynj.gov/bridges-tunnels/en/george-washington-bridge/restoring-george-washington.html
- Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. “Restoring George Washington – Port Authority of New York & New Jersey.” https://www.panynj.gov/port-authority/en/press-room/press-release-archives/2024-Press-Releases/port-authority-provides-update-on-progress-in–2-billion-11-proj.html
- Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. “‘Restoring the George’ Reaches New Heights at the GWB.” https://www.panynj.gov/port-authority/en/blogs/facilities/-restoring-the-george–reaches-new-heights-at-the-gwb.html
- GPI. “George Washington Bridge, ‘Restoring the George’.” https://www.gpinet.com/projects/george-washington-bridge-restoring-the-george/
- Restoring the George Washington Bridge: A Modern Makeover for a Century-Old Icon. The Ridgewood Blog. https://theridgewoodblog.net/restoring-the-george-washington-bridge-a-modern-makeover-for-a-century-old-icon/?form=MG0AV3
