How Long did it Take to Build the Brooklyn Bridge?

The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most recognisable structures in America and one of the most iconic landmarks of the New York skyline. Connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn, this incredible feat of engineering has been designated a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. National Park Service. Curious to learn more about this amazing architectural accomplishment? Then, read on. We’ll tell you how long it took to build the Brooklyn Bridge, as well as plenty of other interesting facts about its construction. 

How Long did it Take to Build the Brooklyn Bridge?

It took 14 years to build the Brooklyn Bridge.

how long to build brooklyn bridge

When was the Brooklyn Bridge built?

Workers started construction of the Brooklyn Bridge on 3 January 1870. They completed the structure in 1883. President Chester A. Arthur attended the bridge’s opening day on 24 May 1883.

Where is the Brooklyn Bridge?

One end of the bridge is located in Lower Manhattan. The other end is in Dumbo/Brooklyn Heights in Brooklyn. The bridge connects these two New York boroughs.

What river is does the Brooklyn Bridge span?

The bridge spans the East River.

 

What type of bridge is the Brooklyn Bridge?

It is a hybrid suspension and cable-stayed bridge. 

Who built the Brooklyn Bridge?

The New York City Bridge Company hired John Augustus Roebling to design the Brooklyn Bridge. Roebling was a German-born civil engineer and oversaw the project until he died in July 1869. His son, Washington Augustus Roebling stepped in as chief engineer after his father’s death. When Washington Augustus Roebling became ill, his wife Emily Warren Roebling stepped in as de facto chief engineer.

How many people did it take to build the Brooklyn Bridge?

It took over 600 workers to build the bridge. The workers were known as “sandhogs”. Many of the workers were immigrants and they earned about $2.25 a day.

 

What is the Brooklyn Bridge made of?

The bridge was the first bridge to use steel for cable wire. The 276-foot neo-Gothic towers are built of limestone, granite, and cement.

How long is the Brooklyn Bridge?

The main span of the Brooklyn Bridge is 486 metres (1,595-foot) long. The main span was the longest in the world until the completion of the Forth Bridge in Scotland in 1890. The total length of the Brooklyn Bridge is 1825.44 meters (5,989 ft).

How tall is the Brooklyn Bridge?

The bridge’s height is 84.3 metres (276.5 ft) above mean high water. For several years after its construction, it was the tallest structure in the Western hemisphere. 

How many people died building the Brooklyn Bridge?

Between 20 and 30 workers died during the construction of the bridge. More than 100 workers suffered decompression sickness or caisson disease aka the bends.

 

How much did it cost to build the Brooklyn Bridge?

It cost $15 million to build the Brooklyn Bridge. 

Who was the first person to cross the Brooklyn Bridge?

Emily Warren Roebling was the first person to ride over the completed bridge. She travelled in a carriage with a rooster in her lap. The rooster is a symbol of victory and good luck.

What is inside the Brooklyn Bridge?

Inside the Brooklyn Bridge are large vaults. Engineers built these vaults beneath the bridge’s anchorages. These storage spaces are naturally cool and make great cellars for storing wine. Officials rented out the vaults to the public until World War I. During the Cold War, one of the vaults was converted into a survival shelter. Inside, officials put rations of food and water as well as medical supplies.

 

Melanie May

Melanie is an intrepid solo traveller, endlessly curious about people, places and food. She is a fan of slow travel and loves exploring the world by mouth, discovering a culture through its food. Having backpacked her way around the world she turned her wanderlust into a career and is now a full-time travel writer.

View stories