What was the toll amount for the Verrazano Bridge in 1964?

The Verrazano Bridge

The Verrazano Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks of New York City and is the longest suspension bridge in the United States. It connects the boroughs of Staten Island and Brooklyn and spans the Narrows, the tidal strait that separates the Upper New York Bay from the Lower Bay. The bridge has become an important transportation route for residents, visitors, and commercial vehicles, and has transformed the way people travel across the city.

A Brief History of the Verrazano Bridge

The idea of constructing a bridge across the Narrows was proposed in the 1920s, but it was not until the 1950s that the project gained momentum. Planning for the bridge began in earnest in the early 1960s, and construction began in August 1962. The project was led by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which oversaw the construction of the bridge over the course of four years. The total cost of the project was $320 million, and it involved the work of 12,000 men and women. The Verrazano Bridge was officially opened to the public on November 21, 1964, and it was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time, with a main span of 4,260 feet.

Toll Rates in New York City in 1964

In 1964, the toll rates for bridges and tunnels in New York City varied depending on the vehicle type and the time of day. According to a report by the Port Authority, the toll rates for cars were 50 cents during peak hours (7:00am-9:00am and 4:30pm-6:30pm on weekdays) and 25 cents during off-peak hours. Trucks paid higher rates, with a minimum of $2.00 for vehicles weighing between 4,000 and 6,000 pounds.

How the Verrazano Bridge Toll was Determined

The toll for the Verrazano Bridge was determined based on the same system used for other bridges and tunnels in New York City. The toll rates were calculated by the Port Authority based on the cost of construction, maintenance, and operation of the bridge, as well as projected traffic volume and revenue. The toll was also influenced by the political and economic conditions of the time, as well as the need to fund other infrastructure projects in the city.

Inauguration Day: November 21, 1964

The inauguration of the Verrazano Bridge was a major event in the history of New York City. The bridge was officially opened to the public on November 21, 1964, in a ceremony attended by thousands of people. The event was marked by a parade of boats that sailed under the bridge and a fireworks display that illuminated the night sky. Mayor Robert F. Wagner and other city officials gave speeches praising the bridge and its importance to the city’s growth and development.

The Toll Booths: How Many Were There?

When the Verrazano Bridge opened in 1964, there were six toll booths on the Staten Island side and six on the Brooklyn side. The toll booths were staffed by Port Authority employees who collected tolls from drivers entering Staten Island. The booths were equipped with electronic toll collection equipment, which allowed drivers to pay their tolls using tokens or cash.

The Toll Collection Process in 1964

The toll collection process for the Verrazano Bridge in 1964 was similar to that of other bridges and tunnels in New York City. Drivers approached the toll booths and handed their tokens or cash to the toll collector, who manually counted the money and gave the driver a receipt. The toll collectors were stationed in small booths that were equipped with a window, a cash drawer, and a coin changer. The process was time-consuming and often led to long lines of cars waiting to cross the bridge.

How Much Did it Cost to Build the Verrazano Bridge?

The total cost of building the Verrazano Bridge was $320 million, which was a staggering amount of money at the time. The cost was divided between the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority, which provided the funds necessary to complete the project. The construction of the bridge involved the use of innovative engineering techniques and materials, including high-strength steel and pre-stressed concrete. The bridge was also designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, including high winds and hurricanes.

How Did the Toll for the Verrazano Bridge Compare to Others in 1964?

In 1964, the toll for the Verrazano Bridge was one of the highest in New York City. The toll for cars was 50 cents during peak hours and 25 cents during off-peak hours, which was more expensive than the toll for many other bridges and tunnels in the city. However, the toll for the Verrazano Bridge was also considered reasonable given the cost of construction and the importance of the bridge to the city’s transportation system.

Changes in Toll Rates for the Verrazano Bridge Over the Years

Since 1964, the toll rates for the Verrazano Bridge have increased several times. Today, the toll for cars is $19.00, which is significantly higher than the toll in 1964. The toll rates have been adjusted over the years to reflect the cost of maintenance, operation, and improvement of the bridge, as well as inflation and other economic factors. The toll rates for trucks and other vehicles have also increased over the years.

Conclusion: The Verrazano Bridge Today

Today, the Verrazano Bridge is an essential part of the New York City transportation system and is used by millions of people every year. The toll rates for the bridge are higher than they were in 1964, but they continue to be reasonable given the cost of maintaining and operating the bridge. The Verrazano Bridge remains an important symbol of New York City’s engineering and architectural prowess, and it will continue to be a vital link between Staten Island and Brooklyn for generations to come.

References: Sources for Further Information

"Verrazano Bridge." Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. https://www.panynj.gov/bridges-tunnels/verrazano-bridge.html
"Verrazano-Narrows Bridge." Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Verrazano-Narrows-Bridge