Brooklyn BridgeIn 1870, construction began on the Brooklyn Bridge to cross the East River, New York City, USA, with a single span, a breadth of 1,600 feet navigable water. The 13 year project was started by John Roebling, and after his death, completed by his son Washington Roebling. It was opened on 24 May 1883. What was then regarded as the greatest engineering feat still stands in service today, and remains the world's only stone-towered, steel cabled bridge. Twice the size of the Niagara Suspension Bridge and four times the longest non-extension spans then attempted, the total length of this colossal structure is 6,927 ft. The road bed is 80 feet wide, at an elevation of 186 feet above high water.« |