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Brooklyn Bridge
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| The Brooklyn Bridge, a
very popular tourist attraction, especially with keen photographers, was
originally named the New York and Brooklyn Bridge. It is one of the
oldest suspension bridges in the United States, and stretches 6,016 feet
(1,834 m) over the East River from Manhattan to Brooklyn. On completion,
it was the largest suspension bridge in the world being fifty percent
longer than any previously built. It was also the first bridge suspended
through the use of steel-wire cables. Thought by many to be the most
influential bridge in American history, the Brooklyn Bridge remains one
of New York City’s most celebrated architectural wonders. Designed by
the brilliant engineer John Augustus Roebling (1806-1869) and completed
by his equally ingenious son Washington Roebling (1837-1926). |
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| The foundations for the piers were created through the use of
pneumatic caissons to excavate the East River. Air pressure was used
to pump out sand as well as a clamshell dredge. During this process,
the caisson was slowly sunk into the dredged area until it was
securely set on the bedrock. After the caisson was settled, its
cambers were filled with concrete. |
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The dramatic buttressed gothic towers are constructed entirely of
granite. The roadway platform is hung on two-inch diameter steel
suspenders strung from two pairs of cables - the catenaries -
sixteen inches in diameter. Each of the four cables is capable of
sustaining a live load of 12,000 tons. The opening of the bridge in
1883 was marred by the deaths of twelve pedestrians, who were
trampled during a panic set off by an unknown person shouting a
warning that the bridge was about to collapse. |
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A walk across the Brooklyn Bridge on a clear day affords
outstanding views of the East River and the city skyline. This can
be achieved through the use of a pedestrian walkway and
a bike lane. |
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New
York City Guide
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