George Washington Bridge Research Paper

History - Over time, mankind has evolved from just another species into the dominating organism on the planet. Of his many feats, bridges stand out as one of the best and awe-inspiring. The George Washington Bridge is a testament to both the simple and complex nature of the bridges design. In the 1930's, America saw some of its most famous bridges being built, and the George Washington Bridge was one of them. The bridge was an astounding 4,760 feet long, with a clear span of 3,500 feet, making it the longest in the world at that time, by a wide margin. It used a wire-cable suspension system, and it was envisioned by architect Othmar H. Ammann in 1924, who was a Swiss engineer, and the first chief engineer of the Port Authority. Four years after construction started in 1927, a dream was realized on October 25, 1931, when the top floor of the George Washington Bridge was opened to traffic. In …show more content…
With the introduction of tolls for daily use, the bridge pays for its own preservation, operation and safety, through the revenue generated by its charges. This is why the bridge can afford to operate at a high level and pay for technological advancements to improve the transportation experience. For example, from 1997 to 2006, the bridge experienced a nine year sandblasting and painting project in conjunction with a computer based network that collects detailed traffic and road-condition data, which is then sent to a 24/7 communications center. Electronic message boards help drivers get notice on delays and conditions. These instant detection and rapid response system, allow for more electronic toll systems and a greater number of vehicles, increasing revenue. In December 2011. the Port Authority announced plans to replace the vertical suspender cables, a $1 billion project paid by tolls.
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