Bridge Status & Closures
🟢 Current Bridge Status
Normal Operations: The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year under normal conditions.
Live Status Check:
- MTA Website: new.mta.info/bridges-and-tunnels
- Phone: Call 511 for current traffic and closure information
- Social Media: @MTABridgesTunnels on Twitter for real-time updates
📅 Scheduled Closures & Events
Annual Events (Bridge Partially Closed)
NYC Marathon: First Sunday in November (November 2, 2025)
- Upper level closed to vehicles 6:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- Lower level remains open for vehicle traffic
- Massive delays expected - use alternate routes
Five Boro Bike Tour: Early May (May 4, 2025)
- One direction restricted for cyclists
- Temporary lane closures
- Usually 2-4 hour disruption
Maintenance Work
Routine Maintenance: Usually scheduled overnight (11 PM - 5 AM) to minimize traffic impact
Major Projects: Current $249M cable dehumidification work ongoing through 2029 with minimal lane closures
🌪️ Weather-Related Restrictions
High Wind Restrictions
Level 1 (35+ mph winds): Empty tractor-trailers, motorcycles, and high-profile vehicles restricted
Level 2 (45+ mph winds): All trucks and commercial vehicles restricted
Level 3 (55+ mph winds): Complete bridge closure (extremely rare)
Severe Weather Protocols
Ice/Snow: Reduced speed limits, possible lane restrictions
Fog: Reduced visibility may cause slower traffic, not typically closures
Thunderstorms: Brief delays possible, bridge rarely closes
🚨 Emergency Closures
When the Bridge May Close Immediately
Accidents: Serious incidents may close lanes temporarily
Police Activity: Security situations requiring bridge closure
Structural Issues: Emergency inspections or repairs
Medical Emergencies: Ambulance/helicopter access needs
How You'll Be Notified
Variable Message Signs: Electronic signs on approach roads
Radio Traffic Reports: 1010 WINS, WCBS 880, local news
Navigation Apps: Waze, Google Maps show real-time conditions
🛣️ Alternate Routes During Closures
From Brooklyn to Staten Island
Option 1: Holland Tunnel → Staten Island Expressway
Option 2: Manhattan Bridge → Lincoln Tunnel → Route 1-9
Option 3: Staten Island Ferry (walk-on or with vehicle deck access)
From Staten Island to Brooklyn
Option 1: Staten Island Ferry → Brooklyn Battery Tunnel
Option 2: Goethals Bridge → New Jersey routes → Holland/Lincoln Tunnel
Option 3: Bayonne Bridge → New Jersey Turnpike → tunnel connections
📱 Stay Informed
Before You Travel
Check Traffic Apps: Waze, Google Maps, Apple Maps
MTA Alerts: Sign up for email/text alerts at mta.info
Local News: Check NYC traffic reports
Real-Time Updates
511NY: Call 511 or visit 511ny.org
MTA Twitter: @MTABridgesTunnels
Traffic Radio: 1010 WINS every 10 minutes on the 8s
💡 Travel Tips
Peak Hours to Avoid
Eastbound Rush: 7:00-9:00 AM (to Staten Island)
Westbound Rush: 5:00-7:30 PM (to Brooklyn)
Friday Evenings: Extra heavy traffic 3:00-8:00 PM
Best Travel Times
Weekdays: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, after 8:00 PM
Weekends: Generally lighter traffic, but events can cause delays
Holidays: Check for special event schedules
🆘 Emergency Contacts
Bridge Emergency: 911
MTA Customer Service: 511
Non-Emergency Bridge Issues: (646) 252-7000