After years of renovations, the George Washington Bridge's north walkway reopened yesterday with a brand new look—and a slew of accessibility and safety improvements.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the agency behind the larger $2 billion "Restoring the George" program, announced the upgrades, including the replacement of 171 access steps (mostly on the New Jersey side) with wider, gently-sloping on-ramps that are now also wheelchair and stroller-friendly.
The new entrance for those approaching the bridge from Manhattan is on Cabrini Boulevard and W 180th Street in Washington Heights.
The entire 1.5 mile path across the bridge is also wider and safer than before, with arrows and speed limits posted prominently along the length of the walkway.
Other improvements mean that cyclists no longer have to dismount as they go around the bridge towers.
There are also two spacious new viewing platforms on either side of the bridge, where people can rest, take in the views, and learn some history from the informational panels.
The south walkway is now closed as it undergoes similar renovations, due to be completed in 2027.
When it reopens, bicyclists and pedestrians will use separate walkways; pedestrians will take the south path and cyclists will take the north.
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