A Bridge Too Far??

The George Washington Bridge is turning 75 this month and the local paper had some wonderful articles about the influence of the bridge on the cultural development of the region. There are also some interesting articles built around archival information from when the Bridge was built.

Ever since I can remember, I have been using the GWB (as we locals call it) as a landmark to explain where I live, as in..."2.2 miles south of." All driving directions to my house include "Follow the signs for the GWB." Almost any major road in NJ has George Washington Bridge signs on it -- even from as far as 100 miles away.

It's almost a Pavlovian reaction to try to get a view of the Bridge. In fact, today I went to the end of my block and took a few pictures across the river. If I lean over the guardrail protecting me and others from a death plunge off the Palisades and twist my body just so, I can even see (and get a partial shot of) The Bridge. (Click on the picture to see it larger.)

It is, indeed, quite a beautiful structure. I especially like it from the middle of the river at night when crossing to or from mid-town Manhattan (about 5 miles downriver) on the commuter ferry.

I've driven over the GWB, been under it (there are some nice trails in the southern sections of Palisades Interstate Park) and looked at it from dozens of different vantage points, including the revolutionary era Fort Lee Historic Park, but never did walk across it. Maybe it's finally time?