George Washington Bridge Gets New Renovated Bike And Pedestrian Path

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, NY — After an extended closure, the pedestrian and bike path on the north side of the George Washington Bridge in Upper Manhattan reopened on Tuesday with major renovations.

The new path comes with a plaza at the entry on West 180th Street and Cabrini Boulevard, before it enters onto a mile-and-a-half on ramp.

“We must ensure our bridges and walkways are welcoming, safe and accessible for all cyclists and pedestrians," New York Governor Kathy Hochul said in a news release. “The George Washington Bridge is a vital link between our states, and these improvements are critical to ensuring everyone can experience the unparalleled views."

The renovations are part of the Port Authority's $2 billion Restoring the George Program, which began in 2017.

The access point renovations unveiled Tuesday eliminated 171 steps people previously had to climb to get on the bridge.

Here are some of the North Walk path improvements.

• Accessible approach path widened to between 11 and 14 feet, with grades of up to a maximum of 5 percent.
• Safety features such as enhanced security fencing, sidewalk pavement markings, bicycle-friendly rub-rails, improved lighting, and way-finding signage.
• Modifications of corners at and around the bridge towers allowing cyclists to navigate without dismounting, as previously required.

The renovations also replaced all 592 steel cables that suspend from the bridge's four main cables and hold up its two roadway levels.

“I am pleased to see the Port Authority’s continued commitment to the ongoing maintenance needs of the 90-year-old historic crossing," Uptown Congressman Adriano Espaillat said in a news release. "Along with improved conditions for drivers, I am delighted to see updated accessibility ramps included in the renovated pedestrian ramps."