The bridge, which opened May 24, 1883, had a huge celebration for it’s magnificent milestone birthday. Complete with fire works, a Navy flyover for the celebration began today. As one of the oldest suspension bridges in the Country, the bridge’s 6,000 foot expanse is something beautiful to behold. On it’s grand opening the bridge drew thousands and even the president to witness the historic event.
The Brooklyn Bridge was one of the key to expanding the residential population by connecting it to Manhattan, which resulted in a 42% population increase during the ten year time frame of 1880 to 1890. Not only was the bridge responsible for the Brooklyn population increase it also aided in increasing the population of Manhattan as well by 26%.
The bridge which took thirteen years and $15 Million to build, and carries roughly around 126,000 cars and numerous pedestrians and cyclists a day, is now a landmark of beauty and architectural splendor within the state of New York. Although throughout it’s 125 years of use, the bridge has begun to deteriorate and will repairs have been speculated to cost $250 Million to $300 Million to repaint, and repair.