Maintaining the Bridge

Maintaining the Bridge. . , Structural engineers work full time at the George Washington Bridge, inspecting and documenting every element of the facility in two-year cycles. Maintenance is an ongoing necessity., The George Washington Bridge is maintained to the highest standards for both operation and preservation. More than 300 people work around the clock to keep it open safely. In addition to the span, the property includes approach roads, toll plazas, a bus station, and support buildings. In all, there area bout 75 lane-miles to maintain., Operations utilize the latest technology. A computer network collects traffic and road condition data, which is monitored, and roadside assistance is dispatched when required. Lit signs keep motorists updated about any delays or lane closures, and electronic toll collection via E-ZPass keeps traffic flowing at ever greater numbers., As the bridge neared its centennial, the Port Authority kicked off the Restoring the George program, a series of state of good repair initiatives to restore and enhance the bridge and its approaches and maintain the structural health of the facility for years to come. This includes suspender rope replacement, main cable rehabilitation, and dehumidification systems to limit corrosion. The pedestrian and bicycle experience has improved in many ways, including new sidewalks with accessible ramps. As the George Washington Bridge keeps the region moving, revenues from its tolls are continually invested back into it., [Captions:] , The cables were originally illuminated with incandescent lamps that required weekly bulb replacement. The updated 156 LED fixtures on the "diamond necklace" rarely needs replacement., In order to replace suspender ropes, temporary ones were installed, and safety fencing was added along the sidewalk., From 1997 to 2006, the underside of the upper deck and the bridge's towers were stripped of accumulated lead-based paint and repainted within fully sealed enclosures., When cables freeze over in winter and ice begins to melt and fall, upper level traffic is diverted. Height-certified crew members use axe handles to break up ice, shortening lane closure times., A Port Authority police officer performs a random inspection. They patrol the entire property and have authority to enforce the law in both states., View of upper and lower level toll plaza approaches to the bridge. Since 1970, tolls have been collected in the eastbound direction only, which facilitates traffic flow.