Aerial View of The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge

The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge is a double-decked suspension bridge that connects the New York City boroughs of Staten Island and Brooklyn. It has a central span of 4,260 feet (1,298 m) and was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time of completion in 1964. Construction on the bridge began August 13, 1959, and the upper deck was opened on November 21, 1964, at a cost of $320 million in 1964 dollars, equivalent to $2,471 million in present dollars. Construction on the bridge began August 13, 1959, and the upper deck was opened on November 21, 1964, at a cost of $320 million in 1964 dollars, equivalent to $2,471 million in present dollars. Since 1976, the Staten Island end of the bridge has been the starting point of the New York City Marathon.