goddesstogo

One of the things we're going to do this weekend is walk across the Brooklyn Bridge (Brooklyn to Manhattan). I understand the bridge is under construction but I've looked up the promenade info and here's what the website says:

"The promenade will remain open throughout all phases of construction. However, in order to fully enclose railings and other components, the paint removal containment units will reduce the width of the path by 1.5 feet on each side. The narrowed area will be from 600 to 1000 feet long. For the safety of all bridge users, cyclists must yield to pedestrians in this restricted work zone. Cyclists may also use the nearby Manhattan Bridge bike path, which is separated from the pedestrian path and often less congested. As work progresses the units will move across the bridge until the project is complete."

Here's what I want to know. How high are the railings and will 'fully enclosed' railings impede the view? I've been wanting to do this walk for years and every time I plan it, something gets in the way!
Thanks
gtg

Christina

not good timing, don't bother

http://www.google.com/hostednews/get...ocId=167811541

doug_stallings

No, what Christina says is absolutley misleading. These barriers have never enclosed the entirety of the walkway, just parts of it. You can always walk before or after the partially enclosed sections to get a decent (if sometimes imperfect) view of Manhattan or Brooklyn. I'm not sure precisely where the enclosures are right now (i.e., today), but if you walk all the way across the bridge, I can guarantee spectacular views if the weather is clear. But part of the walk will be in the more closed-in area, and it can be crowded.

goddesstogo

Dagnabit!!!!

goddesstogo

OK, Doug, thanks. We're going to do it anyway so I'll just make the best of it.

doug_stallings

It really depends on the weather. Go if the weather is beautiful, skip it if not. And perhaps start from the Brooklyn side. It's a longer walk to the bridge from there, but it's the view of Manhattan you'll want to see, and I think most of the construction is more toward the Manhattan end of the bridge right now ... at least that's what it looks like from the road. I'm sure someone here can give you more useful and specific advice. Lots of people walk across the bridge every day, but I don't.

goddesstogo

We're doing it rain or shine. I'm determined. And definitely from the Brooklyn side. The weather report, last time I checked, looked decent for Sunday.

rje

I agree, the walk from the Brooklyn side gives the best views. If possible, go at dusk, when the sky is starting to get darker and the lights are coming on in Manhattan. The weather forecast for Sunday (as of today) is better for later in the day anyway.

The city keeps moving where on the bridge they're doing work, but the Brooklyn side mostly has clear views. It is lovely on the bridge, I go there often, usually riding my bike. Don't miss it! Even if the weather is not good, it is worth it. It can be very dramatic in poor weather. The only time I wouldn't go is during heavy rain or fog! It is even beautiful during snow, but of course that is not an issue this time of year.

Speaking of bikes, make sure to be aware that there is a pedestrian lane and a bike lane. It is easy to get carried away with the views and wander into the bike lane!

If you go for pizza in Brooklyn near the bridge, as so many do, avoid the huge tourist lines at Grimaldi's, which has gone downhill and go on the same block to the pizza place opened by the original owner of Grimaldi's, called Juliana's.

goddesstogo

We did end up going yesterday and it was lovely! (I hope to write a trip report later.) We took the subway to the York Street Station which was just around the corner from Superfine where we had brunch and listened to the bluegrass band. Then we had a lovely walk around the Dumbo area. I think we started back to Manhattan over the bridge at about 2 and the weather was perfect -- sunny, blue sky, warm and a little breezy. There was a short bit (just about 10 feet) of barrier on the Brooklyn side and then the view was pretty much clear till about the last part at the Manhattan side where it was all closed in on both sides. The view was spectacular! Yes, it was quite crowded with pedestrians and yes, you certainly do have to make sure you're not veering into the bike lanes. I don't know who's scarier -- the confident, experienced bike-riders who whizz by at a million miles an hour or those inexperienced riders on rented bikes who wobble and veer out of control! In any case, we had a beautiful walk over the bridge and I'm definitely not going to cross it off my 'to do' list because I know I'll do it more than just once.
Thanks for your help!

kodi

I'm glad you enjoyed the walk . I loved it too. I like to do it at dusk, as all the lights of the city are coming on . What a sight !

goddesstogo

(hey, hi kodi -- there's a post about a Toronto GTG. Will you tell Moolyn and anyone else too?)