Four Bridges Connecting Brooklyn and Manhattan

There are actually four bridges spanning the East River between Brooklyn and Manhattan—not three. Each has a distinct character, history, and role in NYC's transportation network.

1. Brooklyn Bridge (1883) – The iconic hybrid suspension/cable-stayed masterpiece by John Roebling. Stone towers, pedestrian promenade, National Historic Landmark. Carries 6 lanes of traffic + walkway/bikeway.
2. Manhattan Bridge (1909) – A pure suspension bridge with a striking steel-tower design. Carries 7 lanes of traffic (upper), 4 subway tracks (Q, N, D lines), and a pedestrian/bike path. Known for its dramatic "B" necklace lights.
3. Williamsburg Bridge (1903) – Once the world's longest suspension span. Carries 8 lanes of traffic, 2 subway tracks (J, M, Z lines), walkway, and bikeway. Connects Williamsburg to the Lower East Side.
4. Queensboro Bridge (Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge, 1909) – A cantilever bridge linking Manhattan (59th St) to Queens (Long Island City) via Roosevelt Island. While its Manhattan anchor is in Manhattan, its Brooklyn connection is indirect; it does not have a direct Brooklyn approach. However, it is often grouped with the "East River bridges" and serves Brooklyn-Queens traffic via the Long Island Expressway.

Correction on the Queensboro Bridge

Technically, the Queensboro Bridge connects Manhattan to Queens, not directly to Brooklyn. The three direct Brooklyn–Manhattan bridges are the Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Williamsburg Bridges. The Queensboro is the fourth East River crossing but links Manhattan and Queens.

Tunnels Complement the Bridges

Four vehicular tunnels also connect the boroughs: Brooklyn-Battery (Hugh L. Carey), Holland (to NJ), Lincoln (to NJ), and Queens-Midtown. Plus numerous subway tunnels.

Together, these crossings stitch the boroughs into a unified metropolis.