Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge Toll in 1970: There Was None

No toll was charged on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge in 1970.

Timeline

• Opened: November 21, 1964 (world's longest suspension span at 4,260 ft).
• Toll collection began: August 26, 1976 — 12 years after opening.
• Initial toll: $1.00 (one-way, westbound only).
• Current (2024): $19.00 (E-ZPass), $23.00 (Tolls by Mail) — still westbound only.

Why the Delay?

Original bonds financed construction; tolls deferred until debt service required. Political pressure kept it toll-free longer than most bridges.

Fun Fact

The bridge was officially misspelled "Verrazano" (one 'z') until 2018, when NY State corrected it to "Verrazzano" (two 'z's) honoring Giovanni da Verrazzano.