# Port Authority Opens South Walk, George Washington Bridge

- **Published:** 2026-10-19
- **Edition:** National
- **Source:** Construction Equipment Guide
- **Authors:** Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
- **URL:** https://www.constructionequipmentguide.com/port-authority-opens-south-walk-george-washington-bridge/72532
- **Tags:** Bridges, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

## Summary
Renovated South Walk Features Widened Accessible Approach Paths, New Viewing Platforms, Improved Lighting, Signage and Safety Features, Mirroring 2023 North Walk Upgrades

## Article

The Port Authority of N.Y and N.J reopened the newly renovated and fully accessible South Walk of the George Washington Bridge, improving alternate transportation options across this vital interstate artery.

With both the north and south walkways now open, pedestrians and cyclists have separate paths across the span. Like the North Walk, which reopened in 2023, the South Walk features new ADA-accessible approach paths and viewing areas on both sides of the river, along with improved lighting, signage and safety features.

Under the new arrangement, pedestrians have dedicated use of the South Walk while cyclists exclusively use the North Walk. Giving each group its own path removes the conflicts that arise when walkers and riders share limited space, and allows for each path to be designed for its primary user group.

The replacement of the bridge's original steel suspender ropes, which connect the main cables to the roadway decks alongside the walkways, gave the Port Authority the opportunity to completely rebuild the 1.5-mile path. The overhaul replaced narrow sidewalks and steep ramps with gentler, widened approach paths that connect seamlessly to adjacent streets. Completed in March 2025, the replacement of all 592 ropes was the largest component of the $2 billion Restoring the George program, a comprehensive rehabilitation of the world's busiest vehicular bridge as it nears its 100th birthday.

“The Port Authority is all about creating connections, whether that's by plane, train, vehicle, or your own two feet,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O'Toole. “Today, we're strengthening that connection with safer, smoother, and more accessible pathways across the George Washington Bridge for commuters, recreational users and visitors who just want a spectacular view. The new South Walk, paired with the North Walk, gives everyone looking to walk or pedal their way across the world's busiest bridge an easier, more enjoyable way to do it.”

“The overhaul of these walkways was only made possible thanks to the extraordinary engineering behind our Restoring the George program,” said Port Authority Executive Director Kathryn Garcia. “We took advantage of the closures needed to replace all 592 suspender ropes on the bridge to give these walkways a comprehensive makeover with wider ramps, new viewing areas, and more safety features. Now, with both walkways reopened, pedestrians and cyclists can enjoy their own paths at their own pace.”

When the south sidewalk closed for rope replacement in February 2023, cyclists and pedestrians moved to the north sidewalk, which they have shared since. In 2025, over 637,000 total trips were made across the north sidewalk, consisting of about 55 percent cyclists and 45 percent pedestrians.

The South Walk improvements mirror those made on the North Walk in 2023:

• Accessible approach paths: Gracefully curving, gently sloping approach paths, up to 14 feet wide with grades that do not exceed 5 percent, lead from street level to the main span and meet modern accessibility standards. They make it possible for wheelchair and stroller users to reach the bridge.

• New York entry: At Cabrini Boulevard and West 178th Street, a widened, gently sloping approach path is paired with a new staircase up to a lookout point known architecturally as a belvedere. This open-air viewing platform serves a meeting and resting space for visitors.

• New Jersey entry: Along Hudson Terrace, a newly expanded entry plaza leads directly onto the bridge, with a new crosswalk at Hudson Terrace. The entry plaza also allows safe and seamless pedestrian access to and from the adjacent Fort Lee Historic Park.

• Safer, easier passage: Enhanced security fencing, sidewalk pavement markings, improved lighting and wayfinding signage have been added, and known chokepoints around the bridge's towers have been widened.

The Port Authority's $2 billion Restoring the George program is one of the most ambitious renewals among the Port Authority's legacy infrastructure and the most comprehensive rehabilitation since the bridge opened almost 95 years ago.

## Photos

![The South Walk features new ADA-accessible approach paths and viewing areas on both sides of the river.](https://dmt55mxnkgbz2.cloudfront.net/1205x0_s3-72532-55589770736_7564a90451_o-72693ba5051170df0b996886da3a9120.jpg)
*Photo credit: Port Authority photo*

![The South Walk improvements mirror those made on the North Walk in 2023.](https://dmt55mxnkgbz2.cloudfront.net/1205x0_s3-72532-55591480963_4534bbc141_o-b13f064ac1f852cb2f0823d958fb2c5c.jpg)
*Photo credit: Port Authority photo*