Will the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge Be Closed for the NYC Marathon in 2026?

Yes. The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge will be closed to regular vehicle traffic for the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 1. The upper level is scheduled to close at 11:00 PM on Saturday, October 31, and the lower level at 7:00 AM on Sunday. Both levels are expected to reopen around 4:00 PM Sunday, subject to NYPD approval.

The bridge connects Staten Island and Brooklyn and serves as the opening section of the 26.2-mile marathon. Thousands of runners will cross the bridge after leaving the starting area at Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island.

Because the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge is one of the most important transportation connections between Staten Island and Brooklyn, its closure can affect drivers, residents, commuters, taxis, rideshare services, and commercial vehicles throughout the surrounding area.

What Time Will the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge Close?

The scheduled bridge closures for the 2026 NYC Marathon are:

These times are subject to change based on race operations, weather, security requirements, and instructions from the NYPD and MTA Bridges and Tunnels.

Drivers should not assume that the bridge will reopen at exactly 4:00 PM. Traffic may remain delayed while officials complete inspections and remove event equipment.

Why Is the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge Closed for the NYC Marathon?

The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge is closed because it forms the first major section of the New York City Marathon course.

The race begins at Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island, near the bridge's western entrance.

After leaving the starting line, runners cross the bridge into Brooklyn before continuing along the streets of Bay Ridge.

The crossing is one of the marathon's most recognizable moments, with thousands of participants traveling over New York Harbor.

Closing the bridge allows runners to use the roadway safely without ordinary vehicle traffic.

The restrictions also provide space for emergency personnel, race officials, security teams, and event operations.

Will Both Levels of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge Be Closed?

Yes. Both the upper and lower levels are scheduled to close for the marathon, although their closure times differ.

The upper level closes first, beginning at 11:00 PM on Saturday, October 31.

The lower level remains available longer but is scheduled to close at 7:00 AM Sunday.

Both levels are expected to reopen around 4:00 PM Sunday.

The closure affects regular vehicle traffic traveling between Staten Island and Brooklyn.

Drivers should review official advisories before attempting to use the bridge.

Will the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge Be Closed on Saturday, October 31?

Yes, but the scheduled closure begins late Saturday night.

The upper level is expected to close at 11:00 PM on October 31, 2026.

This is particularly important because Saturday is also Halloween.

New York City will have Halloween celebrations, nightlife events, and the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade on the same evening.

Visitors planning to drive between Brooklyn and Staten Island late Saturday night should account for the bridge closure.

The lower level is scheduled to remain available until its Sunday morning closure, subject to operational restrictions.

What Time Will the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge Reopen on Sunday?

Both levels are scheduled to reopen around 4:00 PM on Sunday, November 1, 2026.

However, reopening depends on the progress of the marathon and clearance from transportation and public safety officials.

Even after the bridge reopens, traffic may remain congested because of vehicles waiting to cross and delays on surrounding roads.

Drivers should check current traffic information before traveling.

Can You Drive From Staten Island to Brooklyn During the Marathon?

Direct vehicle travel between Staten Island and Brooklyn will be unavailable while both levels of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge are closed.

Drivers who must travel between the boroughs will need to consider alternative routes, potentially involving New Jersey and other regional crossings.

These alternatives can add substantial travel time and may involve tolls.

Because the marathon also affects other bridges and roads throughout New York City, drivers should confirm that their entire route is accessible before leaving.

For trips that do not require a vehicle, public transportation may be more convenient.

Can You Drive From Brooklyn to Staten Island During the Marathon?

The same restrictions apply to drivers traveling from Brooklyn to Staten Island.

Once both bridge levels are closed, ordinary vehicle traffic cannot use the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge in either direction.

Travelers should avoid assuming that one direction will remain open.

Alternative driving routes may be lengthy, particularly during a major citywide event.

Will the Staten Island Ferry Operate During the NYC Marathon?

The Staten Island Ferry is an important alternative for passengers traveling between Staten Island and Manhattan.

The ferry normally operates between St. George Terminal on Staten Island and Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan.

However, marathon transportation arrangements, security procedures, and passenger demand can affect travel conditions.

Registered runners may also be using ferry transportation to reach the starting area.

Passengers should review current NYC Ferry and Staten Island Ferry service information before traveling.

The Staten Island Ferry does not carry private passenger vehicles, so it is not a replacement for driving across the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.

Can You Take Public Transportation Between Staten Island and Brooklyn?

Yes, although travel may require transfers and additional time.

Passengers can use the Staten Island Ferry to reach Lower Manhattan and then connect to subway service toward Brooklyn.

The Staten Island Railway also provides service within Staten Island, connecting neighborhoods to the St. George ferry terminal.

Because the marathon affects transportation throughout the city, passengers should review MTA and ferry service advisories.

Travelers should allow additional time for crowded stations and connections.

Will Uber and Lyft Be Able to Cross the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge?

No. Uber, Lyft, taxis, and other ordinary passenger vehicles cannot cross the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge while it is closed.

Rideshare services may continue operating on open streets in Staten Island and Brooklyn, but drivers must follow all bridge and road restrictions.

Passengers traveling between the boroughs may face longer routes, increased travel times, and higher demand.

If possible, consider public transportation rather than arranging a car trip across the affected area.

Will Trucks and Delivery Vehicles Be Able to Use the Bridge?

Commercial vehicles will also be affected by the marathon restrictions.

Trucks, delivery vehicles, and other ordinary traffic cannot use the closed bridge levels.

Businesses that depend on deliveries between Staten Island and Brooklyn should plan around the closure period.

Delivery schedules may need to be adjusted to Saturday or later Sunday evening.

Drivers should also review restrictions on surrounding highways and bridge approaches.

Which Streets Near the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge Will Be Closed?

Several streets near Fort Wadsworth and the bridge approaches will experience restrictions during marathon operations.

On Staten Island, affected roads include portions of School Road, Bay Street, Narrows Road South, Lily Pond Avenue, McClean Avenue, Tompkins Avenue, Major Avenue, and Wadsworth Avenue.

In Brooklyn, the marathon continues through Bay Ridge before heading north along Fourth Avenue.

Roads near the bridge exits and the early miles of the course will experience closures and traffic controls.

Residents should check official NYC DOT and NYPD advisories for exact restrictions affecting their streets.

Will Bay Ridge Be Accessible by Car During the NYC Marathon?

Bay Ridge will remain accessible through some streets, but major roads near the marathon route will experience restrictions.

The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge closure and the race route along Fourth Avenue will affect vehicle circulation.

Drivers may need to approach the neighborhood from a different direction.

Certain streets may be temporarily inaccessible while runners pass.

Residents with garages or parking spaces near the route should plan ahead.

Can Residents Leave Their Homes During the Marathon?

Yes. Residents can generally leave their homes and travel on foot, although pedestrian crossings may be controlled near the race route.

Vehicle access is more complicated.

Residents whose streets, driveways, or garages connect directly to the marathon course may be unable to drive in or out during the closure period.

The exact impact depends on the property's location and the surrounding traffic restrictions.

Residents should review official street closure information and move vehicles in advance if necessary.

Can You Walk Across the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge During the Marathon?

No. The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge does not have a regular public pedestrian walkway.

During the marathon, the bridge is reserved for registered runners and authorized event personnel.

Spectators cannot walk onto the bridge to watch participants.

Anyone who wants to see runners shortly after the bridge crossing should choose an accessible location in Brooklyn.

Where Is the Best Place to Watch Runners Near the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge?

Fourth Avenue in Bay Ridge is one of the best places to watch runners after they cross the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.

The marathon enters Brooklyn near the bridge and continues north along Fourth Avenue.

Spectators can watch participants during the early miles of the race.

Because the runners have just started, the atmosphere is energetic, and large groups pass through the neighborhood.

Visitors should arrive early, follow police instructions, and remain behind spectator barriers.

The bridge itself is not open to spectators.

What Time Will Marathon Runners Cross the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge?

The first race division begins at 8:00 AM on Sunday, November 1.

The marathon uses staggered starting times for professional athletes and general participants.

The official 2026 starting schedule includes:

Runners cross the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge shortly after leaving the starting line.

The bridge remains restricted for several hours because of the staggered starting waves and race operations.

Which Other Bridges Will Be Closed During the NYC Marathon?

The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge is one of five bridges used by the New York City Marathon.

The other four are:

Pulaski Bridge: Connects Greenpoint in Brooklyn with Long Island City in Queens.

Queensboro Bridge: Connects Queens with Manhattan and carries runners toward First Avenue.

Willis Avenue Bridge: Connects Manhattan with the Bronx.

Madison Avenue Bridge: Carries runners from the Bronx back into Manhattan.

These bridges will experience their own traffic restrictions throughout race day.

Drivers should not assume that alternative crossings along the marathon route will remain available.

Will the Brooklyn Bridge Be Closed During the NYC Marathon?

The Brooklyn Bridge is not part of the official marathon route.

It is therefore not one of the five marathon bridges scheduled for race-related closure.

However, drivers may encounter heavier traffic because of restrictions elsewhere.

Will the Manhattan Bridge Be Closed During the NYC Marathon?

The Manhattan Bridge is not part of the marathon route.

It is not among the five principal marathon bridge closures.

It may provide an alternative crossing for certain trips between Manhattan and Brooklyn, depending on the destination and surrounding traffic conditions.

Will the Williamsburg Bridge Be Closed During the NYC Marathon?

The Williamsburg Bridge is not part of the marathon course.

It is not one of the five bridges crossed by runners.

However, surrounding traffic conditions may be affected by closures in Williamsburg, Greenpoint, and Manhattan.

Drivers should review current traffic information before traveling.

When Did the NYC Marathon Begin Crossing the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge?

The first New York City Marathon took place in 1970 and was held entirely within Central Park.

In 1976, the race expanded into a five-borough course.

The expanded route introduced the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge as the marathon's opening crossing.

Since then, the bridge has become one of the race's most recognizable landmarks.

The 2026 marathon celebrates the 50th anniversary of the five-borough course.

Why Is the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge Important to NYC?

The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge connects Staten Island and Brooklyn across the Narrows, the entrance to New York Harbor.

Opened in 1964, the bridge is a major transportation connection between the two boroughs.

It also forms part of the regional highway network used by commuters, commercial vehicles, and travelers.

The bridge's suspension design and waterfront setting make it one of New York City's most recognizable engineering landmarks.

During the marathon, the roadway becomes the starting stage for one of the world's most prominent long-distance running events.

What Else Can You Do in NYC During Marathon Weekend?

Explore Bay Ridge, Brooklyn

Bay Ridge is one of the first neighborhoods runners enter after crossing the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.

The neighborhood features residential streets, waterfront views, restaurants, and historic homes.

Visitors can watch the marathon along Fourth Avenue and explore nearby areas afterward.

Visit Shore Road Park

Shore Road Park offers waterfront views of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and New York Harbor.

It is a popular location for walking and enjoying the surrounding scenery.

Visitors should be aware that access to some nearby roads may be affected by marathon operations.

Explore Central Park

Central Park is the marathon's finishing destination.

Visitors can explore its landscaped paths, historic bridges, and surrounding architecture, although some areas will be restricted on race day.

Discover Brooklyn's Historic Neighborhoods

The marathon passes through Park Slope, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Williamsburg, and Greenpoint.

These neighborhoods feature historic brownstones, brick townhouses, multifamily buildings, and a mix of residential and commercial architecture.

Enjoy Manhattan's Attractions

Manhattan offers museums, restaurants, theaters, shopping, and sightseeing throughout marathon weekend.

Visitors should account for road closures and crowded transportation when planning activities.

NYC Marathon 2026: Final Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge Closure Information

The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge will be closed for the 2026 New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 1.

The upper level is scheduled to close at 11:00 PM on Saturday, October 31.

The lower level is scheduled to close at 7:00 AM Sunday.

Both levels are expected to reopen around 4:00 PM Sunday, subject to NYPD approval.

Drivers traveling between Staten Island and Brooklyn should plan ahead, consider alternative routes, and allow additional travel time.

For many passengers, the Staten Island Ferry and subway system may provide a more convenient alternative during the closure period.

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