Editing Brooklyn Bridge (section)

==== Upgrades ====
[[File:BrooklynBridgeRampsMANH.jpg|thumb|Ramp from the Brooklyn Bridge to FDR Drive (pictured in 2008), completed {{circa}} 1969|alt=Ramp from the Brooklyn Bridge to FDR Drive, completed circa 1969]]
The first major upgrade to the Brooklyn Bridge commenced in 1948, when a contract to entirely reconstruct the approach ramps was awarded to [[David B. Steinman]].<ref name="nyt19480904">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1948/09/04/archives/brooklyn-bridge-to-be-modernized-as-highway-for-6000-cars-an-hour.html|title=Brooklyn Bridge to Be Modernized As Highway for 6,000 Cars an Hour; One-Time 'Eighth Wonder of the World' to Undergo Its First Major Changes -Engineers' Planning to Take a Year|date=September 4, 1948|work=The New York Times|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|access-date=June 27, 2019|archive-date=June 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190627150544/https://www.nytimes.com/1948/09/04/archives/brooklyn-bridge-to-be-modernized-as-highway-for-6000-cars-an-hour.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33294890/|title=Steinman to Revamp Brooklyn Bridge|date=September 20, 1948|work=Poughkeepsie Journal|access-date=June 26, 2019|page=11|via=newspapers.com|archive-date=January 25, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125005049/https://www.newspapers.com/article/poughkeepsie-journal-steinman-to-revamp/33294890/|url-status=live}}</ref> The renovation was expected to double the capacity of the bridge's roadways to nearly 6,000 cars per hour,<ref name="nyt19480904" /> at a projected cost of $7&nbsp;million.<ref name="nyt19500920">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1950/09/20/archives/brooklyn-span-job-is-up-to-schedule-laying-new-roadbed-on-brooklyn.html|title=Brooklyn Span Job Is 'Up' to Schedule'; Laying New Roadbed on Brooklyn Bridge|date=September 20, 1950|work=The New York Times|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|access-date=June 27, 2019|archive-date=June 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190627145803/https://www.nytimes.com/1950/09/20/archives/brooklyn-span-job-is-up-to-schedule-laying-new-roadbed-on-brooklyn.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The renovation included the demolition of both the elevated and the trolley tracks on the roadways, the removal of trusses separating the inner elevated tracks from the existing vehicle lanes and the widening of each roadway from two to three lanes,<ref name="nyt19500920" /><ref name=":2">{{harvnb|ps=.|National Park Service|1966|p=7}}</ref> as well as the construction of a new steel-and-concrete floor.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1949/01/16/archives/brooklyn-bridge-to-carry-6-lanes-steel-mesh-roadway-ready-in-1950.html|title=Brooklyn Bridge To Carry 6 Lanes; Steel Mesh Roadway, Ready in 1950, Included in $2,400,000 Modernization Plan|date=January 16, 1949|work=The New York Times|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|access-date=July 2, 2019|archive-date=July 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702165445/https://www.nytimes.com/1949/01/16/archives/brooklyn-bridge-to-carry-6-lanes-steel-mesh-roadway-ready-in-1950.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In addition, new ramps were added to Adams Street, [[Cadman Plaza]], and the [[Brooklyn Queens Expressway]] (BQE) on the Brooklyn side, and to Park Row on the Manhattan side.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1951/07/23/archives/new-approaches-to-speed-brooklyn-bridge-traffic.html|title=New Approaches to Speed Brooklyn Bridge Traffic|date=July 23, 1951|work=The New York Times|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|access-date=June 27, 2019|archive-date=June 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190627145803/https://www.nytimes.com/1951/07/23/archives/new-approaches-to-speed-brooklyn-bridge-traffic.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The bridge was briefly closed to all traffic for the first time ever in January 1950,<ref name="The New York Times 1950 m819">{{cite web |last=Ingraham |first=Joseph C. |date=January 23, 1950 |title=As Brooklyn Bridge Was Closed Completely for First Time Since Opening in 1883; Brooklyn Bridge as Closed 8 Hours As Tests Are Begun for Rebuilding |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1950/01/23/archives/as-brooklyn-brdge-was-closed-completely-for-first-time-since.html |access-date=October 19, 2023 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104183835/https://www.nytimes.com/1950/01/23/archives/as-brooklyn-brdge-was-closed-completely-for-first-time-since.html?searchResultPosition=1 |url-status=live }}</ref> and the trolley tracks closed that March to allow the widening work to occur.<ref name="Small p. 20">{{harvnb|ps=.|Small|1957|p=20}}</ref><ref name="nyt19500303">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1950/03/03/archives/brooklyn-bridge-traffic-will-undergo-changes.html|title=Brooklyn Bridge Traffic Will Undergo Changes|date=March 3, 1950|work=The New York Times|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|access-date=June 27, 2019|archive-date=June 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190627145813/https://www.nytimes.com/1950/03/03/archives/brooklyn-bridge-traffic-will-undergo-changes.html|url-status=live}}</ref> During the construction project, one roadway at a time was closed, allowing reduced traffic flows to cross the bridge in one direction only.<ref name="nydn19540502">{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33455201/|title=Brooklyn Span, All Slicked Up, Set to Reopen|date=May 2, 1954|work=[[Daily News (New York)|Daily News]]|location=New York|access-date=July 1, 2019|page=171|via=newspapers.com|archive-date=January 25, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125005156/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-brooklyn-span-all-slicked-up/33455201/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The widened south roadway was completed in May 1951,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1951/05/03/archives/brooklyn-bridge-gets-a-new-lane-new-threelane-road-opened-on.html|title=Brooklyn Bridge Gets a New Lane; New Three-Lane Road Opened on Brooklyn Bridge|date=May 3, 1951|work=The New York Times|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|access-date=June 27, 2019|archive-date=June 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190627145801/https://www.nytimes.com/1951/05/03/archives/brooklyn-bridge-gets-a-new-lane-new-threelane-road-opened-on.html|url-status=live}}</ref> followed by the north roadway in October 1953.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1953/10/01/archives/new-threelane-north-roadway-of-brooklyn-bridge-opened-to-traffic.html|title=New Three-Lane North Roadway of Brooklyn Bridge Opened to Traffic|date=October 1, 1953|work=The New York Times|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|access-date=July 2, 2019|archive-date=July 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702145918/https://www.nytimes.com/1953/10/01/archives/new-threelane-north-roadway-of-brooklyn-bridge-opened-to-traffic.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The restoration was finished in May 1954 with the completion of the reconstructed elevated promenade.<ref name="nyt19540504">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1954/05/04/archives/brooklyn-bridge-back-in-full-use-strollers-and-drivers-happy-as.html|title=Brooklyn Bridge Back In Full Use; Strollers and Drivers Happy as Ceremony Reopens Span After Four – Year Curbs|date=May 4, 1954|work=The New York Times|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|access-date=July 2, 2019|archive-date=July 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702145912/https://www.nytimes.com/1954/05/04/archives/brooklyn-bridge-back-in-full-use-strollers-and-drivers-happy-as.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="nydn19540502" /> While the rebuilding of the span was ongoing, a fallout shelter was constructed beneath the Manhattan approach in anticipation of the [[Cold War]]. The abandoned space in one of the masonry arches was stocked with emergency survival supplies for a potential nuclear attack by the [[Soviet Union]]; these supplies remained in place half a century later.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/03/0324_060324_brooklyn.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060411045054/http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/03/0324_060324_brooklyn.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 11, 2006|title=Cold War 'Time Capsule' Found in Brooklyn Bridge|last=Lovgren|first=Stefan|date=March 24, 2006|newspaper=[[National Geographic Society#Other publications|National Geographic News]]|access-date=February 20, 2010}}</ref> In addition, defensive barriers were added to the bridge as a safeguard against sabotage.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1951/04/11/archives/war-barricades-set-up-on-bridges-city-prepares-to-protect-its.html|title=War Barricades Set up on Bridges; City Prepares to Protect Its Bridges Against Sabotage|last=Eckenberg)|first=William C|date=April 11, 1951|work=The New York Times|access-date=July 2, 2019|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=July 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702151427/https://www.nytimes.com/1951/04/11/archives/war-barricades-set-up-on-bridges-city-prepares-to-protect-its.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Simultaneous with the rebuilding of the Brooklyn Bridge, a double-decked viaduct for the BQE was being built through an existing steel overpass of the bridge's Brooklyn approach ramp.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1944/06/05/archives/planning-to-give-the-city-a-clearer-view-of-its-famed-brooklyn.html|title=Planning to Give the City a Clearer View of Its Famed Brooklyn Bridge|date=June 5, 1944|work=The New York Times|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|access-date=July 2, 2019|archive-date=July 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702151425/https://www.nytimes.com/1944/06/05/archives/planning-to-give-the-city-a-clearer-view-of-its-famed-brooklyn.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The segment of the BQE from Brooklyn Bridge south to [[Atlantic Avenue (New York City)|Atlantic Avenue]] opened in June 1954,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1954/06/23/archives/3level-road-link-in-brooklyn-open-downtown-congestion-eased-by.html|title=3-Level Road Link In Brooklyn Open; Downtown Congestion Eased by $12,000,000 Section of 11-Mile Expressway|date=June 23, 1954|work=The New York Times|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|access-date=June 30, 2019|archive-date=June 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630032658/https://www.nytimes.com/1954/06/23/archives/3level-road-link-in-brooklyn-open-downtown-congestion-eased-by.html|url-status=live}}</ref> but the direct ramp from the northbound BQE to the Manhattan-bound Brooklyn Bridge did not open until 1959.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1959/01/11/archives/new-entrance-ready-for-brooklyn-bridge.html|title=New Entrance Ready For Brooklyn Bridge|date=January 11, 1959|work=The New York Times|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|access-date=July 4, 2019|archive-date=July 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190704005936/https://www.nytimes.com/1959/01/11/archives/new-entrance-ready-for-brooklyn-bridge.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The city also widened the Adams Street approach in Brooklyn, between the bridge and [[Fulton Street (Brooklyn)|Fulton Street]], from {{Convert|60|to|160|ft|abbr=}} between 1954 and 1955.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33508031/|title=2d Widened Adams Street Section Ready|date=July 6, 1955|work=New York Daily News|access-date=July 3, 2019|page=53|via=newspapers.com|archive-date=January 25, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125005101/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-2d-widened-adams-street-secti/33508031/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1955/07/07/archives/new-traffic-link-in-the-heart-of-brooklyn-is-opened.html|title=New Traffic Link in the Heart of Brooklyn Is Opened|date=July 7, 1955|work=The New York Times|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|access-date=July 4, 2019|archive-date=July 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190704005932/https://www.nytimes.com/1955/07/07/archives/new-traffic-link-in-the-heart-of-brooklyn-is-opened.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Subsequently, Boerum Place from Fulton Street south to Atlantic Avenue was also widened.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1954/11/05/archives/wide-bridge-link-set-for-brooklyn-fulton-streetatlantic-ave-stretch.html|title=Wide Bridge Link Set for Brooklyn; Fulton Street-Atlantic Ave. Stretch to Be Rebuilt to Ease Traffic Jams|date=November 5, 1954|work=The New York Times|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|access-date=July 4, 2019|archive-date=July 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190704012819/https://www.nytimes.com/1954/11/05/archives/wide-bridge-link-set-for-brooklyn-fulton-streetatlantic-ave-stretch.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This required the demolition of the old Kings County courthouse.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1959/01/04/archives/brooklyn-to-open-new-courthouse-mayor-and-judges-to-speak-tomorrow.html|title=Brooklyn To Open New Courthouse; Mayor and Judges to Speak Tomorrow at Dedication of $18,327,500 Building|date=January 4, 1959|work=The New York Times|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|access-date=July 4, 2019|archive-date=July 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190704005933/https://www.nytimes.com/1959/01/04/archives/brooklyn-to-open-new-courthouse-mayor-and-judges-to-speak-tomorrow.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The towers were cleaned in 1958<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1958/05/24/archives/brooklyn-bridge-marks-75th-year-once-hailed-as-8th-wonder-of-world.html|title=Brooklyn Bridge Marks 75th Year; Once Hailed as '8th Wonder of World,' It Still Is Most Famous Span on Earth Recent Cleaning Job Proved Towers to Be Pink and Tan Instead of Black Brooklyn Bridge Is 75 Today, Still the Most Famous on Earth|last=Benjamin|first=Philip|date=May 24, 1958|work=The New York Times|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|access-date=July 4, 2019|archive-date=July 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190704014711/https://www.nytimes.com/1958/05/24/archives/brooklyn-bridge-marks-75th-year-once-hailed-as-8th-wonder-of-world.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and the Brooklyn anchorage was repaired the next year.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1959/07/23/archives/brooklyn-repairs-bridge-anchorage.html|title=Brooklyn Repairs Bridge Anchorage|date=July 23, 1959|work=The New York Times|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|access-date=July 4, 2019|archive-date=July 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190704015150/https://www.nytimes.com/1959/07/23/archives/brooklyn-repairs-bridge-anchorage.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

On the Manhattan side, the city approved a controversial rebuilding of the Manhattan entrance plaza in 1953. The project, which would add a grade-separated junction over Park Row, was hotly contested because it would require the demolition of 21 structures, including the old [[New York World Building]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1953/01/08/archives/plan-marks-doom-of-world-building-commission-approves-wagners.html|title=Plan Marks Doom Of World Building; Commission Approves Wagner's $5,266,000 Street Layout for Bridge Approaches|date=January 8, 1953|work=The New York Times|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|access-date=July 4, 2019|archive-date=March 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308135634/https://www.nytimes.com/1953/01/08/archives/plan-marks-doom-of-world-building-commission-approves-wagners.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The reconstruction also necessitated the relocation of 410 families on Park Row.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33508590/|title=Slum Move Deadlines Set|date=January 27, 1957|work=New York Daily News|access-date=July 3, 2019|page=321|via=newspapers.com|archive-date=January 25, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125005103/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-slum-move-deadlines-set/33508590/|url-status=live}}</ref> In December 1956, the city started a two-year renovation of the plaza. This required the closure of one roadway at a time, as was done during the rebuilding of the bridge itself.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1956/12/18/archives/plaza-job-started-at-brooklyn-bridge.html|title=Plaza Job Started at Brooklyn Bridge|date=December 18, 1956|work=The New York Times|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|access-date=July 4, 2019|archive-date=October 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009213220/https://www.nytimes.com/1956/12/18/archives/plaza-job-started-at-brooklyn-bridge.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Work on redeveloping the area around the Manhattan approach started in the mid-1960s.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/10/21/archives/work-is-starting-on-brooklyn-bridge-southwest-a-total-renewal.html|title=Work Is Starting on Brooklyn Bridge Southwest, A Total Renewal|date=October 21, 1966|work=The New York Times|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|access-date=July 4, 2019|archive-date=July 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190704014717/https://www.nytimes.com/1966/10/21/archives/work-is-starting-on-brooklyn-bridge-southwest-a-total-renewal.html|url-status=live}}</ref> At the same time, plans were announced for direct ramps to the elevated [[FDR Drive]] to alleviate congestion at the approach.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/09/04/archives/brooklyn-bridge-will-get-ramps-2year-project-designed-to-ease.html|title=Brooklyn Bridge Will Get Ramps; 2-Year Project Designed to Ease Street Traffic|date=September 4, 1965|work=The New York Times|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|access-date=July 4, 2019|archive-date=July 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190704014717/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/09/04/archives/brooklyn-bridge-will-get-ramps-2year-project-designed-to-ease.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The ramp from FDR Drive to the Brooklyn Bridge was opened in 1968,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1968/04/17/archives/brooklyn-bridge-ramp-opened.html|title=Brooklyn Bridge Ramp Opened|date=April 17, 1968|work=The New York Times|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|access-date=July 4, 2019|archive-date=July 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190704015151/https://www.nytimes.com/1968/04/17/archives/brooklyn-bridge-ramp-opened.html|url-status=live}}</ref> followed by the ramp from the bridge to FDR Drive the next year.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1969/06/22/archives/brooklyn-bridge-getting-ramp-to-fdr-drive-1500foot-exit-is-latest.html|title=Brooklyn Bridge Getting Ramp to F.D.R. Drive; 1,500-Foot Exit Is Latest in $8.5-Million Series to Relieve Congestion|last=Burks|first=Edward C|date=June 22, 1969|work=The New York Times|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|access-date=July 4, 2019|archive-date=July 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190704014717/https://www.nytimes.com/1969/06/22/archives/brooklyn-bridge-getting-ramp-to-fdr-drive-1500foot-exit-is-latest.html|url-status=live}}</ref> A single ramp from the Manhattan-bound Brooklyn Bridge to northbound Park Row was constructed in 1970.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33566928/|title=Slate New Exit Ramp For Bridge|date=May 21, 1970|work=New York Daily News|access-date=July 5, 2019|page=420|via=newspapers.com|archive-date=January 25, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125005050/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-slate-new-exit-ramp-for-bridg/33566928/|url-status=live}}</ref> A repainting of the bridge was announced two years later in advance of its 90th anniversary.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33567609/|title=Silver in Hair of 'Lady of Night'|date=September 4, 1972|work=New York Daily News|access-date=July 5, 2019|page=233|via=newspapers.com|archive-date=January 25, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125005603/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-silver-in-hair-of-lady-of-ni/33567609/|url-status=live}}</ref>