Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge Cameras: Live I-278 Traffic
Monitor the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge — the I-278 suspension bridge connecting Staten Island and Brooklyn across New York harbor. Track peak rush hour backups, split-tolling conditions, Staten Island Expressway merges, and NYC Marathon closures (when applicable) on TrafficVision.Live.
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Brooklyn | Daily Volume: 220,000+ vehicles per [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verrazzano-Narrows_Bridge) | Opened: November 21, 1964 (upper level) / June 28, 1969 (lower level) | Lanes: 2 decks, 13 lanes combined | Operator: MTA Bridges and Tunnels (formerly TBTA) | Tolling: Split two-way tolling (since December 1, 2020) | Payment: All-electronic — E-ZPass or Tolls by Mail (no cash since July 2017) | Staten Island Resident Toll: $2.75 (reduced) | Standard NY E-ZPass: $6.12 per direction | Standard Tolls by Mail: $9.50 per direction | NYC Marathon: First Sunday of November — bridge closed to traffic | Camera Sources: NYSDOT, 511NY, MTA B&TThe Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge carries Interstate 278 across the Narrows — the tidal strait separating Staten Island from Brooklyn at the mouth of New York Harbor. Per Wikipedia's Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge entry, the double-decked suspension bridge carries over 220,000 vehicles daily — making it among the busiest bridges in the country. Opened November 21, 1964 (upper level), with a lower level added in 1969, the bridge is operated by MTA Bridges and Tunnels (formerly the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority). Per MTA's December 2020 release, split two-way tolling went into effect December 1, 2020 — ending more than 30 years of federally-mandated one-way tolls and reducing the ~7,000-per-weekday regional cut-through drivers who had been routing through Staten Island to exploit the old westbound-only toll. All-electronic tolling since July 2017 — cash payments are not accepted.
Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge Coverage
Upper Level (7 lanes)
I-278 Express
Upper level carries through-traffic. Peak AM eastbound from Staten Island; peak PM westbound return.
Lower Level (6 lanes)
Local + truck traffic
Lower level handles local flow and commercial vehicles. Opened 1969.
Staten Island Expressway (I-278 west)
Primary SI approach
I-278 as the Staten Island Expressway — key commuter corridor from SI's north shore.
Gowanus Expressway (I-278 east)
Brooklyn approach
I-278 continues as the Gowanus Expressway into Brooklyn.
Toll Plazas (Both Directions since 2020)
Split tolling
Eastbound and westbound toll collection implemented December 1, 2020 under MTA split-tolling plan.
NYC Marathon Course
First Sunday of November
Bridge closes to traffic for NYC Marathon start — see NYC Marathon guide.
When to Check Verrazzano-Narrows Cameras
Peak Verrazzano Traffic Windows
- Weekday AM (eastbound to Brooklyn/Queens/Manhattan) — 6:30-10 AM — SI commuter peak
- Weekday PM (westbound to SI) — 3:30-7 PM — return commute
- NYC Marathon (first Sunday of November) — Bridge CLOSED — drivers must use alternates (BQE via Belt Pkwy, Throgs Neck, Whitestone)
- Yankees, Mets, Giants, Jets game days — Added pressure on I-278 corridor
- 2026 FIFA World Cup at MetLife — Some SI transit impact — see MetLife World Cup guide
- Construction / maintenance — Overnight lane closures common
View Live Verrazzano Cameras
Check Verrazzano-Narrows traffic, split-tolling plazas, and I-278 approach congestion — free, 24/7, no sign-up.
VIEW VERRAZZANO CAMERAS →Pro Tip: Staten Island Commute Strategy
Staten Island has no direct subway link to Manhattan. The options for SI commuters are:
- Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge (this page) — to Brooklyn via I-278, then onward (subway at R line 86th St, Bay Ridge area)
- Staten Island Ferry — free, 25 min from St. George to Whitehall (Manhattan)
- Express buses — SIM routes to Midtown, FiDi
Split-tolling (since 2020) reduced regional cut-through traffic significantly — per MTA, an estimated 7,000 per weekday pre-pandemic drivers were routing through SI to exploit the old one-way westbound toll. That pattern has largely ended.
For NYC-area travelers, see our New York City traffic cameras guide, George Washington Bridge guide, Long Island traffic cameras guide, JFK airport guide, LGA airport guide, EWR airport guide, NYC Marathon guide, MetLife World Cup guide, and I-95 corridor guide.
Track Verrazzano Traffic
Browse live NYSDOT, 511NY, and MTA Bridges & Tunnels camera feeds.
VIEW VERRAZZANO CAMERAS →How many vehicles cross the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge daily?
Over 220,000 vehicles per day per Wikipedia — making it one of the busiest bridges in the US. Pre-pandemic weekday volumes exceeded 215,000 crossings.
Is the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge cashless?
Yes. Per MTA, all-electronic tolling has been in effect since the remaining toll booths were decommissioned in July 2017. Pay with E-ZPass or Tolls by Mail — no cash accepted.
Why did split-tolling start in December 2020?
Per MTA's release, split two-way tolling took effect December 1, 2020 after Congress ended the federal mandate that had required one-way westbound-only tolling for 30+ years. The one-way toll had incentivized regional drivers to cut through Staten Island (~7,000 per weekday) to avoid paying eastbound. Split-tolling ended that pattern.
What's the Staten Island resident toll?
Per MTA's 2023 toll rate page, Staten Island residents receive a discounted toll of approximately $2.75 per crossing with E-ZPass. Standard NY E-ZPass rates are $6.12 per direction; Tolls by Mail is $9.50 per direction.
Does the NYC Marathon close the Verrazzano?
Yes. The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge is closed to traffic on the first Sunday of November for the NYC Marathon start. All vehicle traffic must use alternates — Belt Parkway, Throgs Neck Bridge, or Whitestone Bridge. See the NYC Marathon guide for details.
Ready to Monitor the Verrazzano-Narrows?
Track live I-278 and Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge traffic with MTA and 511NY cameras — free, instant, no sign-up.
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