Port Authority Reopens George Washington Bridge Southwalk
The renovated pedestrian path on the George Washington Bridge reopens with separate walkways for pedestrians and cyclists.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Hiking
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The Port Authority reopened the Southwalk, a pedestrian-only path on the George Washington Bridge, on October 15, 2026. The upgraded route links Fort Lee with West 178th Street and Cabrini Boulevard in Manhattan and separates pedestrians from cyclists.
Why it matters
The separation follows a 2017 Bicycle Master Plan intended to end clashes between cyclists and pedestrians on the bridge. For New York City residents and visitors, the change alters how the crossing is used for commuting and recreation.
The viewing platform sits more than 200 feet above the water, and the bridge walkways carry the separated flows. Cyclists, tricycles, low-speed e-bikes, and scooters under 100 pounds use the Northwalk, while motorcycles, mopeds, and hoverboards are banned on both paths.
The players
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
The bi-state agency that operates the George Washington Bridge and carried out the Southwalk renovation and the separation of pedestrian and cyclist routes.
The details
The upgraded Southwalk includes new approach ramps, new signs, and a viewing platform, and officials installed 11-foot-high security fencing along the bridge edge. The path closes from 12:01 a.m. to 4:45 a.m. on Mondays and Thursdays, and when it is closed, pedestrians use the Northwalk.
Timeline
2017: Port Authority Bicycle Master Plan called for separating cyclists and pedestrians.
2025: Northwalk recorded more than 637,000 trips.
October 15, 2026: Southwalk reopened after years of renovation.
Mondays and Thursdays, 12:01 a.m. to 4:45 a.m.: Southwalk closes for overnight hours.
Planning Ahead
The separation implements the 2017 Bicycle Master Plan, which called for splitting cyclists and pedestrians to end clashes on the bridge. Visitors planning a crossing should note the Monday and Thursday overnight closures and the parking rates at Fort Lee Historic Park, which charges $1.50 an hour for the first four hours on weekdays.
Pedestrians heading across the bridge should use the Southwalk during its regular hours and check the Monday and Thursday overnight closures before going. Cyclists, tricycles, low-speed e-bikes, and scooters under 100 pounds should use the Northwalk, since motorcycles, mopeds, and hoverboards are banned on both paths.
The takeaway
Check the Southwalk's Monday and Thursday overnight closure hours before planning a walk across the bridge. Cyclists should use the Northwalk and pedestrians the Southwalk to avoid the separated-path rules.
Further reading
Explore more on Hiking in New York City.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Magic 98.3 FM.
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