Verrazzano Bridge Closes for Nine Hours as NYC Marathon Starts
Commuters should use alternate routes Sunday morning while the MTA adds extra trains and manages crowd flow near the finish line.
By Amelia Clarke ·
Drivers crossing the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge must find new routes on Sunday, Nov. 1, as the structure closes to non-emergency traffic from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The upper level will shut down in both directions starting at 11 p.m. Saturday to prepare for the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon.
Staten Island residents face specific disruptions on Bay Street and Lily Pond Avenue. These exits close at 3 a.m. Sunday and should reopen by 4 p.m. The MTA advises travelers moving between Brooklyn and Staten Island to use alternate roads during the event.
Street closures extend into Manhattan. Transverse roads in Central Park at 65th, 79th, and 96th streets will be closed for most of the day. Bus service will also change, with vehicles prohibited from crossing Fifth Avenue during the race.
The MTA is adding service to support runners and spectators. Subway lines will connect to the Staten Island Ferry, where shuttle buses carry participants to the starting area. Additional Metro-North trains will run on the Hudson, Harlem, and New Haven lines.
Crowd management measures will be active near the finish line and popular viewing spots. Staff will manage foot traffic, and some station stairways may operate as entrance-only or exit-only paths to prevent overcrowding.
Travelers can monitor conditions through mta.info, the MTA app, TrainTime, or email and text alerts. Callers can also dial 511 for real-time updates on travel disruptions throughout marathon weekend.
Source: ABC7 New York
