The George Washington Bridge’s pedestrian-only Southwalk reopened Oct. 15 after a multi-year renovation, giving walkers, runners and tourists their own dedicated path across the Hudson River for the first time since the span’s north side reopened in 2023. The upgraded route now includes new approach ramps, fresh signage and a viewing platform with panoramic views of the New York City skyline, sitting more than 200 feet above the water — roughly the height of a 16-story building.
Rob Jennings, a five-time New York City Marathon finisher, crossed the Southwalk on Oct. 19 and Oct. 25 and reported on the reopening for NJ.com. The path connects Fort Lee with West 178th Street and Cabrini Boulevard in Manhattan. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey describes the crossing as 1.5 miles; Jennings’s Garmin recorded 1.28 miles between the entrance signs. The NJ.com report said the difference may reflect different starting and ending points, and that zigzagging can affect the measured distance.
Separating Walkers From Cyclists
The two walkways now have separate intended users. Walkers, runners, wheelchair users and people pushing baby carriages are directed to the Southwalk; cyclists, tricycles, low-speed e-bikes and human-powered electric scooters under 100 pounds belong on the Northwalk. Low-speed devices are those whose motors cannot exceed 20 mph. Motorcycles, mopeds, dirt bikes, all-terrain vehicles, electric skateboards, hoverboards and electric unicycles remain prohibited on both paths. According to the dossier’s reporting, Port Authority police will redirect people using the wrong walkway but take no other action.
Dogs are allowed on the Southwalk, a Port Authority spokesperson said, and the posted speed limit for the path is 15 mph. The walkway can take 12 minutes or less to cross at an 8-minute-mile running pace, or roughly half an hour or less walking at 3 mph. As CBS News New York reported, officials also installed 11-foot-high security fencing aimed at preventing people from climbing over the bridge’s edge — though the NJ.com account notes a thin gap under the fence through which a dropped cellphone could still fall into the Hudson River.
Cleaning Closures and a Busier Weekend
The walkways are generally open around the clock, but maintenance brings overnight closures. The Southwalk shuts from 12:01 a.m. to 4:45 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays, and the Northwalk on the same schedule Tuesdays and Fridays, according to ROI-NJ. During a Southwalk closure, pedestrians are directed to the Northwalk; cyclists and scooter riders can use the Southwalk when the Northwalk is closed. The paths may also close for bad weather or an emergency, NJ.com reported…