The George Washington Bridge opened to public traffic, connecting Fort Lee, New Jersey, and Manhattan, New York City. It was designed by the famous engineer Othmar Ammann and constructed between 1927 and 1931. Standing at a height of 604 feet, the bridge was a marvel of engineering for its time, with the longest main span of any bridge in the world upon its completion. The bridge was largely built to address the increasing congestion of ferry and rail traffic, offering a swift and reliable connection across the Hudson River.

The opening ceremony included a pedestrian walk across the bridge before the vehicular traffic began, allowing dignitaries and the public to partake in the experience. An impressive number of around 30,000 people walked across on that day, reflecting the community's anticipation and excitement. The bridge was an instant landmark and symbol of progress, indicating economic growth and urban development in the Northeastern United States. Its construction cost approximately $60 million and represented a significant investment in infrastructure at the time.

Moreover, the bridge's construction was not without challenges, including the Great Depression's onset, which made funding a complex issue. Nevertheless, the project proceeded successfully, signaling resilience and the necessity for public works during difficult economic times. The George Washington Bridge quickly became a vital transportation artery, accommodating immense traffic volumes and evolving into one of the busiest bridges in the world, synonymous with the New York City metropolitan area.