Like scaffolding on a building, footbridges provide a surface on which to stand when working, whether installing cable bands on the main cables or collecting
bridge strands together. Wire rope is sent across the river, joined to rope on the opposite bank, and anchored to the eyebars. Cranes atop the towers lift the rope into the footbridge tower saddles,
where it is adjusted. A series of pipes are suspended under the footbridge cables on the sidespans, and eventually covered with footbridge sections similar to those used in the mainspan.
Concurrent with the construction of the footbridges is the establishment of a tramway, providing a way in which things can be sent from
from anchorage to anchorage. Of course, bridge strands for the main cables must be sent from one side to the other, making the tram an integral part of the construction of The George Washington Bridge.
Preparing to lift side span footbridge cables (June,
1929)
Assembling mainspan footbridge sections
First barge of footbridge ropes being towed across
river
Outfitting the first completed footbridge rope with lifting beam and
clamps
Lifting and resting first footbridge rope on the
footbridge tower saddle
Footbridge rope tower saddles and adjustment equipment
Unadjusted footbridge cables
Tramway drive machinery
Erection of sidespan footbridge pipes
Constructing traveler for centerspan footbridge (Autumn, 1929)
Footbridge erection with four travelers
