Together with the Manhattan Bridge, the Williamsburg Bridge is the other one of the only 2 suspension bridges in the city of New York to cater to both rail and vehicle traffic. Built in 1896 and opened in 1903, this bridge was the second to traverse the East River. During that time, it was considered as the longest suspension bridge in the world, spanning up to 1,600 feet and running the length of 7,308 feet. It is also the first bridge constructed with towers completely made out of steel. But, the Williamsburg Bridge was replaced by the Bear Mountain Bridge for the longest suspension bridge record when it was finished in 1924. Today, it is still one of the main crossings over the East River that connects pedestrians, motorists, commuters and bikers from Brooklyn to Manhattan and back.