"The George Washington Bridge is a national asset and the world's busiest bridge, and the Port Authority is committed to making needed investments that ensure this vital transportation artery for the region thrives for another 100 years," said executive director Pat Foye.

As part of the project, construction crews will install smart bridge technology on key elements of the span, including the new suspender ropes, to monitor their condition and warn engineers of any changes before they become a problem. The existing main cables fitted with a dehumidification system to stop further deterioration.

Construction work is expected to begin in 2017. The overall programme is forecasted for completion in 2024, with the project to replace all the existing suspender ropes substantially completed by the end of 2022.