The Edge observation deck, the highest in the western hemisphere, set to open in NYC

Hudson Yards observatory that will be the highest outdoor deck in the Western Hemisphere, is set to open in New York City.

Construction works are close to completion and the brand-new observatory will open the following March. The project will rise at about 335 meters above the ground providing an amazing view to its visitors.

The outdoor deck will consist of a 697-m² area located at the top of the 100^th floor of 30 Hudson Yards, a skyscraper that reaches a height of 387 meters with multiple uses. 

The deck is enclosed by glass provided an exceptional view to visitors while mitigating the effect of strong winds. In particular, 79 panels of glass with a height of 2.7 meters will be installed. The deck will be put together and anchored to the south and east sides of the tower. Its total weight will reach almost 347 tons.

Visitors will be able to see over a 130-kilometer radius on a clear day. The structure will also have a glass triangle on the floor from where people will be able to see the street 335 meters below. "You've never experienced New York like this before. Stepping onto Edge is like walking out into the sky,” Jason Horkin, Executive Director of Hudson Yards Experiences, stated.

The facility will be open all week from 8:00 AM to midnight. The ticket prices are $36 and $38 depending on whether they are purchased online or on-site while New York residences have a slight discount ($34 for online tickets). A bar will be established on the 100th floor of the skyscraper.

In New York City, the Empire State Building currently provides an outdoor observatory that reaches a height of 320 meters. Recently, a new deck opened in the building 61 meters above but it is enclosed.

The highest outdoor observatory is located in Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. The deck lies on the 148th floor at a stunning height of 555 meters. The world's tallest indoor observatory opened 4 years ago and is located in Shanghai Tower (China) reaching a height of 602 meters.

Sources: New York Post Businessinsider NewAtlas BusinessTravelerUSA