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| Robert F. Kennedy Bridge Source: Jag9889/ wikipedia |
Robert F. Kennedy Bridge (Triborough Bridge) - History, Facts, and Travel Guide
The Robert F. Kennedy Bridge, formerly known as the Triborough Bridge, is a major transportation landmark in New York City. This iconic bridge spans the East River and connects Manhattan, the Bronx, and Queens. It is a critical artery for commuters, with over 200,000 vehicles crossing the bridge each day.
Triborough Bridge And Tunnel Authority
The Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority (TBTA) is a public benefit corporation responsible for managing several major bridges, tunnels, and highways in the New York City metropolitan area. The TBTA was established in 1933 and is a subsidiary of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). The authority is responsible for maintaining and operating the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge (formerly known as the Triborough Bridge), the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge, the Throgs Neck Bridge, the Queens-Midtown Tunnel, and the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel. The TBTA is funded primarily through toll revenues collected from users of these facilities. The TBTA also provides funding for other transportation projects in the New York City area.
Transportation:
There are several public transportation options near the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge. The M60-SBS bus runs between Manhattan and LaGuardia Airport and stops near the bridge. The Q19 bus serves LaGuardia Airport and Astoria, while the 4 and 5 trains serve the Bronx.
History
The construction of the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge began in 1929 and was completed in 1936. It was designed by architect Othmar Ammann, who also designed the George Washington Bridge and the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. Originally, the bridge was known as the Triborough Bridge, but in 2008, it was renamed in honor of Robert F. Kennedy, the former Attorney General and Senator from New York.
During the Great Depression, the construction of the bridge provided much-needed jobs for workers in the city. The project was funded by the New Deal, a series of programs enacted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to help stimulate the economy and provide relief for the unemployed.
Facts
- The Robert F. Kennedy Bridge is 14,790 feet long and has three main spans.
- It is a toll bridge, with tolls collected in both directions.
- The bridge has eight lanes for cars, four in each direction, and a separate pedestrian and bike path.
- It was the first bridge in the world to use an advanced welding technique known as the orthotropic design, which made it stronger and more durable.
- The bridge has been featured in numerous movies, TV shows, and music videos, including "The Godfather" and "Saturday Night Fever."
- The Robert F. Kennedy Bridge is part of the larger Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority, which also oversees other major bridges and tunnels in the New York City area.
- The bridge is a popular location for events, including the annual TD Five Boro Bike Tour, which attracts over 30,000 cyclists each year.
Travel Guide
If you are planning to drive across the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge, there are a few things to keep in mind. The toll for passenger cars is $9.50, but the price can vary for commercial vehicles and larger trucks. You can pay the toll using E-ZPass or with cash at toll booths located on both ends of the bridge.
If you prefer to walk or bike across the bridge, there is a dedicated pedestrian and bike path on the south side of the bridge. The path offers stunning views of the city skyline and is a popular spot for joggers, walkers, and cyclists.
The Robert F. Kennedy Bridge is also accessible by public transportation. The bridge is served by several bus routes, including the Q101, Q102, and BxM7. The closest subway stations are the 125th Street station on the 4, 5, and 6 lines and the Astoria Boulevard station on the N and W lines.
Whether you are driving, walking, or taking public transportation, be sure to take in the breathtaking views of the East River and the surrounding neighborhoods. From the bridge, you can see landmarks like the United Nations Headquarters, the Empire State Building, and the Queensboro Bridge.
The Robert F. Kennedy Bridge - Triboro bridge is an iconic landmark in New York City and a must-see destination for anyone visiting the city. Plan your trip today and experience the history, beauty, and excitement of this amazing bridge.
Robert F. Kennedy Bridge "Q&A"
1. What is the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge?
The Robert F. Kennedy Bridge is a suspension bridge that connects Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx over the East River in New York City. It was formerly known as the Triborough Bridge.
2. When was the Triborough Bridge opened to the public?
The Triborough Bridge was opened to the public on July 11, 1936.
3. How long is the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge?
The Robert F. Kennedy Bridge is approximately 2.2 miles long and consists of three separate spans.
4. What is the clearance height of the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge?
The clearance height of the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge varies depending on the location on the bridge. The clearance height is 14 feet (4.3 meters) at the Queens anchorage, 135 feet (41 meters) over the Hell Gate channel, and 21 feet (6.4 meters) at the Bronx anchorage.
5. How much is the toll for the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge?
The toll for the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge varies depending on the type of vehicle and whether or not you have an E-ZPass. As of April 2023, the toll for passenger cars with E-ZPass is $6.12. Without E-ZPass, the toll for passenger cars is $9.50.
6. When was the Triborough Bridge renamed?
The Triborough Bridge was officially renamed the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge on November 19, 2008, in honor of Robert F. Kennedy, the former Attorney General and Senator from New York.
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