Roosevelt Island Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Roosevelt Island Bridge |
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
Roosevelt Island Bridge as viewed from the south on Roosevelt Island
|
|
| Coordinates | 40°45′50″N 73°56′46″W / 40.76389°N 73.94611°W |
| Carries | 2 lanes of 36th Ave and a sidewalk on the north side |
| Crosses | East River (East Channel) |
| Locale | Roosevelt Island and Queens, New York |
| Maintained by | New York City Department of Transportation |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Lift bridge |
| Total length | 2,877 ft (877 m) |
| Width | 40 ft (12 m) |
| Longest span | 418 ft (127 m) |
| Clearance below | 100 ft (30 m) when open |
| History | |
| Opened | May 18, 1955 |
| Statistics | |
| Daily traffic | 8,313 (2016) |
The Roosevelt Island Bridge is a special kind of bridge in New York City. It is a lift bridge, which means a part of it can go up. This allows tall ships to pass underneath. The bridge connects Roosevelt Island in Manhattan to Astoria in Queens. It crosses the East Channel of the East River.
This bridge is very important. It is the only way for cars and people walking to get to Roosevelt Island. Other ways to reach the island include public transportation, like the subway or tram.
Contents
Building the Bridge
How the Bridge Was Built
Work on the Roosevelt Island Bridge started on March 17, 1952. It cost about $6.5 million to build. The bridge officially opened on May 18, 1955. When it first opened, it was called the Welfare Island Bridge. Its name was changed to the Roosevelt Island Bridge in 1973.
Before this bridge existed, vehicles could only get to Roosevelt Island by using a special elevator. This elevator was on the Queensboro Bridge. However, the elevator was taken down in 1970. This made the new bridge even more important for getting to the island.
Why the Bridge Lifts
The Roosevelt Island Bridge is a lift bridge. This means a section of it can be raised. This allows large ships to sail underneath without hitting the bridge. When the bridge is open, there is about 100 feet (30 m) of space between the water and the bridge.
The bridge is 40 feet (12 m) wide. Its total length, including the parts that lead up to it, is 2,877 feet (877 m). The main part of the bridge that lifts is 418 feet (127 m) long.
Keeping the Bridge Working
The New York City Department of Transportation takes care of the bridge. In 2001, they thought about changing the bridge. They considered making it a fixed bridge, meaning it would no longer lift. This would help save money on its maintenance.
The bridge does not lift very often. Most ships that pass by Roosevelt Island use the West Channel of the East River. This channel is usually open. However, the bridge is often lifted in September. This happens during the United Nations General Assembly meetings. The West Channel is closed for security reasons at that time.
Getting to Roosevelt Island
The Roosevelt Island Bridge helps people get to the island easily. It leads directly to the 'Motorgate Parking Garage'. This garage was built to keep too many cars off the island's streets. The garage was finished in 1974. It was made even bigger in 1990.
Images for kids
-
Western end of the bridge
