Before the Francis R Buono Memorial Bridge existed a ferry was the only way to reach Rikers Island. This cost New York City a hefty $250000 annually. The Francis R Buono Memorial Bridge officially named Rikers Island Bridge changed all that. It opened on November 22 1966. This vital artery connects Rikers Island in the Bronx to Queens. More specifically it starts near Hazen Street and 19th Avenue in Astoria Queens. It then stretches south to Rikers Island.
The bridge’s construction was no small feat. It involved the installation of 260 concrete piles each measuring up to 124 feet in length. The project cost a significant $10 million. However the city claimed it saved a staggering $410 million in construction costs for other island structures in the years following its completion. It also supposedly saved $5000 per year in operating expenses.
The Francis R Buono Memorial Bridge isn’t just a structure of steel and concrete. It represents progress and efficiency. It also carries a deeply personal story. On May 25 1978 the bridge was co-named to honor Supervising Warden Francis R Buono. He oversaw its construction a testament to his dedication and leadership. His contribution to the project lives on in the name of this vital crossing. The bridge served as a lifeline for emergency vehicles police fire and sanitation trucks. It reduced commute times for employees significantly.
The Francis R Buono Memorial Bridge also sits near LaGuardia Airport. Interestingly it crosses over the approach light pier to Runway 13. The Q100 MTA Bus route uses the bridge to serve the Rikers Island Visitor Center. Daily traffic counts show an impressive 14817 vehicles traversing the bridge in 2016. It offers a 52-foot rise at its center. This ensures sufficient clearance for vessels navigating the waters below. The Francis R Buono Memorial Bridge stands as a symbol of progress a tribute to a dedicated public servant and an essential link in New York City’s infrastructure. It’s a bridge with a story a history and a lasting legacy.