Across the East River it stands a colossal structure. The Robert F Kennedy Bridge. Formerly known as the Triborough Bridge this marvel of engineering connects Manhattan Queens and the Bronx.
Picture this. It’s July 11 1936. A day of celebration. President Roosevelt Mayor La Guardia and Robert Moses himself are here. They dedicate this bridge a symbol of unity and resilience during the Great Depression. Fifteen thousand people attended. That night many more crossed the bridge to celebrate at Randall’s Island Stadium. They even saw Jesse Owens compete. He was qualifying for the Berlin Olympics.
The Robert F Kennedy Bridge isn’t just one bridge. It’s a complex of bridges. A suspension bridge a lift bridge and a truss bridge. These three main bridges span the East River the Harlem River and the Bronx Kill. They’re connected by a long viaduct across Randalls and Wards Islands. These two islands were once separate. They were later joined by landfill.
The Queens span a suspension bridge is truly impressive. It’s the longest part of the complex. Its main span measures 1380 feet. Initially designed with two decks and eight lanes on each it was later downsized to a single deck due to funding issues. The towers. They are magnificent. Originally designed with ornate arches they were simplified to cut costs. They still stand tall. Their tops feature cast iron saddles in the Art Deco style.
The Harlem River span is a vertical-lift bridge. When it opened it had the world’s largest lift bridge deck. It’s 310 feet long. It can be raised to 135 feet allowing ships to pass underneath. Imagine the engineering feat that was required to create this.
The Bronx Kill crossing a truss bridge is less dramatic. It’s a fixed span not needing to be raised for boats. Its main span is 383 feet long.
The entire Robert F Kennedy Bridge complex has 17.5 miles of roadway. This includes approaches and ramps. The interchange on Randalls Island is ingenious. It was designed to ensure drivers only paid tolls once. Today tolls are collected electronically. The tollbooths have been removed.
The bridge wasn’t just about moving traffic. It’s also about community. The project created parks and playgrounds. Randall’s Island Park is a prime example. It shows the bridge’s impact beyond the transportation aspect.
So next time you cross the Robert F Kennedy Bridge remember the story behind it. A story of ambition innovation and a legacy that endures. It’s more than just a bridge. It’s a symbol of New York City’s history.