Here We Go Again, Intermittent Roosevelt Island Bridge Closings This Week During 2022 United Nations General Assembly Session, RIOC Says Some Traffic Delays May Occur - Will Emergency Vehicles Be Delayed To Or From Roosevelt Island For Convenience Of Recreational Boaters?

It's traffic nightmare time of year again for NYC. Mid September is the opening of the annual United Nations General Assembly Session. According to the NYC Department ofTransportation:

The New York City Department of Transportation today released its list of 2022 Gridlock Alert Days, which will include the week of United Nations General Assembly (September 19th to September 23rd). Drivers should expect extensive street closures and delays across Manhattan for the duration of next week, when DOT strongly recommends that drivers use alternative travel modes.

"As the end of the year approaches, we know the exact days when we expect our streets will see the most traffic and unwelcome congestion,” said DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. "New York is proud to host the United Nations and welcome delegations from so many nations, and during next week’s UN General Assembly, we are letting New Yorkers know the key to avoiding the congestion next week is to try walking, mass transit, or riding a bicycle to get to their destination.”...

Due to the proximity of Roosevelt Island to the United Nations, security precautions during the UN General Assembly Session means the diversion of all East River boat traffic to the Roosevelt Island East Channel Queens side with heavily armed Coast Guard and NYPD vessels patrolling the East River.

For Roosevelt Island residents, the diversion of all East River Boat traffic to the East Channel means intermittent closings of the Roosevelt Island Bridge 

causing traffic delays 

getting on and off Roosevelt Island so that recreational boats can pass under the Bridge.

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) issued this advisory today:

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) will take place from Sunday, September 18^th through Saturday, September 24^th. During this time, the Roosevelt Island Bridge will open on demand from 6 AM to 8 PM.   Please be advised that each opening should take anywhere from 10 to 15 minutes to be completed.

As a reminder, during the opening and lowering of the Roosevelt Island Bridge, some delays may occur.

Every year during UN General Assembly week, residents have expressed concern about the intermittent Roosevelt Island Bridge closings potentially preventing emergency vehicles such as ambulances and fire trucks from getting on and off Roosevelt Island. In the past, an ambulance was stationed on Roosevelt Island during UN Week but there was no mention by RIOC in their advisory about any emergency precautions being taken this week. 

During a 2021 RIOC Public Safety Department Emergency Preparedness workshop, Chief Kevin Brown and Deputy Chief Anthony Amoroso described safety precautions undertaken for the opening and closing of the Roosevelt Island Bridge during UN General Assembly Week.

Are these same safety precautions being implemented this year? 

UPDATE 9/19:

Good thing this isn't the only way to bike onto Roosevelt Island... Wait. pic.twitter.com/Kizsaqt9TJ

— Conor Lyman (@ConorLyman) September 19, 2022

No drone flying at Roosevelt Island Southpoint Park during United Nations General Assembly Week. https://t.co/UBBx5c6FT5 https://t.co/UnPEdOFPCs

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) September 19, 2022

East River boat traffic diverted to Queens Side of Roosevelt Island During United Nations General Assembly Week for security precautions. RI Bridge raised to allow recreational boat to pass underneath causing traffic RI delays. https://t.co/UBBx5c6FT5 pic.twitter.com/zY909Dgae4

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) September 20, 2022

Here's the Roosevelt Island Bridge being lowered today after sailboat passed underneath. It took about 4 1/2 minutes for the Bridge to be lowered into place and traffic to proceed. The video is at double speed taking a little bit more than 2 minutes.

Here We Go Again, Intermittent Roosevelt Island Bridge Closings This Week During 2019 United Nations General Assembly Session, East River West Channel Closed To Boat Traffic - Will Emergency Vehicles Be Delayed To Roosevelt Island For Convenience Of Recreational Boaters?

It's that time of year again for Roosevelt Island.

In case you didn’t know, #UNGA is in session this week in NYC. Are you planning to be in Manhattan?
Plan ahead with our Traffic Advisory for September 23rd - 27th 2019: https://t.co/JMC6Y5dFau pic.twitter.com/rqJL7bOdJg

— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) September 22, 2019

Mid September is the the opening of the United Nations General Assembly Session and 2019 is no different than previous years in terms of its impact on Roosevelt Island residents. The opening of the UN General Assembly means the diversion of all East River boat traffic to the Roosevelt Island East Channel Queens side for security precautions due to our proximity to the United Nations resulting in the intermittent closings of the Roosevelt Island Bridge.

According to the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT)

While the United Nations General Assembly is in session, from Sunday, September 22, through Saturday, September 28, the U.S. Coast Guard will close the West Channel of the East River, which is the main navigational channel, and divert all marine traffic to the East Channel, between Roosevelt Island and Queens. The NYC Department of Transportation will close the Roosevelt Island Bridge, as needed, for up to 15 minutes at a time between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. to permit marine traffic to pass.

During these closures, the bridge will be closed to all vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle traffic. A variable message sign will be installed to inform the public. Emergency service providers have been informed of the special operational schedule.

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) adds:

The U.N. General Assembly will be in session from September 22, 2019 - September 28, 2019. The RI Bridge will open on demand from 6:00AM - 8:00PM. Please be advised that each opening should take anywhere from eight (8) to twelve (12) minutes to be completed. If you have any questions, please contact PSD at 212-832-4545.

NYC Ferry reports:

Service Alert – United Nations General Assembly – (9/22 – 9/27)

Due to the United Nations General Assembly, extra security restrictions on the East River may cause delays and/or cancellations on the Astoria, Soundview, East River, and the Lower East Side routes from September 22 – 27, 2019.

In response to the annual concerns by Roosevelt Island residents about the potential for emergency vehicle delays caused by the intermittent Bridge closings during UN General Assembly Week, RIOC advised in 2017:

During the last year, RIOC has been working with the NYC Office of Emergency Management and key representatives from FDNY, NYPD, NYC DOT Division of Bridges, NYC DEP, Health and Hospitals Corporation and Con Ed, to explore alternative emergency response options concerning the bridge during both the UN General Assembly and other situations where the bridge may get stuck or fail for any reason. By pre-staging emergency response vehicles and equipment, we are better prepared to respond to medical emergencies on Roosevelt Island. Furthermore, Con Ed has already pre-staged emergency gas and electric equipment on the Island in the event a gas or electric emergency were to take place and Con Ed trucks were unable to reach the Island due to a bridge malfunction.

During the UN General Assembly, and under the newly created Interagency Roosevelt Island Bridge Lift Protocol, the aforementioned City Agencies are responsible for the following:

NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Organize pre-event interagency conference call with Public Safety Agencies

FDNY
Pre-Stage one Engine Company, one Ladder Company, and one BLS (Basic Life Support) Ambulance on Roosevelt Island. Alert Battalion 45 and Battalion 49 companies of Bridge Lifts.

NYPD
Assign resources as appropriate on Roosevelt Island

NYC DOT
Stage bridge oiler crew near bridge structure
Stage bridge electric crew near bridge structure

NYCDEP
Pre-staged water maintenance equipment available at an on-island DEP Facility

Consolidated Edison
Emergency gas and electric equipment pre-staged on Roosevelt Island Gas and electric emergency personnel will deploy to Roosevelt Island via Tramway or Subway as necessary

Health and Hospitals Corporation
Standard resource deployment

RIOC and its Public Safety Department thank all of these agencies for working together to develop these first steps toward a stronger emergency plan....

Will check to see if these procedures are in effect for 2019.

A lot of security in #RooseveltIsland this Sunday. I guess because of the UN meeting. I don’t understand why they wear dark suits on a sunny Sunday morning though.

— Luis (@C31hay) September 22, 2019

U.S. Coast Guard Rejects RIOC Lobbying Efforts To Prohibit Recreational Boat Traffic Under Roosevelt Island Bridge During United Nations General Assembly Sessions Sept 12 To 25 - Intermittent RI Bridge Openings Continue To Put Residents At Risk For Delays In Emergency Responses

As reported last Monday, September 11:

Mid September is the the opening of the United Nations General Assembly Session and 2017 is no different than previous years in terms of its impact on Roosevelt Island residents. The opening of the UN General Assembly means the diversion of all East River boat traffic to the Roosevelt Island East Channel Queens side for security precautions due to our proximity to the United Nations resulting in the intermittent closings of the Roosevelt Island Bridge.Mid September is the the opening of the United Nations General Assembly Session and 2017 is no different than previous years in terms of its impact on Roosevelt Island residents. The opening of the UN General Assembly means the diversion of all East River boat traffic to the Roosevelt Island East Channel Queens side for security precautions due to our proximity to the United Nations resulting in the intermittent closings of the Roosevelt Island Bridge....

On September 9, I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal:

....Department of Transportation reporting intermittent closing of the Roosevelt Island Bridge again this year during upcoming UN Week.

Was any progress made with the appropriate authorities to direct boat traffic away from the Roosevelt Island Bridge during UN Week so that the Bridge is not closed so often?

As we all know, this has been a persistent problem for many years with the potential of delays for emergency vehicles to get on and off Roosevelt Island when the Bridge is closed.

Any statement from RIOC on this matter?

Roosevelt Island Bridge Raised To Let Sailboat Pass During 2010 UN Week Causing Ambulance To Wait

During 2014 UN General Assembly Week, a sailboat crashed

Image From William S

into the Roosevelt Island Bridge.

A RIOC spokesperson replied today:

As you know, the UN General Assembly convened on Tuesday, September 12, 2017 and will close on Monday, September 25, 2017. Daily sessions run from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. Due to the rerouting of recreational boat traffic to the East Channel of the East River during the UN General Assembly, the NYC Department of Transportation Division of Bridges will be required to raise the Roosevelt Island Bridge to allow the passing of these recreational boats during this event. According to the DOT Division of bridges, each opening should take anywhere from 8-12 minutes to complete.

For the past year, Public Safety Chief McManus and RIOC President & CEO Susan Rosenthal have been meeting with and lobbying, various City, State, and Federal entities to prohibit recreational boat traffic during this two week period.

In spite of our efforts and others who helped, including Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, who pled our case to the Commandant of the US Coast Guard, recreational boat traffic is still being redirected to the East Channel. We will continue our efforts to have this protocol changed.

During the last year, RIOC has been working with the NYC Office of Emergency Management and key representatives from FDNY, NYPD, NYC DOT Division of Bridges, NYC DEP, Health and Hospitals Corporation and Con Ed, to explore alternative emergency response options concerning the bridge during both the UN General Assembly and other situations where the bridge may get stuck or fail for any reason. By pre-staging emergency response vehicles and equipment, we are better prepared to respond to medical emergencies on Roosevelt Island. Furthermore, Con Ed has already pre-staged emergency gas and electric equipment on the Island in the event a gas or electric emergency were to take place and Con Ed trucks were unable to reach the Island due to a bridge malfunction.

During the UN General Assembly, and under the newly created Interagency Roosevelt Island Bridge Lift Protocol, the aforementioned City Agencies are responsible for the following:

NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Organize pre-event interagency conference call with Public Safety Agencies

FDNY
Pre-Stage one Engine Company, one Ladder Company, and one BLS (Basic Life Support) Ambulance on Roosevelt Island. Alert Battalion 45 and Battalion 49 companies of Bridge Lifts.

NYPD
Assign resources as appropriate on Roosevelt Island

NYC DOT
Stage bridge oiler crew near bridge structure
Stage bridge electric crew near bridge structure

NYCDEP
Pre-staged water maintenance equipment available at an on-island DEP Facility

Consolidated Edison
Emergency gas and electric equipment pre-staged on Roosevelt Island Gas and electric emergency personnel will deploy to Roosevelt Island via Tramway or Subway as necessary

Health and Hospitals Corporation
Standard resource deployment

RIOC and its Public Safety Department thank all of these agencies for working together to develop these first steps toward a stronger emergency plan.

Raye Schwartz speaks for many Roosevelt Island residents when she writes:

Somebody needs to let the Coast Guard and Dept. of Homeland Security know that at the least they should limit access to pleasure boats during this period, so that we are not put in danger for fire and ambulances to get through while the bridge is inaccessible - sometimes for ½ hr. at a time while sailboats and pleasure boats go up and down the river.

And, if anyone bothers to look at a map, 4 Freedoms Park is opposite the UN and a terrorist could fire a missile or grenade from there: oops, I’ve read too many John le Carre novels and seen too many Ian Fleming movies!

Seriously, that whole thing is just for show and really does little or nothing to protect the UN while putting over 12,000 residents and workers on this island in danger.

What will it take for the Coast Guard to prohibit recreational boaters from going under the Roosevelt Island Bridge - someone's death or serious injury due to a delay in emergency response?

Here We Go Again, Intermittent Roosevelt Island Bridge Closings During 2017 United Nations General Assembly - Will Emergency Vehicles Be Delayed Worries Roosevelt Island Resident - East River West Channel Closed To Boat Traffic

It's that time of year again for Roosevelt Island.

Image Of United Nations From Roosevelt Island FDR Four Freedoms Park

Mid September is the the opening of the United Nations General Assembly Session and 2017 is no different than previous years in terms of its impact on Roosevelt Island residents. The opening of the UN General Assembly means the diversion of all East River boat traffic to the Roosevelt Island East Channel Queens side for security precautions due to our proximity to the United Nations resulting in the intermittent closings of the Roosevelt Island Bridge.

According to the NYC Department of Transportation:

While the United Nations General Assembly is in session, from Tuesday, September 12, through Monday, September 25, the U.S. Coast Guard will close the West Channel of the East River, which is the main navigational channel, and divert all marine traffic to the East Channel, between Roosevelt Island and Queens. The NYC Department of Transportation will close the Roosevelt Island Bridge, as needed, for up to 15 minutes at a time between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. to permit marine traffic to pass.

During these closures, the bridge will be closed to all vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle traffic. A variable message sign will be installed to inform the public. Emergency service providers have been informed of the special operational schedule.

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) adds:

The NYC Department of Transportation Division of Bridges will doing intermittent raising of the Roosevelt Island Bridge starting from 7:00 AM- 7:00 PM Tuesday, September 12, 2017 to Monday, September 25, 2017 due to the rerouting of boat traffic during the United Nations General Assembly. Each opening should take anywhere from 8-12 minutes to complete. Expect intermittent traffic disruptions and delays on Main Street and along the Roosevelt Island Bridge approach.
For more information, please contact the Division of Bridges/Community Affairs at (212) 839-3740.

Raye Schwartz speaks for many Roosevelt Island residents when she writes:

Somebody needs to let the Coast Guard and Dept. of Homeland Security know that at the least they should limit access to pleasure boats during this period, so that we are not put in danger for fire and ambulances to get through while the bridge is inaccessible - sometimes for ½ hr. at a time while sailboats and pleasure boats go up and down the river.

And, if anyone bothers to look at a map, 4 Freedoms Park is opposite the UN and a terrorist could fire a missile or grenade from there: oops, I’ve read too many John le Carre novels and seen too many Ian Fleming movies!

Seriously, that whole thing is just for show and really does little or nothing to protect the UN while putting over 12,000 residents and workers on this island in danger.

This is an annual problem for Roosevelt Island and every year RIOC tells us they are trying to fix this problem but it never gets fixed.

Here We Go Again, Intermittent Roosevelt Island Bridge Closings During 2016 United Nations General Assembly - Will Emergency Vehicles Be Delayed Worries Roosevelt Island Resident - East River West Channel Closed To Boat Traffic

It's that time of year again for Roosevelt Island.

Image Of United Nations From Roosevelt Island FDR Four Freedoms Park

Mid September is the the opening of the United Nations General Assembly Session and 2016 is no different than previous years in terms of its impact on Roosevelt Island residents. The opening of the UN General Assembly means the diversion of all East River boat traffic to the Roosevelt Island East Channel Queens side for security precautions due to our proximity to the United Nations resulting in the intermittent closings of the Roosevelt Island Bridge.

According to this NYC Department of Transportation tweet:

#RooseveltIslandBridge possible 15min closures 9/13-9/26, as needed during @UN General Assembly per @uscoastguard pic.twitter.com/GjReYNiBBH

— NYC DOT (@NYC_DOT) September 12, 2016

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) adds:

Roosevelt Island Bridge- Intermittent raising 9/13-9/26 for UN General Assembly.

The NYC Department of Transportation Division of Bridges will doing intermittent raising of the Roosevelt Island Bridge starting from 7:00 AM- 8:00 PM Tuesday, September 13, 2016 to Monday, September 26, 2016 due to the rerouting of boat traffic during the United Nations General Assembly. Each opening should take anywhere from 8-12 minutes to complete. Expect intermittent traffic disruptions and delays on Main Street and along the Roosevelt Island Bridge approach.

For more information, please contact the Division of Bridges/Community Affairs at (212) 839-3740.

Roosevelt Island resident Raye Schwartz objects to the annual intermittent closings of the Roosevelt Island Bridge during UN Week. Ms Schwartz writes:

Ever since I’ve lived here we’ve gotten some of these annual dumb-ass announcements related to the UN General Assembly meetings and nobody in RI management (RIOC, HUD, DHCR and all the other RI managers in the present and past) have ignored this because it is done by the US Coast Guard. Nobody wants to touch it. But here’s the issue:

1. While the bridge is open, neither fire trucks nor ambulances can get on or off the island. Sometimes they’ve even announced they’d have emergency personnel here, but they never do, and besides they’d never be able to get someone to a hospital, handle a major fire or even an attack by a disgruntled terrorist whose boat was rerouted and couldn’t aim at the UN.

2. Once I was coming home from shopping in Astoria and an ambulance was in front of me as we were turning onto the bridge. His siren was blaring as the bridge was just about to close, yet the bridge operator ignored the ambulance and continued to close. It was closed for 22 minutes.

3. The west channel is closed, but enables ships and pleasure boats to use the east channel, which has a power plant on its east shore that a terrorist could bomb.

4. The southernmost part of our island is directly opposite the UN complex, so a ship routed to the east channel could still aim a rocket at the UN.

5. Vehicle traffic on Vernon Boulevard is not rerouted and there are places where someone could also enable rocket missiles aimed at the UN complex.

Maybe I’ve read too many spy novels, but I’m sure I’m not the only one and if I have this kind of imagination…need I say more?

Meanwhile not only are 12,000+ workers and residents of this island inconvenienced but they are also endangered by this publicity show. This is something that should have been escalated to NY State and Federal officials, yet nobody wants to touch it.

By the way…it is not “Bridge Testing” as the RIOC advisory states in the header!

During 2014 UN General Assembly Week, a sailboat crashed

Image From William S

into the Roosevelt Island Bridge.

The FDNY Special Operations Command is located on Roosevelt Island



but does not respond to Roosevelt Island 911 calls.

Roosevelt Island Resident Asks For Safer Bike Lanes On Roosevelt Island Bridge - NYC Department Of Transportation Announces Intermittent 15 Minute Daytime Closing Of Roosevelt Island Bridge Tomorrow

According to the NYC Department Of Transportation (DOT):

Please see the attached Important Notice announcing full closures of the Roosevelt Island Bridge for operational testing. On Tuesday, March 25, 2014, between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., the bridge may be completely closed for up to 15 minutes at a time. Sufficient time will be allowed between closures to clear any traffic queues.

Safety for bicyclists on the Roosevelt Island Bridge was the subject of this message sent yesterday to Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Charlene Indelicato by resident Janet Falk:

I ride my bike over the Roosevelt Island bridge and notice the accumulation of gravel in the bike lanes.

I have posted this complaint to RI 311 periodically for more than one year and have noticed little change. If anything, the problem is worse, perhaps because of the recent repair of the potholes in the westbound lane (for which I am appreciative).

On Thursday, March 20, because the eastbound bike lane was so full of gravel it was dangerous to ride there, I rode my bicycle in the automobile lane, which also is dangerous because cars do not expect to see a bicyclist there.

How often does RIOC conduct a scheduled cleaning and sweeping of the gravel from that area?

The notices on RI 311 are either ignored or responded to as noted and closed, yet the problem persists.

Please direct this matter to the appropriate member of the RIOC staff and let me know who that person is, so that I can contact them directly in the future.

Ms Indelicato replied that the Roosevelt Island Bridge is under the jurisdiction of the NYC DOT and that she will contact the appropriate person about the issue.

 Image of Roosevelt Island Bridge Metal Grill Bike Path and Roadway

Safety for bicyclists on the Roosevelt Island Bridge has been an ongoing issue. As reported back in August 2011:

... I'm a Roosevelt Island resident. I'm also an avid bicyclist -- and I have a suggestion. It's great that a lane is set aside for cyclists crossing the bridge into Queens. But it would be helpful if the bridge's metal grill were covered by some sort of mat. You may not be aware of this, but -- when it rains -- metal-grill bridges are like sheets of ice if you're a cyclist, especially if you're on a road bike with thin tires. I was reminded of this on Sunday: My son and I were crossing the bridge on our bicycles early on Sunday morning, after the rain had stopped, and as soon as we hit the metal grill, we both started sliding. We immediately got off our bikes and walked them across....

and the twitterverse cautions:

I hate riding my bike to roosevelt island simply because i feel like ima slip and die on that metal bridge
— keyser söze (@JayPaperStaxX) June 19, 2013

In 2011 a Roosevelt Island resident received this response from a DOT spokesperson regarding bike safety on the Roosevelt Island Bridge:

Thank you for your email regarding the improvement of bike mobility and safety on the Roosevelt Island Bridge. We have forwarded your message to the appropriate unit in DOT Bridges for review. We will provide you with their determination...

We're still waiting.

Roosevelt Island Bridge 15 Minute Daytime Full Closure Wednesday January 29 Says NYC DOT, Rehab Testing Program Continues - Learn About Roosevelt Island Bridge History Too

From the Roosevelt Island Twitterverse:

There will be intermittent 15-minute FULL closures (ped, bike & vehicle) of the Roosevelt Island Bridge 1/29 10AM-2PM. Please plan ahead.
— NYC DOT (@NYC_DOT) January 27, 2014

According to the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT)

The New York City Department of Transportation Division of Bridges will continue the testing program on the rehabilitated Roosevelt Island Bridge on Wednesday, January 29, 2014. Between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., the bridge will be fully closed for up to 15 minutes.

A second test will occur only after the first full test is concluded and any queue of traffic is dissipated. Testing requires a complete closure of the bridge to all vehicular and pedestrian traffic during lifts.

The work is weather sensitive and inclement weather may cause it to be rescheduled or delayed. Emergency services and first responders have been notified of the testing program.

Questions regarding the bridge closure may be addressed to Anne Koenig of the Office of Community Affairs at 212-839-6307 or AKoenig@dot.nyc.gov. You may also call the New York City Government Services and Information Hotline at 311. Please be prepared to give your name, your borough, and the project number, HBM1117, to be routed to the project management team.

UPDATE 12:50 PM - Brownstoner Queens has more on the history of the Roosevelt Island Bridge:

Roosevelt Island is technically part of Manhattan, although it is definitely “its own thing.” Tangibly, the island is connected by the famous Roosevelt Island tram on the western or city-facing side. All vehicles, including Emergency Services like the Fire Department, will find that the only game in town for getting onto the island is by going through Queens.

By the standards of East River Bridges, she’s a twerp. The tiny span is more than a bit overshadowed by it’s spectacular neighbors (Queensboro, Triborough, and Hellgate are nearby) and sits half hidden behind a power plant in Ravenswood. She’s the Roosevelt Island Bridge....

Click here for the full article.

Elementary TV Show Filming At Roosevelt Island Bridge Today Closing One Lane Of Traffic Intermittently, Expect Delays - How Much Does A Permit Fee For Filming On Roosevelt Island Cost?

The CBS Television program Elementary



will be filming at the Roosevelt Island Bridge today.

 Image Of Roosevelt Island Bridge Traffic Lanes

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Be advised that due to a Movie shoot on Tuesday, October 15th, 2013, the South traffic and bike lanes of the Roosevelt Island Bridge (East Bound traffic lane) will be closed for a portion of the day between 9AM and 11PM. The North traffic and bike lanes (West bound traffic lane) will be used to alternate traffic during this time.

Expect traffic delays, as occasionally traffic will be held intermittently.

NYPD Traffic Intelligence will be monitoring traffic throughout the day to ensure that residents and visitors will be able to enter and exit Roosevelt Island in a timely fashion.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

Are you interested in obtaining a permit for filming on Roosevelt Island? If so, here are the rates established by RIOC.

Image From RIOC

July 23 - 24 Roosevelt Island Bridge Testing By NYC DOT, Intermittent Closings From 9 AM To 2 PM

 Image of Roosevelt Island Bridge

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Please be advised the New York City Department of Transportation Division of Bridges will resume testing the newly rehabilitated Roosevelt Island Bridge beginning on Tuesday, July 23rd through Wednesday, July 24th, 2013 between the hours of 9:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M.

As during previous testing periods, the bridge will be closed to all traffic for 8-15 minute intervals. Traffic in the queue must dissipate before another 15 minute closure occurs. During this testing NYPD, NYFD and EMS units will be available to Roosevelt Island residents and visitors by dialing 911. We apologize for any inconvenience created by this testing schedule.

If you require further information, please contact the Division of Bridges/Community Affairs.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

Overnight Testing On Newly Rehabilitated Roosevelt Island Bridge - Intermittent 30 Minute Closings Monday July 30 Thru Wednesday August 1 From 12:01 AM To 5 AM

Image From NYC Department of Transportation

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) adds:

We have been advised by the Department of Transportation that there will be overnight testing of the Roosevelt Island Bridge scheduled from 12:01 a.m. Monday, July 30, 2012 to 5:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 1, 2012.

Please be advised that each test opening will take approximately 30 minutes to be completed. The test openings will be appropriately spaced to prevent the least amount of disturbance to vehicular and pedestrian traffic traversing the bridge. During this testing NYPD, NYFD and EMS units will be available to Roosevelt Island residents and visitors by dialing 911.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

More on the $86.5 million Roosevelt Island Bridge Rehabilitation project from previous post.

Intermittent Daytime Closings Of Roosevelt Island Bridge Scheduled For July 18 - 27 From 10 AM to 2 PM

 Image of Roosevelt Island Bridge Opening From Jonathan Hoo

The New York City Office Of Emergency Management Tweets:

Daytime intermittent closures of Roosevelt Island Bridge scheduled for 18 July - 27 July between 10:00 AM & 2:00 PM
— NYC OEM (@NotifyNYC) July 17, 2012

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) adds:

We have been advised by the Department of Transportation that there will limited daytime closures of the Roosevelt Island Bridge scheduled for Wednesday, July 18th, 2012 through Friday, July 27th, 2012. The openings will be conducted between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

As during previous testing periods, the bridge will be closed to all traffic for 15 minute intervals. Traffic in the queue must dissipate before another 15 minute closure occurs. During this testing NYPD, NYFD and EMS units will be available to Roosevelt Island residents and visitors by dialing 911.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

Report From RIOC President Leslie Torres - Roosevelt Island Fitness Day Bodies In Motion With Gilad, Public Safety Commendations, Free Mammograms, Bridge Testing Advisory & Happy Birthday

You Tube Video of Bodies In Motion With Gilad

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Lesie Torres sends the following report to Roosevelt Island residents.

I want to kick off this week’s column by wishing a happy birthday to Carl Bradford, who has been a RIOC bus operator since 1979. We thank Carl, who celebrated his birthday last week, for his many years of service and continued hard work.

Public Safety Department’s Annual Commendation Ceremony

Every year in May, RIOC’s Public Safety Department hosts an Annual Commendation Ceremony to honor the courageous work of its uniformed officers, and to thank the community for its assistance in making Roosevelt Island a safe place to live. We encourage all of you to join us for this year’s ceremony on May 18 at 4:00 pm at the 591 Main Street Plaza.

Officers will be recognized for the exemplary jobs they have done on specific service calls in the past year. Among those receiving commendations will be Officers Julio Jiminez and Jonathan Martinez for helping to save the life of a man who had jumped into the East River in February. The Public Safety Department will also recognize RIOC groundskeepers Jamal Perry and Nelson Soltren who assisted in the rescue. Additionally, Officers Christian Gilmore and Michael Cabassa will both be officially promoted to the rank of Detective, and a Roosevelt Island resident will receive a special award for assistance given to the department in the last year.

As a part of National Police Week, the ceremony is our way of thanking our own law enforcement officers for the important work they do to serve and protect our community.

Day of Fitness with Gilad Janklowicz and Josh Taylor

On May 12 “Bodies in Motion” star Gilad Janklowicz and Spinning International Master Instructor Josh Taylor will be on Roosevelt Island for our Parks and Recreation Department’s first-ever Day of Fitness event. It’s free and open to anyone who wants to join the fun.

Janklowicz will lead two 45-minute Bodies in Motion classes on Firefighters Field – the first at 1:00 pm and the second at 2:15 pm. Each class will be followed by a meet-and-greet session. Meanwhile Taylor will lead two spinning classes in Sportspark’s ping pong room at 1:00 and at 3:00. Participants in the Day of Fitness can also sample Sportspark classes on Firefighters Field: Tango at 1:00, Zumba at 2:00, and Roosevelt Island Boot Camp at 3:00.

Each participant will get a water bottle and a t-shirt. For more information, please call (212) 832-4563 or (212) 832-4559.

Senator Serrano to Sponsor Free Mammograms on Roosevelt Island Day

Senator Jose M. Serrano will be sponsoring free mammogram screenings on Roosevelt Island Day – Saturday, June 9 – at the 591 Main Street Plaza from 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm. Part of Project Renewal’s ScanVan Program, the screenings will be available for women 40 years of age and older who have not had a mammogram in the past year. Please call 1-800-564-6868 for an appointment. The event is being co-sponsored by Council Member Lappin and Assembly Member Kellner. We thank all of the sponsors for this generous service.

Department of Transportation Testing the Roosevelt Island Bridge

The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) Division of Bridges plans to resume testing the newly rehabilitated Roosevelt Island Bridge beginning on Monday, May 7 at 10 am. Testing is expected to be finished on May 18.

As during previous testing periods, the bridge will be closed to all traffic for 15-minute intervals, between 10 am and 2 pm. Public Safety will do its best to keep traffic flowing during DOT’s testing.

United Nations General Assembly Week Returns - East River Boat Traffic Between Roosevelt Island and Manhattan Closed and Intermittent Roosevelt Island Bridge Closings From September 18 - 26

Image of United Nations from Wired New York

Received the following notice from the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Please see the attached notice from the Department of Transportation with regard to intermittent closures of the Roosevelt Island Bridge during the September UN General Assembly Sessions from Sunday, September 18th through Thursday, September 22nd between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

According to the NYC Department of Transportation:

United Nations General Assembly

From September 18 through September 26, the U.S. Coast Guard will close the main navigational channel of the East River between Manhattan and Roosevelt Island and divert all marine traffic to the Roosevelt Island Chanel between Roosevelt Island and Queens. To permit marine traffic to pass, the New York City Department of Transportation will close the Roosevelt Island Bridge, as needed, for up to 15 minutes between 7: 00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. to permit marine traffic to pass.
During the bridge closure, it will be closed to all vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle traffic. A Variable Message Board will inform the public of the closures and Traffic Enforcement Agents will assist in traffic control at Vernon Blvd and 36th Avenue. Emergency service providers have been informed of the special operational schedule.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Questions regarding the bridge closure may be addressed to Fred Herschkowitz, Community Liaison, at 212-839-6307 or fherschkowitz@dot.nyc.gov. For all NYC non-emergency services, including inquiries regarding NYCDOT projects, dial 311. Please be prepared to give your name, your borough, and the project number: HBM1117 to be correctly routed to the project management team.

This is an annual inconvenience for Roosevelt Island but sometimes it can be more than just an inconvenience. As reported in this post from last year, an ambulance rushing to treat a Roosevelt Island emergency was delayed because it had to wait on the Queens side of the Roosevelt Island Bridge while the Bridge was in the up position to allow for a passing sailboat:

Due to the United Nations General Assembly being in session, once again security precautions require East River boat traffic to use the East Channel when approaching Roosevelt Island. This forces the Roosevelt Island Bridge to be raised so that tall boats can pass underneath. When the Bridge gets raised, traffic is backed up and cannot enter or leave Roosevelt Island until the Bridge returns to it's normal position.

In most cases this is just a small inconvenience, but for emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire, and police vehicles servicing Roosevelt Island, it can be a real safety issue. This is an annual problem for Roosevelt Island during UN General Assembly week...

It turned out that in this instance the person the ambulance was called to treat was not effected by the delayed ambulance according to RIOC Public Safety Director Keith Guerra.

Testing Continuing On Roosevelt Island Bridge Restoration Project - Periodic 15 Minute Closings of Bridge Today From 10 AM to 2 PM

Image of Roosevelt Island Bridge Opening From Previous Post By Jonathan Hoo

The much delayed completion of the $86.5 million Roosevelt Island Bridge Restoration Project is undergoing more tests today. I received this advisory at from Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) at 9:17 this morning:

We have been advised by the Department of Transportation that there will be a one day extension of the limited daytime closure of the Roosevelt Island Bridge scheduled between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., Monday, August 8th.

As during previous testing periods, the bridge will be closed to all traffic for 15 minute intervals.  Traffic in the queue must dissipate before another 15 minute closure occurs. During this testing NYPD, NYFD and EMS units will be available to Roosevelt Island residents and visitors by dialing 911.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

No Pedestrian Safety Barrier For Queens Side of Roosevelt Island Bridge Says NYC Dep't Of Transportation - More Test Openings For Bridge and Often Delayed Rehabilitation Project Scheduled To Be Completed At End of August 2011

Image of Queens Side of the Roosevelt Island Bridge Without Pedestrian Safety Barrier

Previous posts have reported on the desire by some for a pedestrian safety barrier on the Queens side of the Roosevelt Island Bridge Pathway. There is an existing pedestrian safety barrier on the portion of the Bridge closer to the Roosevelt Island side

Image of Roosevelt Island Side of Roosevelt Island Bridge with Safety Barrier

but it does not extend to the Queens side of the Bridge.

Queens Side of Roosevelt Island Bridge without Safety Barrier

Roosevelt Island's NY State Assembly Member Micah Kellner and NYC Council Member Jessica Lappin sent this letter to NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) Manhattan Borough Commissioner Margaret Forgione urging that a pedestrian safety barrier be installed along the Queens side of the Roosevelt Island Bridge and that the Roosevelt Island community be apprised of any progress in the construction of such a safety barrier.

Dear Commissioner Forgione,

We are writing in regards to the status of a pedestrian barrier on the Roosevelt Island Bridge. Currently, pedestrians on the eastern side of the bridge do not have a physical barrier to protect them from traffic. Such a barrier was unfortunately and incomprehensibly not included in the original design of the bridge.

The absence of a barrier on the eastern side has created hazardous conditions for the large disabled community on Roosevelt Island, pedestrians with children, and the many others who understandably feel unsafe crossing the bridge while unprotected from traffic. As the only thoroughfare to and from Roosevelt Island, the bridge is extremely busy at all hours of the day. Wheelchair users who cross the bridge risk falling off the curb’s edge. On the extremely narrow path, this can easily occur when individuals attempt to pass one another

Members of the community, including the Roosevelt Island Residents Association and the Roosevelt Island Disabled Association, have contacted us for assistance in meeting with the Department of Transportation (DOT) to determine the best way to incorporate a barrier into the existing structure. We understand that this problem has been acknowledged by the DOT, and that you have been examining the issue. However, the community has not been kept apprised of any progress that has been made towards the construction of a barrier.

The absence of this barrier is a tragic accident waiting to happen. We ask that you meet with local community leaders to discuss the future plans for the bridge. Thank you for your attention in this matter.

Commissioner Forgione responded by saying no to a pedestrian safety barrier on the Queens side of the  Roosevelt Island Bridge because, according to the DOT, the sidewalk is in compliance with required standards.

Click on text above to read the DOT Commissioner's response or read it below.
DOT Roosevelt Island Bridge Pedestrian Safety Barrier Letter

During last night's Roosevelt Island Resident's Association (RIRA) meeting, Kellner's staffer Robert Atterbury told the Council Members that Assembly Member Kellner and Council Member Lappin are working on reversing DOT's decision as well as setting up a meeting between Roosevelt Island community members and DOT officials to further explain the need for a Roosevelt Island Bridge pedestrian safety barrier along the Queens side of the Bridge.

DOT Commissioner Forgione also reports in her letter to Mr. Kellner and Ms. Lappin that the often delayed $86.5 million Roosevelt Island Bridge Rehabilitation Project's new completion date is now the end of August 2011.

This means that there will be more testing on the Roosevelt Island Bridge.

Image of Roosevelt Island Bridge Opening From Jonathan Hoo

According to the DOT:

The New York City Department of Transportation Division of Bridges will again resume testing the newly rehabilitated Roosevelt Island Bridge on Monday, June 6th at 10:00 a.m. The bridge will be fully closed for up to 15 minutes. All traffic in the queue must dissipate before a second 15-minute closure can occur.. Testing will conclude daily by 2:00 p.m. and be completed on June 10th. Electrical and mechanical testing requires intermittent closures of the bridge to vehicular and pedestrian traffic. In the weeks after June 10th, should sporadic testing be necessary, NYCDOT will inform the Roosevelt Island community and the general public.

The work is weather sensitive and inclement weather may cause the work to be rescheduled or delayed. Should this occur, additional notification of the revised schedule will be provided. Variable message boards will inform motorists and pedestrians of the closures. NYPD Traffic Enforcement Agents will assist with traffic control at Vernon Blvd and 36th Avenue. During the bridge testing, NYPD, NYFD and EMS units will be available to Roosevelt Island residents and visitors by dialing 911.

Click On Image to Enlarge

Waiting To Cross The Open Roosevelt Island Bridge During Extended NYC Department Of Transportation Testing Period - Tomorrow May Be The Last Day For Testing of Roosevelt Island Bridge Rehabilitation Project

Image of Roosevelt Island Bridge Opening From Jonathan Hoo

Jonathan Hoo was trying to make his way across the Roosevelt Island Bridge this morning when he could go no further.

Image of Roosevelt Island Bridge Opening From Jonathan Hoo

What else could he do but Tweet:

Roosevelt Island Bridge raised. No roadway ahead!

Image of Roosevelt Island Bridge Opening From Jonathan Hoo

Mr. Hoo adds:

The bridge was not up because of a ship passing. I was talking to the construction worker on site and he said it was just a routine test...backing up traffic all the way to Main Street for 15+ minutes at 10:15AM.

Image of Roosevelt Island Bridge Opening From Jonathan Hoo

On May 18 the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) issued this advisory:

Attached please find a notice from the DOT, with regard to the five day extension of the limited daytime closures of the Roosevelt Island Bridge scheduled between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., weekdays, from Monday, May 23rd to Friday, May 27th.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

Image From DOT (Click To Enlarge)

The NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) explains:

The New York City Department of Transportation Division of Bridges began testing the newly rehabilitated Roosevelt Island Bridge on May 3rd, 2011. Testing was anticipated to be completed on Friday May 20th. A five day extension in the testing program is required to complete the entire testing program. We apologize for any inconvenience created by the additional testing schedule.

The bridge will be fully closed to all traffic for up to 15 minutes. All traffic in the queue must dissipate before a second 15-minute closure can occur.

Testing will conclude daily by 2:00 p.m. and is expected to be completed on May 27th. The work is weather sensitive and inclement weather may cause the work to be rescheduled or delayed. Should this occur, additional notification of the revised schedule will be provided. Variable message boards will inform motorists and pedestrians of the closures. NYPD Traffic Enforcement Agents will assist with traffic control at Vernon Blvd and 36th Avenue. During the bridge testing, NYPD, NYFD and EMS units will be available to Roosevelt Island residents and visitors by dialing 911.

Image of Roosevelt Island Bridge Opening From Jonathan Hoo

Perhaps the testing will be over by tomorrow and the Roosevelt Island Bridge Rehabilitation Project completed but we've heard that before. Maybe this time, it's true.

More on the $86.5 million Roosevelt Island Bridge Rehabilitation Project from earlier posts. Still no word on weather a pedestrian safety barrier will be installed on the Queens side of Roosevelt Island Bridge Pathway.

Fortunately, Mr. Hoo did not try an Evel Knievel by jumping from one side of the open Roosevelt Island Bridge to the other. 

Image From The Onion

Roosevelt Island Bridge Closings Scheduled For Month of May But No Word Yet From DOT On Pedestrian Safety Barrier - Council Member Lappin and Assembly Member Kellner Ask Why?

Click on Image to Enlarge

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp. (RIOC):

RIOC Advisories

Please be advised the DOT will be performing test openings on the Roosevelt Island Bridge which will begin Tuesday, May 3rd until Friday, May 20th. These openings will be conducted Monday through Friday from the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Each test opening will take anywhere from 8 to 10 minutes to be completed and will be appropriately spaced to prevent the least amount of disturbance to vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

No word yet on whether the Department of Transportation (DOT) will be installing the pedestrian safety barrier on the Queens side of the Roosevelt Island Bridge that was reported on in previous posts as part of the Bridge's $86.5 million rehabilitation project.

Image Of Queens Side Of Roosevelt Island Bridge With No Safety Barrier

Roosevelt Island Disabled Association (RIDA) President Jim Bates explains why he thinks a pedestrian safety barrier is needed for the entire length of the Roosevelt Island Bridge:

As a enabled wheelchair scooter riding person I challenge any of you who feel a barrier is not necessary to hop on a wheelchair or motorized scooter and go on the walkway and see what happens when your wheelchair is about 1 inch from the on coming traffic.

It is nearly impossible for 2 wheelchairs traveling in opposite direction to pass each other on the walkway or a wheelchair and a baby carriage or a wheelchair and a shopping cart.

What about the danger of a slippery surface and children on the walkway or a bicycle coming towards you, (yes I know it's illegal to ride a bike on the walkway, you tell that to the cyclist). I could go on.

Safety first for all Islanders should be what you should be thinking and saying.

Just do it !

Roosevelt Island's NYC Council Member Jessica Lappin and NY State Assembly Member Micah Kellner wrote the following letter to the DOT's Manhattan Borough Commissioner Margaret Forgione urging that a pedestrian safety barrier be installed along the entire Roosevelt Island Bridge and that the Roosevelt Island community be apprised of any progress in the construction of such a safety barrier. From Ms. Lappin and Mr. Kellner:

Dear Commissioner Forgione,

We are writing in regards to the status of a pedestrian barrier on the Roosevelt Island Bridge. Currently, pedestrians on the eastern side of the bridge do not have a physical barrier to protect them from traffic. Such a barrier was unfortunately and incomprehensibly not included in the original design of the bridge.

The absence of a barrier on the eastern side has created hazardous conditions for the large disabled community on Roosevelt Island, pedestrians with children, and the many others who understandably feel unsafe crossing the bridge while unprotected from traffic. As the only thoroughfare to and from Roosevelt Island, the bridge is extremely busy at all hours of the day. Wheelchair users who cross the bridge risk falling off the curb’s edge. On the extremely narrow path, this can easily occur when individuals attempt to pass one another

Members of the community, including the Roosevelt Island Residents Association and the Roosevelt Island Disabled Association, have contacted us for assistance in meeting with the Department of Transportation (DOT) to determine the best way to incorporate a barrier into the existing structure. We understand that this problem has been acknowledged by the DOT, and that you have been examining the issue. However, the community has not been kept apprised of any progress that has been made towards the construction of a barrier.

The absence of this barrier is a tragic accident waiting to happen. We ask that you meet with local community leaders to discuss the future plans for the bridge. Thank you for your attention in this matter.

Below is the full letter from Ms. Lappin and Mr. Kellner:
RI Bridge Letter

The DOT may not be concerned about a pedestrian safety barrier for the Roosevelt Island Bridge pathway but Streetsblog reports that DOT is trying to make crossing 36th Avenue at the Roosevelt Island Bridge safer:

At the foot of the Roosevelt Island Bridge, DOT is showing off how a few simple improvements can turn a dangerous intersection into a safer one. It’s not a flashy redesign — just a pair of pedestrian refuges and improved crosswalks — but it’s a good example of the street safety improvements that are becoming increasingly common.

Right now, pedestrians crossing 36th Avenue where it becomes the entrance to the bridge must walk 107 feet from sidewalk to sidewalk: six lanes of traffic with no safe place for pedestrians to pause...

The DOT plan for making 36th Avenue by the Roosevelt Island Bridge safer is here. Why can't DOT make the Roosevelt Island Bridge pathway safer as well?

Testing On Newly Rehabilitated Roosevelt Island Bridge Begins Monday, March 21 Thru Mid April - Daily Intermittent Full Closings For Up To 15 minutes, Will Emergency Vehicles Be Stationed On Island During This Time?

Image Of Raised Roosevelt Island Bridge

Be advised that there will be traffic disruptions driving to and from Roosevelt Island via the Roosevelt Island Bridge beginning tomorrow until mid April. According to RIOC:

As a reminder, per the attached notice, the DOT will be performing test openings of the Roosevelt Island Bridge between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., weekdays, from Monday, March 21st to Friday, April 15th.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

Click On Image To Enlarge

The NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) adds:

The New York City Department of Transportation Division of Bridges will begin testing the newly rehabilitated Roosevelt Island Bridge on Monday March 21st at 10:00 a.m. The bridge will be fully closed for up to 15 minutes. All testing will be concluded daily by 2:00 p.m. The testing program is expected to be completed on or before April 15th. Testing requires intermittent closures of the bridge to vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

The work is weather sensitive and inclement weather may cause the work to be rescheduled or delayed. Should this occur, additional notification of the revised schedule will be provided. Variable message boards will inform motorists and pedestrians of the closures. NYPDC Traffic Enforcement Agents will assist with traffic control at Vernon Blvd and 36th Avenue. During the bridge testing, NYPD, NYFD and EMS units will be available to Roosevelt Island residents and visitors by dialing 911.
FOR MORE INFORMATION

Questions regarding the bridge closure may be addressed to Fred Herschkowitz, Community Liaison at 212-839-6307 or fherschkowitz@dot.nyc.gov. You may also call the New York City Government Services and Information Hotline at 311.    Please be prepared to give your name, your borough, and the project number, HBM1117, to be routed to the project management team.

Does the DOT's notice characterizing the Roosevelt Island Bridge as:

 ... the newly rehabilitated Roosevelt Island Bridge...

 mean that the rehabilitation of the Bridge is completed except for testing?

No word yet on whether the DOT's Roosevelt Island Reconstruction $86.5 million project will  include a pedestrian safety barrier for the Queens side of the Bridge as reported on in this earlier post.

Also, with testing being done on the Roosevelt Island Bridge and vehicle access denied during this time, will emergency service vehicles be stationed on Roosevelt Island in case they are needed? I hope RIOC, the DOT or whoever the appropriate authority is will be ready for the possible need of an ambulance, FDNY or NYPD response to Roosevelt Island during the time the Bridge is not passable. The DOT notice states that such service will be available by dialing 911.

After Spending $86.5 Million On Reconstruction Of Roosevelt Island Bridge, Why Is There No Pedestrian Safety Barrier On Queens Side Of Bridge? Please Explain New York City Department Of Transportation

Image Of Queens Side Of Roosevelt Island Bridge With No Safety Barrier Today

Why is there no pedestrian safety barrier on the Queens side of the Roosevelt Island Bridge? As anyone can clearly see from the picture above, this is a hazardous area because there's not a lot of room on the sidewalk, particularly for wheelchairs and strollers which are very common on Roosevelt Island.  Why can't a safety barrier be installed on the street side of the sidewalk?

It's not as though a pedestrian barrier for this part of the Roosevelt Island Bridge is a new idea. The Roosevelt Island Disabled Association has been asking for one for a long time.  Roosevelt Island 360 wrote about the need for a pedestrian safety barrier for the Roosevelt Island Bridge in August of 2007.

... When I first read the pamphlets and DOT webpage about the Roosevelt Island Bridge reconstruction I took the phrase new “pedestrian safety fencing” to refer to the railing of the bridge. I have always been concerned about my kids walking alongside the rail and either dropping toys down to the water or falling through themselves.

It was only after reading the phrase again that I realized it refers to a fence separating pedestrians from passing cars and trucks. OK, I should have realized that from the get go. It never made sense how the original designers (Knappen Tippetts Abbott Engineering Company of NYC) of a bridge projected to expect 640 vehicle crossings a day felt that a pedestrian safety fence was not necessary in the first place....

Well, a pedestrian safety barrier is necessary for the whole Roosevelt Island Bridge, not just on the Roosevelt Island side

Image Of Pedestrian Barrier On Roosevelt Island Side Of Roosevelt Island Bridge

Image Of Pedestrian Barrier On Roosevelt Island Side Of Roosevelt Island Bridge

but all the way to the Queens side of the Bridge as well.

Image Of Roosevelt Island Bridge Pathway From Ben Kravitz

The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Island Services Committee is making the installation of such a safety barrier one of it's priorities for the coming year, From the February RIRA Island Services Report:

o Pedestrian safety barrier on Queens side of RI bridge – Goal is to have the Department of Transportation install a pedestrian safety barrier similar to the barrier on the RI side of the bridge. (Jim Bates is lead person.)

After spending at least $86.5 million on the Roosevelt Island Bridge Reconstruction Project, you would think that the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) would include a safety barrier protecting pedestrians from the cars and trucks using the Bridge ON THE WHOLE BRIDGE and not just a portion of it.

The work on the reconstruction of the Roosevelt Island Bridge is expected to be completed by March 2011, which is next month. According to the DOT:

... The project will include the complete rehabilitation of the Roosevelt Island Bridge. Reconstruction will take place in three stages over three years. Currently, the lift span is non-operational and marine traffic must pass using the West Channel of the East River. The project cost is $86.5 million.
This project is expected to be completed by March 2011.

Work Completed (as of February 2010)

• Replace the entire roadway deck and approaches – completed ahead of schedule
• Construct a new turning lane from the bridge onto Vernon Boulevard southbound – completed ahead of schedule
• Replace bearings to current seismic codes
• Remove existing paint and repainting the entire bridge – 98% complete
• Install new sidewalks and pedestrian safety fencing – 98% complete
• Repair all deteriorated structural elements, river piers and the timber fender system – 95% complete...

It is interesting to note that as of February 2010 the DOT considered 98% of the work completed to install new sidewalks and pedestrian safety fencing yet no safety barriers were installed on the Queens side of the bridge nor have they been since. Is the remaining 2% considered to be the pedestrian safety barrier on the Queens side? If so, will it be completed by March 2011? We shall soon see.

In other Roosevelt Island Bridge news, the DOT will be conducting period test openings of the Roosevelt Island Bridge over the next two weeks.  According to the following advisory from RIOC:

Please be advised the DOT will be performing test openings on the Roosevelt Island Bridge on Thursday, February 17th and Friday, February 18th from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

and

Please be advised the DOT will be performing test openings on the Roosevelt Island Bridge on Tuesday, February 22nd, Wednesday, February 23rd and Thursday, February 24th from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

More information available on the Roosevelt Island Bridge and it's Reconstruction Project from earlier posts.

UPDATE 1/18 - The Roosevelt Island Disabled Association (RIDA) explains the importance of a pedestrian safety barrier for the entire Roosevelt Island Bridge.