Intermittent Roosevelt Island Bridge Openings And Closings This Week As East River Boat Traffic Diverted To East Channel During 2024 UN General Assembly Week - RIOC Says Traffic Delays May Occur, Extra Security Precautions In Effect With Coast Guard Gunboats In East River Near RI Too

It's that time of the year again, the beginning of United Nations General Assembly week with extra security precautions in effect for NYC.

As world leaders gather in NYC for the 79th United Nations General Assembly, there will be an increase in police presence and heavy traffic in the surrounding areas of the United Nations. If you're traveling, give yourself extra time and use public transportation when possible. pic.twitter.com/C4tf16OgpW

— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) September 23, 2024

For Roosevelt Island, there will be intermittent closings of the Roosevelt Island bridge as East River traffic is diverted from the West Channel to the East Channel and Coast Guard Gunboats are patrolling the East River near Roosevelt Island.

#HeadsUp

The 79th United Nation General Assembly security zones are now in effect until Saturday. The Coast Guard’s news release can be seen at https://t.co/Bhbx4iZbMb. East River closures can be found at https://t.co/obVcV8vY6H @UN @NYPDnews @SecretService @FDNY @NYSDEC pic.twitter.com/JMK9jiiqDM

— USCG_Tri_State (@USCG_Tri_State) September 22, 2024

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

2024 U.N. General Assembly | R.I. Bridge Operations

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) will take place from Sunday, September 22nd through Saturday, September 28th. Due to necessary changes in marine traffic, 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. Please keep this in mind when planning your vehicular travel next week.

Roosevelt Island residents have expressed concern about the Roosevelt Island Bridge being closed preventing emergency vehicles such as ambulances and fire trucks from getting on and off Roosevelt Island.

RIOC Public Safety Department Chief Kevin Brown tried to lessen those concerns by reporting during the September 19, Community Engagement meeting that an EMS ambulance truck, FDNY and NYPD personnel will be stationed on Roosevelt Island during UN General Assembly Week. Chief Brown said the bridge could open and close 10-15 times a day this week. Here's what he said.

As reported in prior years during the UN General Assembly Week, here's the:  

... View of raised Roosevelt Island Bridge from passing sailboat on East River east channel...

and the Roosevelt Island Bridge being lowered:

... 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....

and traffic jam on the Roosevelt Island Bridge 

waiting for it to reopen as a sailboat passes underneath.

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 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 2021 United Nations General Assembly Session - Bridge Got Stuck This Afternoon Causing Lines And Delays On Both Sides Of Bridge

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

Next week, 9/20-9/24 as well as 9/27, are Gridlock Alert Days due to the UN General Assembly. More info: https://t.co/retl9SIrwV

Motorists are advised to use public transit and #BikeNYC. pic.twitter.com/Snt6X1PwiK

— NYC DOT (@NYC_DOT) September 16, 2021

Mid September is the the opening of the United Nations General Assembly Session and 2021 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 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.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @rooseveltislander

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

The United Nations General Assembly will take place from Monday, 9/20 to Saturday, 9/25. During this time, the Roosevelt Island bridge will open on demand from 7 AM to 7 PM. Please be advised that each opening should take anywhere from 8 to 12 minutes to be completed.

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

This afternoon, the Roosevelt Island Bridge got stuck during opening and closing causing lines and delays on both sides of the Bridge for about a half hour.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @rooseveltislander

Have not heard of any similar incidents earlier this week.

Residents have expressed concern about the Roosevelt Island Bridge being closed preventing emergency vehicles such as ambulances and fire trucks from getting on and off Roosevelt Island. There was no mention by RIOC about precautions being taken for emergency vehicles but an ambulance is stationed on the Island during UN General Assembly Week. 

Even British PM Boris Johnson had to make alternative travel arrangements during 2021 UN General Assembly Week.

You know East Side traffic must be bad when British prime minister Boris Johnson decides to speed walk to the UN with his security detail. #unga @ABC7NY pic.twitter.com/Mg79ZDJBlY

— N. J. Burkett (@njburkett7) September 21, 2021

UPDATE 9/24 - View of raised Roosevelt Island Bridge from passing sailboat on East River east channel.

During last night's Roosevelt Island Emergency Preparedness workshop, RIOC Public Safety Chief Kevin Brown and Deputy Chief Anthony Amoroso discussed some of the security and safety preparations undertaken during UN General Assembly Week for the Roosevelt Island Bridge.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @rooseveltislander

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

Annual 2 Week Intermittent Roosevelt Island Bridge Traffic Closings For UN General Assembly Session Starts Today - RI Residents Worried Coast Guard Puts Community At Increased Risk For Emergency Vehicle Response Delays In Favor Of Recreational Boaters

During @UN General Assembly 9/18-9/30 the @uscoastguard will close the West Channel of the East River & marine traffic will divert to East Channel. As needed #RooseveltIslandBridge will close to all traffic for up to 15min at a time btn 7AM-7PM to permit marine traffic to pass. pic.twitter.com/pb8qST7wZj

— NYC DOT (@NYC_DOT) September 10, 2018

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 2018 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.

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

According to the NYC Department of Transportation:

While the United Nations General Assembly is in session, from Tuesday, September 18, through Sunday, September 30, 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:

During the UN General Assembly Sept. 18-30, expect more bridge opening activity as all East River water traffic is redirected through the Roosevelt Island Bridge. Please be advised that each opening will take no longer than eight to 10 minutes to complete. 

Every year at this time, the increased Roosevelt Island Bridge traffic closings raises the risk to the health and safety of Roosevelt Island residents who may need emergency services such as FDNY, NYPD and ambulances. As Roosevelt Island resident Raye Schwartz wrote last year:

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....

In response to these annual public safety concerns a RIOC spokesperson replied last year:

... 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.

A new year and recreational boats are still allowed to put the health and safety of Roosevelt Island residents at risk during UN General Assembly Week.

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?

Build And Fly Your Own Kite In Honor Of International Peace Day & UN General Assembly At Roosevelt Island FDR Four Freedoms Park Saturday, September 23

The Roosevelt Island FDR Four Freedoms Park (FDR Park) invites you to Build and Fly A Kite to honor International Peace Day and the UN General Assembly. According to the FDR Park:

Let's go a flight a kite!
Saturday, September 23
11am – 4pm

Drop-in to our free kite-making workshops on Saturday at FDR Four Freedoms Park and build your own kite as part of Roosevelt Island's Fall for Arts Festival! In honor of International Peace Day and the UN General Assembly, design your kites with symbols of freedom and peace and then fly them on the great lawn.

12pm – 4pm: Free kite-flying demonstration by acclaimed kite-flier Archie Stewart.
12pm – 1pm: Roosevelt Island branch Library and author Marie Letourneau present a special storytime session at the Park.
1pm – 1:30pm: Real life stories from human rights heroes relating the four freedoms to today’s time.

Activities are free and suitable for all ages. Registration is recommended; drop-in between 11am and 4pm.

More information and registration at the FDR Park web site.

Jane Goodall on International Peace Day.



As Ms. Goodall says, small acts of individual kindness contribute to Peace.

UPDATE 1:30 PM - Former Cornell President David Skorton, who was instrumental in bringing Cornell Tech to Roosevelt Island, and current Secretary of the Smithsonian has an International Peace Day Challenge.

I'll hope you'll join me celebrating International Peace Day tomorrow, Sept. 21 and take me up on this #PeaceDayChallenge pic.twitter.com/SndUySOPNt

— David J. Skorton (@DavidJSkorton) September 20, 2017

Roosevelt Island Ferry Service On Astoria Route Suspended 9:15 AM - 3:40 PM Tuesday, September 19 Due To United Nations General Assembly

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Due to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, September 19, 2017, service on the Astoria Ferry route will be Suspended between the hours of 9:15 am and 3:40 pm. Astoria service will be restored as of 3:40 pm from pier 11 and 4:05 pm from Astoria

for more information please visit: https://www.ferry.nyc/service-alerts

Image From NYC Ferry

IMPORTANT SERVICE ALERT –ALL ROUTES: Tuesday, September 19th: Please visit: https://t.co/20js0ubVMj for more information.

— NYC Ferry (@NYCferry) September 19, 2017

Due to UN General Assembly @NYCferry riders should expect service disruptions on East River lines from 9/19-9/25. https://t.co/cBIyRpLaTv.

— NYCEM - Notify NYC (@NotifyNYC) September 19, 2017

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 Upcoming 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.  The opening of the 2015 United Nations General Assembly Session 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.

U.S. Coast Guard announces East River restrictions & closures 25 Sept-4 Oct, 2015 for United Nations General... http://t.co/0Cabjzu2HG

— Working Harbor (@WorkingHarbor) September 22, 2015

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

The NYC Department of Transportation Division of Bridges will be opening the Roosevelt Island Bridge on demand from 7 AM- 7 PM for marine traffic from Friday, September 25, 2015 to Friday, October 2, 2015 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.

The NYC Department of Transportation adds:

Please see the attached Important Notice announcing intermittent daytime full closures of the Roosevelt Island Bridge over the East Channel of the East River during the upcoming session of the United Nations General Assembly. From Friday, September 25, to Friday, October 2, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., the West Channel of the East River will be closed to marine traffic; vessels will be diverted to the East Channel, between Roosevelt Island and Queens. The Roosevelt Island Bridge will therefore be intermittently closed to all vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle traffic for up to 15 minutes at a time.

Coast Guard News reports:

East River security zone restrictions:

Zone 1: This zone is always in effect. No vessels within 175 yards of Manhattan between East 35th Street and the Queensboro/59th Street Bridge in the west channel of the East River. Commercial vessels must check in with the VTS New York (VTSNY) on VHF-FM Channel 12 prior to entering the west channel.

Zone 2: West Channel closure: Sept. 28 to Oct. 2 (7 a.m.- 7 p.m.). No commercial or recreational traffic in the west channel of the East River between East 35th Street and the Queensboro/59th Street Bridge. NYC DEP sludge vessels will not be allowed to transit without 24-hour advance coordination with the Sector New York Enforcement Division.

Zone 3: Full river closure: Sept. 25 and Sept. 28 (Times vary, see restriction/ closure times below) No commercial or recreational traffic in the East River between Eat 35th Street and the Queensboro/ 59th Street Bridge, except commercial passenger vessels on the east channel with the United States Coast Guard Patrol Commander (PATCOM) approval.

Roosevelt Island Bridge openings

1. Vessels that require opening of the Roosevelt Island Bridge must contact the bridge tender at least 15 minutes in advance by phone at, (718) 545-2092 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., or via VHF-FM Channel 13....

Roosevelt Island resident Raye Schwartz is concerned for the safety of Roosevelt Island residents due to the intermittent closings of the Roosevelt Island Bridge.

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

Ms. Schwartz writes:

For those of us on Roosevelt Island, the following transportation issues will impact heavily on over 13,000 people, not only during the Papal visit, but over this coming weekend and the following week for the UN General Assembly meeting.

1. The bridge from Vernon Boulevard to Roosevelt Island is going to open and close frequently to let boats, including pleasure boats, pass on the east channel of the East River. While the bridge is opened, often for 15 or more minutes at a time, no cars, trucks, or emergency vehicles such as FDNY, police or Ambulances can get on or off the island, thus endangering the lives of everyone who lives or works here.
2. MTA is suspending the F train one way for the entire weekend because of planned, non-emergency construction.

DOT blames the Coast Guard who blames Homeland Security who blames the FBI who blames...well you get the picture, I hope.

Seriously, this has to stop. For one thing, if you look at the map, you will notice that if someone who wants to do harm comes south in a boat in the east channel and has the right weapons, they could just as easily create havoc for the UN (or our power plants in the east channel and knock out power to the entire city)!

There should be absolutely no boat traffic whatsoever, except perhaps for fuel deliveries by barge to the power plants along Vernon Boulevard south of the Roosevelt Island Bridge, and if so, they should be done at night rather than during the day. Those deliveries should not cause the bridge to open unnecessarily.

• Two years ago, for example, during the UN general assembly meeting, I was returning home from food shopping and as I approached the bridge, there was an ambulance ahead of me with its siren blasting, but the bridge master chose to ignore the ambulance and instead opened the bridge so the ambulance could not get through. We waited and waited until finally I saw a sailboat travel south down the channel, and that was more than the 15 minutes we anticipated. The person who needed that ambulance could have died because some selfish person decided that it was more fun to use his pleasure boat and nobody stopped him!
• MTA should not interrupt subway service for construction during this period, since we are told that we must depend on mass transit...and yes, many people must travel for work and/or medical situations. You cannot tell us to use mass transit if it is shut down!

My thinking is that this is all for show while over 13,000 people are being endangered and inconvenienced. Therefore, please put your heads together with the Federal, City and State agencies to find a better solution to protect these dignitaries without endangering the lives or inconveniencing of so many of us.

During 2014 UN General Assembly Week, a sailboat crashed

Image From William S

into the Roosevelt Island Bridge.

UPDATE 8:30 PM - The Coast Guard is patrolling the East River by Roosevelt Island.

#rooseveltisland #coastguard #PopeinNYC #unweek pic.twitter.com/d7V1KseKlQ

— FinnYorker (@NYTTYTTYY) September 25, 2015

Roosevelt Island Emergency Safety Concerns Due To RI Bridge Intermittent Closings During UN General Assembly Week Being Addressed - Dedicated Ambulance And Additional FDNY Equipment/Personnel Stationed On Roosevelt Island

Reported previously on emergency safety concerns expressed by Roosevelt Island residents caused by the annual intermittent Roosevelt Island Bridge traffic closings

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

 during the United Nations General Assembly Session.

 Image of United Nations Seen From Roosevelt Island via Wired New York

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Director Jack McManus reports on the following steps that have been taken to address these concerns. According to Mr. McManus:

1. An ambulance has been stationed on Roosevelt Island during UN General Assembly Week and will not take calls for off Island service.
2. The FDNY has pre-staged additional equipment and personnel at the Special Operations Station House on Roosevelt Island that will respond to Roosevelt Island fire calls when the RI Bridge is closed.
3. RIOC is in consultation with NYC Office of Emergency Management to explore new protocols regarding residents safety concerns during future UN General Assembly Week sessions.

While @UN General Assembly is in session next week the Roosevelt Island Bridge may close intermittently for 15min http://t.co/95cKR2zqCj
— NYC DOT (@NYC_DOT) September 15, 2014

Here We Go Again, Intermittent Roosevelt Island Bridge Closings During Upcoming United Nations General Assembly Session September 22-26 - East River West Channel Closed To Boat Traffic

It's that time of year again for Roosevelt Island - the opening of the 2014 United Nations General Assembly Session

 Image of United Nations Seen From Roosevelt Island via Wired New York

which means the diversion of all East River Traffic adjacent to Roosevelt Island to the 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.

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

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

The NYC Department of Transportation’s Division of Bridges has informed that from Monday, September 22nd until Friday, September 26th, the Roosevelt Island bridge will open on demand from 7 AM- 7 PM to accommodate river traffic during the UN General Assembly. Each opening should take about 8-12 minutes to be completed; expect intermittent traffic delays.

While @UN General Assembly is in session next week the Roosevelt Island Bridge may close intermittently for 15min http://t.co/95cKR2zqCj
— NYC DOT (@NYC_DOT) September 15, 2014

UPDATE 9/17 - Heather Cameron shares her experience dealing with intermittent Roosevelt Island Bridge closing:

Five years ago, on September 23rd, I was in labor and on my way to St. Vincent's where I ended up having an emergency cesarean. I spent an excruciating hour and 25 minutes in a car trying to get from the Octagon to the hospital. The bridge had just gone up and we found ourselves in a line of cars. My husband got out and ran to talk to someone...it felt like an eternity later, but the bridge lowered and we were allowed across. (In my haze, I didn't notice if they only let us across, or allowed all the cars to go.) With all the street closings on the east side, the drive there was impossible. I can't remember why we opted not to call an ambulance, but I have to wonder if that would have made much difference. The sea of cars everywhere we went was astounding. My daughter probably would not have been born in the car, given the fact that I ultimately needed a cesarean, but if I'd encountered any other complications in the course of that birth, I shudder to think what the outcome would have been.

Heightened East River Security During Upcoming United Nations General Assembly Opening Session - Unlike Past Years, Area That Is Now Roosevelt Island Southpoint And FDR Four Freedoms Park To Remain Open But Expect Intermittent RI Bridge Traffic Closings For Diverted Boat Traffic

 Image of United Nations from Wired New York

It's that time of year again for Roosevelt Island - the opening of the 2013 United Nations General Assembly Session. In the past that meant the closing of Roosevelt Island's Southpoint Park and the diversion of all East River Traffic adjacent to Roosevelt Island to the East Channel for security precautions due to our proximity to the United Nations.

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Charlene Indelicato's report to the community today advised:

The United Nations General Assembly will hold its 68th session from September 16 to October 5, 2013. Accordingly, there will be heightened security across the river on the East Side surrounding the UN Building and on the Island as well. Four Freedoms Park will be closed to the public for the duration of the General Assembly. Also, expect to see heightened security around transit stations during this time.

But, wait a second. There's a twist this year. Earlier today, I sent the following inquiry to RIOC President Indelicato and Public Safety Director (PSD) John McManus:

Will FDR Four Freedoms Park be closed during UN General Assembly week? I understand that the FDR Park Conservancy wants to keep it open during this time.

Also, will Southpoint Park be open or closed during UN General Assembly Week?

 Image Of United Nations From Roosevelt Island FDR Four Freedoms Park

Ms. Indelicato replied:

Southpoint Park will not be closed - however, not sure what is happening Four Freedom Park. Seems like it is still being negotiated with Four Freedoms

PSD Director McManus replied later:

As a reminder, the UN General Assembly will convene on Monday, September 16th,2013 and close on Saturday, October, 5th,2013. Please be advised that both Southpoint Park and Four Freedoms Park will remain open during that time period.

I followed up with Mr. McManus:

Can you explain why for many years the area that is now Southpoint and FDR Park was closed during the UN General Assembly session because of security reasons but this year those concerns no longer require the closing of the area during the UN General Assembly session?

Also, do you know if all East River boat traffic will be diverted to the East Channel next to Roosevelt island during the UN General Assembly session as during previous years or is that no longer the case this year as well?

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

RIOC then sent out the following advisory:

Please be advised that the U.N. General Assembly will take place from Monday, September 16th, 2013 to Saturday, October 5th, 2013.

Effective Saturday, September 21st, 2013 to Sunday, September 29th, 2013, West Channel harbor traffic will be diverted to the East Channel harbor.

Bridge openings will be conducted daily from 7AM to 7PM. Each opening should take anywhere from 8-12 minutes to be completed.

During this time NYPD, NYFD and EMS will be available to Roosevelt Island residents and visitors by dialing 911. We apologize for any inconvenience created by this schedule.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

Mr. McManus replied to my question stating:

I cannot elaborate on your first question. With respect to your second question, yes, West Channel harbor traffic will be diverted to the East Channel. An advisory regarding that issue was just sent out.

I will seek an explanation from NYPD and update when answer received. Wonder who the Four Freedoms Park was "negotiating" with to stay open?