By Philip Newman
Starting Monday motorists will lose for months one of the three lanes on the Queens-to-Manhattan ramp of the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge to permit repairs.
The 24-hour-a-day shutdown involves the left-hand lane of the ramp, which leads from the Queens viaduct into the Manhattan toll plaza. The ramp is not expected to be restored until late autumn. The shutdown will start April 11.
“We appreciate our customers’ patience while this necessary work is done to keep this important piece of the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge’s network of roadways in good repair,” said Rocco D’Angelo, engineering director of the RFK Bridge.
Bridge and Tunnel officials said they expected disruption to traffic would be minimal because two lanes will still be open.
Navillus Contractors of Manhattan is performing the work under a $2.5 million contract involving as many as two dozen, full-time, part-time and specialty workers.
The Robert F. Kennedy Bridge, formerly the Triborough Bridge, will be 75 years old in July. The bridge consists of three spans, a viaduct and 14 miles of approach roads linking Manhattan, the Bronx and Queens.
Reach contributing writer Philip Newman by e-mail at timesledgernews@cnglocal.com or phone at 718-260-4536.
