NYC's RFK Bridge Tests Safety Systems Overnight
MTA conducts routine lift testing on RFK Bridge Manhattan Span from 2-5 a.m. Friday
RFK Bridge Tests Lift System Friday Morning
Motorists using the RFK Bridge Manhattan Span should expect possible delays early Friday morning as the MTA conducts routine lift testing. The testing runs from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m. on September 26, transit officials said. The three-hour maintenance window may include temporary lane closures as crews verify the bridge's mechanical systems are working properly.
Routine Safety Testing
The RFK Bridge, originally opened in 1936 as the Triborough Bridge, connects Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx. Regular testing of movable bridge spans is standard practice for transportation agencies to ensure safety and operational readiness, according to the MTA. The Manhattan Span's lift mechanism requires periodic verification to maintain the bridge's structural integrity and functionality. Officials announced the testing Tuesday, giving travelers two days' notice to adjust their routes if needed.
Testing Window Details
The testing will take place during a three-hour window selected specifically to minimize traffic disruption. Catherine Sheridan, President of MTA Bridges and Tunnels, oversees maintenance operations for the agency's seven bridges and two tunnels. Officials didn't specify how many lanes will be affected or provide typical traffic volumes for the bridge during overnight hours. The MTA described the work as routine maintenance but didn't say how frequently this type of testing occurs.
Early Morning Schedule
The lift testing begins at 2 a.m. Friday and continues until 5 a.m., officials confirmed. Motorists traveling during these hours should plan for potential delays or seek alternate routes. The MTA announced the maintenance work September 24, providing advance notice for commuters who regularly use the bridge during early morning hours. Officials haven't said whether additional testing dates are planned.
Traveler Information
Drivers who regularly cross the RFK Bridge during overnight hours should consider alternate routes or allow extra travel time Friday morning. The testing affects only the Manhattan Span, though officials didn't specify which lanes will be closed. Janno Lieber, Chair and CEO of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, oversees the agency's bridge and tunnel operations. Moovit provides real-time traffic updates and alternate route suggestions for New York City bridges and tunnels.
