RFK Bridge Testing Affects LaGuardia Transit Access

RFK Bridge's Harlem River Lift Span closes intermittently May 1 from 12:01-5 a.m. for testing

RFK Bridge Closes for Testing May 1

Travelers heading to LaGuardia Airport or crossing between Manhattan and Queens should plan for delays early Friday morning. The MTA's Bridges and Tunnels division will conduct bridge lift testing at the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge's Manhattan span from 12:01 a.m. to 5 a.m. on May 1, officials announced. The Harlem River Lift Span will close intermittently in both directions during the testing period, with each closure lasting approximately 20 minutes.

Routine Maintenance Ensures Bridge Safety

The overnight testing is necessary to check mechanical functionality and perform routine preventive maintenance on the lift span, according to the MTA. The work is part of the agency's ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and proper functioning of its bridge infrastructure. Bridge lift spans require regular testing to verify that mechanical systems can operate correctly when needed for marine traffic. Officials didn't specify how many times the span will be lifted during the four-hour testing window, though the work will involve multiple bridge lifts throughout the scheduled period.

M60 Bus Service to Airport Affected

Customers traveling on the M60 bus, which provides service to LaGuardia Airport, should expect delays during the testing hours. The M60 is a key transit connection between Manhattan and the airport, running across the RFK Bridge. Each intermittent closure of the Harlem River Lift Span will halt traffic in both directions for roughly 20 minutes while the bridge is raised and lowered. Officials advised motorists to consider using alternate routes during the early morning testing period.

Testing Scheduled for Early Friday Morning

The bridge lift testing will take place on Friday, May 1, during the early morning hours from 12:01 a.m. to 5 a.m. The MTA selected the overnight timeframe to minimize disruption to commuters and daytime traffic. Travelers should plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys during these hours, officials said. The testing will involve multiple lifts of the span throughout the four-hour period.

Plan Ahead for Early Morning Travel

Motorists and transit riders crossing the RFK Bridge or traveling to LaGuardia Airport should expect intermittent delays during the early morning hours on May 1. Those with early flights or time-sensitive travel plans should allow extra time and consider alternate routes where possible. Moovit provides real-time updates for M60 bus service and can help travelers plan around the scheduled bridge testing and anticipated delays.