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“During my run today I had a chance to cross over the Roosevelt Island Bridge to Queens and back.” in 4 reviews
“The view is not so great because unfortunately the pedestrian walkway is only on one side (and not the good side either), but still it's not even bad enough to knock off a star.” in 3 reviews
“The bridge connects to a parking garage so that's useful if you take a vehicle.” in 3 reviews
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- Dewan A.Haledon, NJ75119672167Mar 27, 2017
Amazing Bridge.
1) My review is based on my experience walking over this bridge.
2) Walking bridges in NYC is one of my favorite pastime. This bridge did not disappoint.
3) Enjoyed the views. Lots of heavy industries around.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 2Oh no 0 - Jul 29, 2021
During my run today I had a chance to cross over the Roosevelt Island Bridge to Queens and back. It's an interesting bridge with cool structure and terrific views of Queens and Manhattan.
Built in 1955 its actually called Welfare Island Bridge as the island at that time served a different purpose, and was not what it is today. As an all steel bridge it won an award at that time. The name was changed in 1973.
The bridge itself is small and only takes a few minutes to cross. There is a pedestrian only pathway, and a bike path which shares the road along it. On the island side it connects to a parking garage and supermarket. Not much vehicle traffic seems to cross the bridge which makes it a nice trip.
It's also a vertical lift bridge that is only used for times when specific larger boats cross this channel of the East River, or for security purposes when the UN is in session and the west channel is closed.Helpful 9Thanks 0Love this 9Oh no 0 - Mar 5, 2020
A cool bridge. I like it as a pedestrian. Roosevelt Island Bridge connects to Queens. Overall it doesn't get much traffic because not too many people are on the island. The bridge connects to a parking garage so that's useful if you take a vehicle.
A lot of people use it to walk across. It has a walkway on the north side. This is for pedestrian only, and the space is pretty tight. Bicyclists share lanes on the road. There's only two lanes of traffic. It doesn't get a whole lot of vehicles because the island is lightly populated. This is also a draw bridge, so it can move for boats passing through. Pretty much there isn't much to look at from the bridge. There's a whole bunch of factories and industrial stuff.
I only a few times go to Roosevelt Island. Only a few of those times have I used this bridge to get there. The bridge is the most useful as a walkway.Helpful 13Thanks 0Love this 14Oh no 0 - Dec 15, 2020
I wanted to go to Ruse-felt Island on Ruse-felt Island Bridge but it felt like a ruse.
You can walk across to Roosevelt Island using this beautiful little bridge, with sensational views of Queens and of Manhattan behind it.
The island itself is interesting, and the bridge, well, it's short but it's sweet, and it has a parking deck on one side of it which is definitely helpful.Helpful 8Thanks 0Love this 7Oh no 0 - Sadri B.White Plains, NY49934337500Mar 13, 2021
My buddy is lazy but I am not as I walked across the roosevelt Island Bridge from the island to long Island city and its less then a 10 minute walk compared to driving which is seconds as its really a short bridge and It may be the shortest in nyc. The views of Manhattan and queens is semi obstructed by the bridge but still a decent look while walking in either direction. The walkers , bikers and drivers all are able to share the bridge in harmony and that makes my drive or walk across the bridge a happy one .
Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 2Oh no 0 - Valery C.Forest Hills, NY5889711421Apr 27, 2018
The Roosevelt Island Bridge, at a span of just 418 feet, is the shortest bridge across the East River, connecting Roosevelt Island and Queens. It is the only vehicular and pedestrian access on or off the island; public buses pass through as well. It is also a vertical lift bridge, movable if river-faring vessels need higher clearance to pass under.
Dedicated lanes for two-way vehicular and bike traffic are physically separated from a pedestrian walkway on the north side. On the Roosevelt Island side is a large parking facility, good for visitors as street parking on the islands is limited. Unfortunately, the only way for bikes and pedestrians to get between bridge and island is down the desolate indoor staircase or elevators in the parking garage, although there are infrastructure plans for a bike-only ramp. Vehicles have their own ramp down to street level with no sidewalk.
On the Queens side, the bridge starts/ends directly at the Vernon Boulevard and 36th Street intersection, a relatively quiet and industrial area.
It makes a pleasant, albeit brief walk. The views are serviceable, with a waterfront power plant (Ravenswood) on the Queens side and low, blocky buildings on the island. For bikers, the metal grated bridge flooring is not optimal, so navigate with care or bike-walk. Utilitarian bridge, nothing to especially go see, but fine for commuting.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - Sep 18, 2016
I loved this bridge. I crossed it many times when I had a friend living here on the island. Its a very pleasant walkable bridge, but it does have room for cars. Very short and sweet either way.
Not the greatest views if walking, but that's OK too. Walking is the way to do it in NYC and this bridge was built with that in mind.Helpful 7Thanks 0Love this 8Oh no 0 - Joe L.Astoria, Queens, NY1733691041Mar 6, 2016
It's a bridge, and it takes you to Roosevelt Island.
There are some decent views if you look south. Unfortunately, the pedestrian walkway is on the north side.
I've never seen heavy traffic on this bridge, but I've only used it on off-peak times, like the weekend.
Basically, that's it.Helpful 2Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Apr 12, 2015
I was on a walking group to Roosevelt Island ending in Long Island City. We walked around Roosevelt Island and then crossed the bridge to LIC. The bridge itself was beautiful with great architecture. The views were breathtaking and scenic. There was a huge power plant on one side of the bridge. There were a few cars going across the bridge but the traffic wasn't nothing like our other bridges in the City. The walking path of the bridge was shared with bicyclists. This isn't a bridge I would walk across on my own or at night because it was pretty desolate. However, it's a beauty to check out if you're in the area.
Helpful 3Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Mick P.New York, NY24211651Aug 23, 2016
Probably the shortest and most peaceful bridge you could possibly cross in NYC. By foot--it'll take no more than three minutes, and by car--less than ten seconds.
The view is not so great because unfortunately the pedestrian walkway is only on one side (and not the good side either), but still it's not even bad enough to knock off a star.
Also super convenient is the parking lot right off the bridge before you even enter the streets of the island; so you can slyly park your car and completely avoid any traffic on the street (if there ever is any).Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0