View source for Robert F. Kennedy Bridge

{{Short description|Bridge complex in New York City}}
{{Good article}}
{{Use American English|date=July 2022}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2022}}
{{Attached KML|display=title}}
{{Infobox bridge
| bridge_name = Robert F. Kennedy Bridge<br /><small>(Triborough Bridge)</small>
| image = File:Randalls and Wards Islands.JPG
| image_size = 325px
| caption = [[Randalls and Wards Islands]] looking south, showing the RFK Bridge road complex, with the [[Hell Gate Bridge|Hell Gate railroad bridge]] to the northeast (lower left)
| official_name = Robert F. Kennedy Bridge
| also_known_as = RFK Triborough Bridge, Triboro Bridge, RFK Bridge
| carries = 8 lanes of {{jct|state=NY|I|278}} (Bronx and Queens spans)<br />6 lanes of NY 900G (Manhattan span)
| crosses = [[East River]], [[Harlem River]] and [[Bronx Kill]]
| locale = New York City, United States
| coordinates = {{coord|40|46|50|N|73|55|39|W|type:landmark_region:US-NY|display=inline}}
| maint = [[MTA Bridges and Tunnels]]
| id =
| design = [[Suspension bridge]], [[lift bridge]], [[truss bridge]]
| mainspan = {{cvt|1,380|ft}} (Queens span)<br />{{cvt|310|ft}} (Manhattan span)<br />{{cvt|383|ft}} (Bronx span)
| length = {{cvt|2,780|ft}} (Queens span)<br />{{cvt|770|ft}} (Manhattan span)<br />{{cvt|1,600|ft}} (Bronx span)
| width = {{cvt|98|ft}} (Queens span)
| clearance = {{cvt|14|ft|6|in}} (Queens/Bronx spans)<br />{{cvt|13|ft|10|in}} (Manhattan span)
| below = {{cvt|143|ft}} (Queens span)<br />{{cvt|135|ft}} (Manhattan span when raised)<br />{{cvt|55|ft}} (Bronx span)
| traffic = 95,552 (Queens–Manhattan and Bronx–Manhattan, 2016)<ref name="nycdot16"/><br />83,053 (Queens–Bronx, 2016)<ref name="nycdot16">{{cite web |url=http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/nyc-bridge-traffic-report-2016.pdf |title=New York City Bridge Traffic Volumes |date=2016 |publisher=New York City Department of Transportation |page=11 |access-date=March 16, 2018 |archive-date=March 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180311161313/http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/nyc-bridge-traffic-report-2016.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
| cost = $60,300,000<ref name=nyt-2009-06-26>{{Cite news |last=Feuer |first=Alan |date=2009-06-26 |title=Shepherding Millions Across the Rivers and Through the Tolls |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/28/nyregion/28bridge.html |access-date=2023-03-08 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105203005/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/28/nyregion/28bridge.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
| open = {{start date and age|1936|7|11}}
| closed =
| toll = As of August 6, 2023, $11.19 (Tolls By Mail and non-New York [[E-ZPass]]); $6.94 (New York E-ZPass); $9.11 (Mid-Tier NYCSC E-Z Pass)
}}

The '''Robert F. Kennedy Bridge''' ('''RFK Bridge'''; also known by its previous name, the '''Triborough Bridge''') is a complex of [[bridge]]s and elevated expressway viaducts<ref name=MTA /> in [[New York City]]. The bridges link the [[borough (New York City)|boroughs]] of [[Manhattan]], [[Queens]], and [[the Bronx]]. The viaducts cross [[Randalls and Wards Islands]], previously two islands and now joined by landfill.

The RFK Bridge, a [[toll bridge]], carries [[Interstate 278]] (I-278) as well as the [[unsigned highway]] New York State Route 900G. It connects with the [[FDR Drive]] and the [[Harlem River Drive]] in Manhattan, the [[Bruckner Expressway]] (I-278) and the [[Major Deegan Expressway]] ([[Interstate 87 (New York)|Interstate 87]]) in the Bronx, and the [[Grand Central Parkway]] (I-278) and [[Astoria Boulevard]] in Queens. The three primary bridges of the RFK Bridge complex are:<ref name="MTA">{{cite web |url=http://web.mta.info/bandt/html/rfk.html |title=Robert F. Kennedy Bridge |website=[[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]] (MTA) |access-date=November 3, 2015 |quote=The Robert F. Kennedy Bridge (formerly the Triborough Bridge), the authority's flagship facility, opened in 1936. It is actually three bridges, a viaduct, and 14 miles of approach roads connecting Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx. |archive-date=January 21, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130121031012/http://www.mta.info/bandt/html/rfk.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
* The [[vertical-lift bridge]] over the [[Harlem River]], the largest in the world, connecting [[Manhattan#Manhattan Island|Manhattan Island]] to [[Randalls Island]] (all within Manhattan)
* The [[truss bridge]] over [[Bronx Kill]], connecting Randalls Island to the Bronx
* The [[suspension bridge]] over [[Hell Gate]] (a strait of the [[East River]]), connecting Wards Island to [[Astoria, Queens|Astoria]] in Queens

These three bridges are connected by an elevated [[highway]] viaduct across Randalls and Wards Islands and {{convert|14|mi|km}} of support roads. The viaduct includes a smaller span across the former site of [[Little Hell Gate]], which separated Randalls and Wards Islands.<ref name=MTA/><ref name="NYC Parks">See:
* {{cite web |url=http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/triboro-plaza/history |title=Triboro Plaza Highlights : NYC Parks |website=New York City Department of Parks & Recreation |access-date=November 3, 2015 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304111358/http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/triboro-plaza/history |url-status=live}}
* {{cite web |url=http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/triborough-bridge-playground-b/history |title=Triborough Bridge Playground B Highlights : NYC Parks |website=New York City Department of Parks & Recreation |access-date=November 3, 2015 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304205227/http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/triborough-bridge-playground-b/history |url-status=live }}</ref> Also part of the complex is a [[Grade separation|grade-separated]] [[Interchange (road)#Semi-directional T interchange|T-interchange]] on Randalls Island, which sorted out traffic in a way that ensured that drivers paid a toll at only one bank of tollbooths.{{sfn|Caro|1974|pp=366–395}} The tollbooths have since been removed, and all [[Electronic toll collection|tolls are collected electronically]] at the approaches to each bridge.

The bridge complex was designed by Allston Dana with the collaboration of Othmar Ammann and architect [[Aymar Embury II]],<ref name=encnyc>Shanor, Rebecca Read. "Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Bridge [Triborough Bridge]" in {{cite enc-nyc2|page=1110 }}</ref> and has been called "not a bridge so much as a traffic machine, the largest ever built".{{sfn|Caro|1974|pp=366–395}} The [[American Society of Civil Engineers]] designated the Triborough Bridge Project as a [[National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark]] in 1986.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ascemetsection.org/committees/history-and-heritage/landmarks/triborough-bridge |title=Triborough Bridge Project |publisher=ASCE Metropolitan Section |access-date=November 12, 2016 |archive-date=November 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161113122831/http://www.ascemetsection.org/committees/history-and-heritage/landmarks/triborough-bridge |url-status=live }}</ref> The bridge is owned and operated by [[MTA Bridges and Tunnels]] (formally the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority, or TBTA), an affiliate of the [[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]].

==Description==
The RFK Bridge is made of four segments. The three primary spans traverse the [[East River]] to Queens; the [[Harlem River]] to Manhattan; and [[Bronx Kill]] to the Bronx,<ref name="Duffus 1936">{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/07/05/archives/bridge-will-speed-up-traffic-breaking-down-barriers-that-have.html |title=Bridge Will Speed Up Traffic; Breaking Down Barriers That Have Impeded the Flow In and Out of New York, It Is Part of a Vast and Growing Road System |last=Duffus |first=R. L. |date=July 5, 1936 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 10, 2018 |archive-date=November 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111001614/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/07/05/archives/bridge-will-speed-up-traffic-breaking-down-barriers-that-have.html |url-status=live }}</ref> while the fourth is a T-shaped approach viaduct that leads to an interchange plaza between the three primary spans on Randalls Island. The Queens arm of the viaduct formerly crossed Little Hell Gate, a creek located between Randalls Island to the north and Wards Island to the south.<ref name=MTA/> Excluding elevated ramps, the segments are a total of {{Convert|17,710|ft|m}} long, with a {{Convert|13,560|ft|m|-long|adj=mid}} span between the Bronx and Queens, and a {{Convert|4,150|ft|m|-long|adj=mid}} span between Manhattan and the interchange plaza.{{sfn|Caro|1974|p=386}}<ref name="The New York Times 1932">{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1932/01/24/archives/the-triborough-bridge-is-taking-shape-work-is-expected-to-start.html |title=The Triborough Bridge Is Taking Shape; Work Is Expected To Start This Year On The Great Towers Beside Hell Gate |date=January 24, 1932 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106092935/https://www.nytimes.com/1932/01/24/archives/the-triborough-bridge-is-taking-shape-work-is-expected-to-start.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Duffus 1936" /> In total, the bridge contains {{Convert|17.5|mi|km}} of roadway, including elevated ramps.<ref name="The New York Times 1936">{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/07/12/archives/200000-rush-to-use-new-bridge-by-auto-bus-cycle-and-on-foot.html |title=200,000 Rush to Use New Bridge By Auto, Bus, Cycle and on Foot; Presidential Party First to Drive Over 17 1/2 Miles of Span – Rush at All Approaches When Barriers Are Lifted on Word Flashed by Police Radio – Boy Bicyclist First at Toll Booth |date=July 12, 1936 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 10, 2018 |archive-date=November 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111002004/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/07/12/archives/200000-rush-to-use-new-bridge-by-auto-bus-cycle-and-on-foot.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

The bridge was primarily designed by chief engineer [[Othmar H. Ammann]] and architect [[Aymar Embury II]].<ref name="encnyc" /> Wharton Green served as the [[Public Works Administration]] (PWA)'s resident engineer for the project.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/03/29/archives/ickes-names-green-project-engineer-appointee-will-supervise.html |title=Ickes Names Green Project Engineer; Appointee Will Supervise Triborough Bridge And Hudson Tunnel Construction. |date=March 29, 1935 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 8, 2018 |archive-date=November 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108224730/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/03/29/archives/ickes-names-green-project-engineer-appointee-will-supervise.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Triborough Bridge, February 2022.jpg|thumb|left|300px|The East River suspension bridge, pictured in 2022]]

===East River suspension bridge (I-278)===

The East River span, a [[suspension bridge]] across the [[Hell Gate]] of the East River, connects Queens with Wards Island. It carries eight lanes of [[Interstate 278]], four in each direction, as well as a sidewalk on the northeastern side. The span connects to [[Grand Central Parkway]], and indirectly to the [[Brooklyn–Queens Expressway]] (I-278), in [[Astoria, Queens]].<ref name="google">{{google maps|url=https://www.google.com/maps/place/Robert+F.+Kennedy+Bridge,+Bronx,+NY/@40.7954244,-73.9387847,14z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x89c25f44554a5649:0xb7f52dc6926015c0!8m2!3d40.795424!4d-73.9212752|title=Robert F. Kennedy Bridge|access-date=November 1, 2018 }}</ref> Originally it connected to the intersection of 25th Avenue and 31st Street; the former was later renamed Hoyt Avenue.<ref name="The New York Times 1931" /> The suspension span was designed by chief engineer [[Othmar Ammann]].{{sfn|Rastorfer|2000|p=93}} The span was originally designed to be double-decked, with eight lanes on each deck.{{sfn|Rastorfer|2000|p=106}}<ref name="The New York Times 1932" /> When the construction of the Triborough Bridge was paused in 1932 due to lack of funding, the suspension span was downsized to a single deck. There are [[Warren truss]]es on each side of the span, which stiffen the deck.{{sfn|Rastorfer|2000|p=106}}

The center span between the two suspension towers is {{Convert|1,380|ft|m|0}} long,{{sfn|Rastorfer|2000|p=106}}<ref name="p1269892716">{{cite news |date=6 July 1947 |title=Triborough Bridge Roadway 'Floats': Always Moving on Cushion of Ball Bearings |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=A48 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1269892716}} }}</ref> and the side spans between the suspension towers and the anchorages are each {{Convert|700|ft|m|0}} long.{{sfn|Rastorfer|2000|p=106}} The total length of the bridge is {{Convert|2,780|ft|m|0}}, and the deck is {{convert|98|ft|m}} wide.{{sfn|Rastorfer|2000|p=106}} The columns under the Wards Island approach roadway were originally placed atop 400,000 steel [[ball bearing]]s, allowing the roadway to move sideways by up to {{Convert|13.25|in}} in either direction.<ref name="p1269892716" />

At mean high water, the towers are {{Convert|315|ft|m|0}} tall, and there is {{convert|143|ft|m|0}} of clearance under the middle of the main span.{{sfn|Rastorfer|2000|p=106}} The suspension towers were originally designed by Arthur I. Perry. Each tower was supposed to have two ornate arches at the top, similar to the [[Brooklyn Bridge]], and was to have been supported by four legs: two on the outside and two in the center.{{sfn|Rastorfer|2000|pp=110–111}}<ref name="The New York Times 1932" /> A 1932 article described that each tower would be made of 5,000 tons of material, including 3,680 tons of steel.<ref name="The New York Times 1932" /> The final design of the suspension towers, by Ammann, consists of comparatively simple [[cross bracing]] supported by two legs.{{sfn|Rastorfer|2000|pp=110–111}} The tops of each tower contain [[cast iron]] saddles in the [[Art Deco]] style, over which the bridge's main cables run. These are topped by {{Convert|30|ft|m|adj=on}} decorative lanterns with red [[aircraft warning lights]].{{sfn|Rastorfer|2000|p=113}}

The span is supported by two main cables, which suspend the deck and are held up by the suspension towers. Each cable is {{Convert|20|in|cm}} in diameter and contains {{Convert|10,800|mi|km}} of individual wires.<ref name="Feuer 2009" /> Each main cable is composed of 37 strands of 248 wires, for a total of 9,176 wires in each cable. The wires are fastened together by "strand shoes", placed at regular intervals.<ref name="p1221973115">{{cite news |last=Allen |first=Raymond |date=2 June 1935 |title=Crew Weaving Cables Call Wind and Rain Worst Foes: Carelessness Causes Most Accidents, 'Catwalkers' Report From Perches 315 Ft. Above East River; Families Carry On Traditions of Risky Trade |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=A1 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1221973115}} }}</ref> At the Wards Island and Astoria ends of the suspension span, there are two anchorages that hold the main cables.<ref name="The New York Times 1932" /><ref name="p1221973115" /> The anchorages contain a combined 133,500 tons of concrete.<ref name="Feuer 2009" /> There are also bents atop each anchorage, which conceal the ends of each main cable.<ref name="p1221973115" />

[[File:Harlem River Lift Bridge Triboro jeh.jpg|thumb|300px|The Harlem River lift bridge in 2007]]

===Harlem River lift bridge (NY 900G)===
{{For|the railroad bridge between Manhattan and the Bronx|Harlem River Lift Bridge}}
{{Infobox road small
|state=NY
|type=Ref
|route=900G
|location=[[Manhattan, New York|Manhattan]]
|length_mi=0.66
|length_ref=<ref name=2014tdr>{{cite web |url=https://www.dot.ny.gov/divisions/engineering/technical-services/hds-respository/NYSDOT_Traffic_Data_Report_2014.pdf |title=2014 Traffic Data Report for New York State |date=July 22, 2015 |publisher=[[New York State Department of Transportation]] |access-date=January 14, 2020 |archive-date=June 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160605122340/https://www.dot.ny.gov/divisions/engineering/technical-services/hds-respository/NYSDOT_Traffic_Data_Report_2014.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
|formed=
}}

The Harlem River span is a [[lift bridge]] that connects Manhattan with Randalls Island, designed by chief engineer Ammann.{{sfn|Rastorfer|2000|p=93}} It carries six lanes of '''New York State Route 900G''' ('''NY 900G'''), an unsigned [[reference route (New York)|reference route]], as well as two sidewalks, one on each side.<ref name="p1237390911">{{cite news |date=30 Apr 1936 |title=Will Hoist Span To Triborough Bridge Sunday |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=5 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1237390911}} }}</ref> The span connects to [[FDR Drive]] and [[Harlem River Drive]], as well as the intersection of [[Second Avenue (Manhattan)|Second Avenue]] and [[125th Street (Manhattan)|East 125th Street]], in [[East Harlem]], Manhattan. At the time of its completion, the Harlem River lift bridge had the largest deck of any lift bridge in the world, with a surface area of {{Convert|20,000|sqft|m2}}. To lighten the deck, it was made of asphalt paved onto steel girders, rather than of concrete.{{sfn|Rastorfer|2000|p=102}}

The movable span is {{Convert|310|ft|m|0}} long<ref name="p1237390911" />{{sfn|Rastorfer|2000|p=102}} and {{Convert|92|ft}} wide.<ref name="p1237390911" /> The side spans between the movable span and the approach viaducts are each {{Convert|195|ft|m|0}} long. The total length of the bridge is {{Convert|700|ft|m|0}}.{{sfn|Rastorfer|2000|p=102}} The towers are {{Convert|210|ft|m|0}} above mean high water. Each of the lift towers is supported by two clusters of four columns, which supports the bridge deck. A curved truss at the top of each pair of column clusters forms an arch directly underneath the deck.{{sfn|Rastorfer|2000|p=102}}

The lift span is {{Convert|55|ft|m|0}} above mean high water in the "closed" position, but can be raised to {{convert|135|ft|m|0}}.<ref name="p1237390911" />{{sfn|Rastorfer|2000|p=97}} The movable section is suspended by a total of 96 wire ropes, which are wrapped around [[pulley]]s with {{Convert|15|ft|m|adj=on}} diameters.{{sfn|Rastorfer|2000|p=97}} These pulleys, in turn, are powered by four motors that can operate at {{Convert|200|hp|0}}.{{sfn|Rastorfer|2000|p=102}}<ref name="Brock 1935">{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/04/28/archives/a-triborough-giant-flings-out-its-steel-arms.html |title=A Triborough Giant Flings Out Its Steel Arms |last=Brock |first=H. I. |date=April 28, 1935 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 8, 2018 |archive-date=November 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108224951/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/04/28/archives/a-triborough-giant-flings-out-its-steel-arms.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Exit list====
NY 900G is officially maintained as a north–south route, despite its largely east-west progression.<ref name=2014tdr/> {{NYinttop|borough=Manhattan|unnum=yes|length_ref=<ref name=900g-googlemap>{{google maps |url=https://www.google.com/maps/dir/40.7983978,-73.9231216/40.8027192,-73.9327136/@40.8004538,-73.930352,17.22z/am=t/data=!4m2!4m1!3e0 |title=New York State Route 900G |access-date=January 23, 2020 }}</ref>}}
{{NYCint
|location_special=[[Randall's Island]]
|lspan=2
|mile=0.0
|road={{jct|state=NY|I|278|to2=yes|I|87|dir2=north|city1=Bronx|city2=Queens|location3=[[Aviation in the New York metropolitan area|Airports]]|extra=airport}}
|notes=Southern terminus; exit 46 on I-278
}}
{{NYCint
|mile=0.1
|road=[[Randalls and Wards Islands|Randalls Island]], [[Icahn Stadium]]
|type=incomplete
|notes=Southbound exit and northbound entrance; access via Central Road
}}
{{jctbridge
|location_special=[[Harlem River]]
|mile=0.2
|mile2=0.4
|bridge=Bridge (southbound toll)
|type=etc
}}
{{NYCint
|location=East Harlem
|borough=Manhattan
|lspan=3
|mile=0.4
|mspan=2
|road={{jct|state=NY|Parkway|FDR|dir1=south}}
|notes=Northbound exit and southbound entrance; exit 17 on FDR Drive
|type=incomplete
}}
{{NYCint
|mile=none
|type=incomplete
|road={{jct|state=NY|Parkway|Harlem River|dir1=north}}
|notes=Northbound exit and southbound entrance; exit 17 on Harlem River Drive
}}
{{NYCint
|mile=0.6
|road=[[125th Street (Manhattan)|East 125th Street]] / [[2nd Avenue (Manhattan)|2nd Avenue]]
|notes=Northern terminus; [[at-grade intersection]]
}}
{{jctbtm|keys=incomplete,etc}}

===Bronx Kill crossing (I-278)===
[[File:Triboro Bronx Kill jeh.JPG|thumb|Bronx Kill crossing in 2008]]

The Bronx Kill span is a [[truss bridge]] that connects the Bronx with Randalls Island. It carries eight lanes of I-278, as well as two sidewalks, one on each side. The span connects to [[Major Deegan Expressway]] ([[Interstate 87 (New York)|I-87]]) and the [[Bruckner Expressway]] (I-278) in [[Mott Haven, Bronx]].<ref name="google"/> It originally connected to the intersection of East 134th Street and Cypress Avenue, a site now occupied by the interchange between I-87 and I-278.<ref name="The New York Times 1931" /> The truss span was designed by consulting engineers Ash-Howard-Needles and Tammen.{{sfn|Rastorfer|2000|p=93}}

The Bronx Kill span contains three main truss crossings, which are fixed spans because the Bronx Kill is not used by regular boat traffic.<ref name="Brock 1935" /> The main truss span across the Bronx Kill is {{Convert|383|ft|m|0}} long,{{sfn|Rastorfer|2000|p=93}} while the approaches are a combined {{Convert|1,217|ft|m|0}}.<ref name="NYC Parks"/>{{sfn|Rastorfer|2000|p=93}} The total length of the bridge is {{Convert|1,600|ft|m|0}}. The truss span is {{Convert|55|ft|m|0}} above mean high water.{{sfn|Rastorfer|2000|p=93}}

===Interchange plaza and approach viaducts===
{{multiple image
|width=250
|align=right
|direction=vertical
|image1=TBB toll plaza expansion 2016 Aug jeh.jpg
|caption1=Renovation of interchange plaza viaduct, seen in 2016
|alt1=An elevated roadway being widened, seen from the ground
|image2=TBB HQ sunny Feb AM jeh.jpg
|caption2=TBTA headquarters on Randalls Island, near the Manhattan span
|alt2=A two-story stone building with trees in front
}}

The three spans of the RFK Bridge intersect at a [[Grade separation|grade-separated]] [[Interchange (road)#Semi-directional T interchange|T-interchange]] on Randalls Island.<ref name="google" /> The span to Manhattan intersects perpendicularly with the I-278 viaduct between the Bronx and Queens spans.<ref name="Brock 1935" /> Although I-278 is signed as a west-east highway, the orientation of I-278 on the bridge is closer to a north-south alignment, with the southbound roadway carrying westbound traffic, and the northbound roadway carrying eastbound traffic.<ref name="google" /> Two circular ramps carry traffic to and from eastbound I-278 and the RFK lift bridge to Manhattan.<ref name="google" />{{sfn|Rastorfer|2000|p=105}}<ref name="Brock 1935 2">{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/05/12/archives/fast-travel-over-bridge-triborough-route-will-provide-steady-run.html |title=FAST TRAVEL OVER BRIDGE; Triborough Route Will Provide Steady Run Without Lights |last=Brock |first=H. I. |date=May 12, 1935 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 8, 2018 |archive-date=November 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108224924/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/05/12/archives/fast-travel-over-bridge-triborough-route-will-provide-steady-run.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Randalls and Wards Islands are accessed via exits and entrances to and from westbound I-278; to and from the westbound lift bridge viaduct; to eastbound I-278; and from the eastbound lift bridge viaduct. Eastbound traffic on I-278 accesses the island by first exiting onto the lift bridge viaduct.<ref name="google" />

The interchange plaza originally contained two tollbooths: one for traffic traveling to and from Manhattan, and one for traffic traveling on I-278 between the Bronx and Queens. The tollbooths were arranged so vehicles only paid one toll upon entering Randalls and Wards Islands, and there was no charge to exit the island.{{sfn|Caro|1974|pp=366–395}}{{sfn|Rastorfer|2000|p=105}}<ref name="Brock 1935 2" /> The elevated toll plazas had a surface area of about {{Convert|9|acre|ha}} and were supported by 1,700 columns, all hidden behind a concrete retaining wall.{{sfn|Rastorfer|2000|p=105}} In 2017, the MTA started collecting all tolls [[Electronic toll collection|electronically]] at the approaches to each bridge,<ref name="NY1 2017" /> and the tollbooths were removed from the toll plazas on the RFK Bridge and all other MTA Bridges and Tunnels crossings.<ref name="Walker 2017">{{cite web |last=Walker |first=Ameena |title=NYC's last remaining toll booths are removed from bridges and tunnels |website=Curbed NY |date=September 30, 2017 |url=https://ny.curbed.com/2017/9/30/16389626/nyc-cashless-tolls-whitestone-bridge-throgs-neck-bridge |access-date=September 7, 2019 |archive-date=October 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009165652/https://ny.curbed.com/2017/9/30/16389626/nyc-cashless-tolls-whitestone-bridge-throgs-neck-bridge |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Newsday"/>

The Robert Moses Administration Building, a two-story [[Art Deco]] structure designed by Embury, served as the headquarters of the TBTA (now the MTA's [[MTA Bridges and Tunnels|Bridges and Tunnels]] division). The building was next to the Manhattan span's plaza, to which it was connected. In 1969, the Manhattan span's toll plaza was moved west and the I-278 toll plaza was moved south, and both toll plazas were expanded more than threefold. This required the destruction of the building's original towers. A room was built in 1966 to store Moses's models and blueprints of planned roads and crossings, but they were moved to the MTA's headquarters at [[2 Broadway]] in the 1980s. The building was renamed after Moses in 1989.<ref name="Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) 2011">{{cite web |url=http://www.mta.info/news/2011/01/18/bt-archive-robert-moses-building |title=From the B&T Archive: The Robert Moses Building |date=January 18, 2011 |website=Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) |access-date=November 14, 2018 |archive-date=November 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114224207/http://www.mta.info/news/2011/01/18/bt-archive-robert-moses-building |url-status=live }}</ref>

The interchange plaza connects with the over-water spans via a three-legged concrete viaduct that has a total length of more than {{Convert|2.5|mi|km}}. The segments of the viaduct rest atop steel [[girder]]s, which in turn are placed perpendicularly between concrete [[Pier (architecture)|piers]] spaced {{Convert|60|to|140|ft|m}} apart.{{sfn|Rastorfer|2000|p=102}} Each pier is supported by a set of three octagonal columns. The viaduct is mostly eight lanes wide, except at the former locations of the toll plazas, where it widens. The viaduct once traversed Little Hell Gate, a small creek that formerly separated Randalls Island to the north and Wards Island to the south; the waterway has since been filled in.{{sfn|Rastorfer|2000|p=105}} The viaduct rose {{Convert|62|ft|m}} above the mean high water of Little Hell Gate.<ref name="Brock 1935" />

==Development<span class="anchor" id="History"></span>==
===Planning===

==== Initial plans ====
[[Edward A. Byrne]], chief engineer of the New York City Department of Plant and Structures, first announced plans for connecting Manhattan, Queens and the Bronx in 1916.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/M108F/ |title=Triboro Plaza |publisher=New York City Department of Parks & Recreation |access-date=February 25, 2010 |archive-date=June 15, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090615000644/http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/M108F/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{sfn|Rastorfer|2000|p=93}} The next year, the Harlem Boards of Trade and Commerce and the Harlem Luncheon Association announced their support for such a bridge, which was proposed to cost $10&nbsp;million. The "Tri-Borough Bridge", as it was called, would connect 125th Street in Manhattan, St. Ann's Avenue in the Bronx, and an as-yet-undetermined location in Queens. It would parallel the [[Hell Gate Bridge]], a railroad bridge connecting Queens and the Bronx via Randalls and Wards Islands.<ref>{{cite web |title=Proposed Triborough Bridge Across The Harlem And East Rivers, Connecting Manhattan, Bronx, And Queens Boroughs |work=The New York Times |date=January 14, 1917 |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1917/01/14/archives/proposed-triborough-bridge-across-the-harlem-and-east-rivers.html |access-date=October 1, 2018 |archive-date=November 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111133716/https://www.nytimes.com/1917/01/14/archives/proposed-triborough-bridge-across-the-harlem-and-east-rivers.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Plans for the Tri-Borough Bridge were bolstered by the 1919 closure of a ferry between [[Yorkville, Manhattan|Yorkville]] in Manhattan and Astoria in Queens.<ref>{{cite web |title=Proposed Triborough Bridge Over Harlem And East Rivers |work=The New York Times |date=January 5, 1919 |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1919/01/05/archives/proposed-triborough-bridge-over-harlem-and-east-rivers-closing-of.html |access-date=October 1, 2018 |archive-date=November 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111133641/https://www.nytimes.com/1919/01/05/archives/proposed-triborough-bridge-over-harlem-and-east-rivers-closing-of.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Image:Triborough Bridge map crop.png|thumb|225px|Map of the bridge's path, highlighted in red|alt=]]

A bill to construct the bridge was proposed in the New York State Legislature in 1920.<ref>{{cite web |title=Harlem-To-Queens Bridge Proposed |work=The New York Times |date=February 3, 1920 |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1920/02/03/archives/harlemtoqueens-bridge-proposed-bill-introduced-by-senator-dowling.html |access-date=October 1, 2018 |archive-date=June 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621005507/https://www.nytimes.com/1920/02/03/archives/harlemtoqueens-bridge-proposed-bill-introduced-by-senator-dowling.html |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Gustav Lindenthal]], who had designed the Hell Gate Bridge, criticized the Tri-Borough plan as "uncalled for", as the new Tri-Borough Bridge would parallel the existing Hell Gate Bridge. He stated that the Hell Gate Bridge could be retrofitted with an upper deck for vehicular and pedestrian use.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspapers%252023%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Greenpoint%2520Daily%2520Star%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Greenpoint%2520Daily%2520Star%25201919-1920%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Greenpoint%2520Daily%2520Star%25201919-1920%2520-%25200795.pdf |title=Tri-Boro Bridge is "Uncalled For", Says Lindenthal |work=Greenpoint Daily Star |date=February 19, 1920 |access-date=November 1, 2018 |page=1 |via=Fultonhistory.com |archive-date=February 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219211935/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspapers%2023/Brooklyn%20NY%20Greenpoint%20Daily%20Star/Brooklyn%20NY%20Greenpoint%20Daily%20Star%201919-1920/Brooklyn%20NY%20Greenpoint%20Daily%20Star%201919-1920%20-%200795.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Queens [[borough president]] Maurice K. Connolly also opposed the bridge, arguing that there was no need to construct a span between Queens and the Bronx due to low demand. Connolly also said that a bridge between Queens and Manhattan needed to be built further downstream, closer to the [[Queensboro Bridge]], which at the time was the only bridge between the two boroughs.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%25209%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%25201920%2520Feb-Oct%2520Grayscale%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%25201920%2520Feb-Oct%2520Grayscale%2520-%25200546.pdf |title=Connolly Opposes Proposed Bridge |work=New York Sun |date=February 15, 1920 |access-date=November 1, 2018 |page=1 |via=Fultonhistory.com |archive-date=February 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219211811/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%209/New%20York%20NY%20Sun/New%20York%20NY%20Sun%201920%20Feb-Oct%20Grayscale/New%20York%20NY%20Sun%201920%20Feb-Oct%20Grayscale%20-%200546.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Bridge Plan Opposed. Tri-Borough Structure Declared Unnecessary By Queens President. |work=The New York Times |date=February 7, 1920 |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1920/02/07/archives/bridge-plan-opposed-triborough-structure-declared-unnecessary-by.html |access-date=October 1, 2018 |archive-date=March 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180307222126/https://www.nytimes.com/1920/02/07/archives/bridge-plan-opposed-triborough-structure-declared-unnecessary-by.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

The [[Port of New York Authority]] included the proposed Tri-Borough Bridge in a report to the New York state legislature in 1921.<ref>{{cite web |title=New Tri-borough Bridge; Port Authority Will Include Structure in Its Report. |work=The New York Times |date=December 1, 1921 |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1922/01/01/archives/new-triborough-bridge-port-authority-will-include-structure-in-its.html |access-date=October 1, 2018 |archive-date=August 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220812084139/https://www.nytimes.com/1922/01/01/archives/new-triborough-bridge-port-authority-will-include-structure-in-its.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The following year, the planned bridge was also included in a "transit plan" published by Mayor [[John Francis Hylan]], who called for the construction of the Tri-Borough Bridge as part of the city-operated [[Independent Subway System]] (see {{section link||Public transportation}}).<ref name="NYTimes-Subway-1922">{{cite web |title=Hylan Announces His $600,000,000 Plan For Transit; Proposes to Construct 35 More Subways, Extensions, Tunnels and Bridges |work=The New York Times |date=August 28, 1922 |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1922/08/28/archives/hylan-announces-his-600000000-plan-for-transit-proposes-to.html |access-date=October 1, 2018 |archive-date=June 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621005454/https://www.nytimes.com/1922/08/28/archives/hylan-announces-his-600000000-plan-for-transit-proposes-to.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="NYDN-Subway-1922">{{cite news |title=Hylan Offers Transit Plan |work=Daily News |location=New York |access-date=November 1, 2018 |via=Newspapers.com |date=August 28, 1922 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25021251/hylan_offers_transit_plan/ |page=26 |archive-date=February 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219211807/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-hylan-offers-transit-plan/25021251/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In March 1923, a vote was held on whether to allocate money to perform surveys and test borings, as well as create structural plans for the Tri-Borough Bridge. The borough presidents of Manhattan and the Bronx voted for the allocation of the funds, while the presidents of Queens and [[Staten Island]] agreed with Hylan, who preferred the construction of the new subway system instead of the Tri-Borough Bridge.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hulbert Likens Hylan To A Crab; |work=The New York Times |date=May 5, 1923 |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1923/05/05/archives/hulbert-likens-hylan-to-a-crab-i-dont-believe-in-crawling-backward.html |access-date=October 1, 2018 |archive-date=June 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621005454/https://www.nytimes.com/1923/05/05/archives/hulbert-likens-hylan-to-a-crab-i-dont-believe-in-crawling-backward.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The bridge allocation was ultimately not approved.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mayor Hylan Going To Albany Today; Will Plead Before Legislature for Home Rule and Transit Bills |work=The New York Times |date=March 11, 1924 |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1924/03/11/archives/mayor-hylan-going-to-albany-today-will-plead-before-legislature-for.html |access-date=October 1, 2018 |archive-date=June 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621005531/https://www.nytimes.com/1924/03/11/archives/mayor-hylan-going-to-albany-today-will-plead-before-legislature-for.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Another attempt at obtaining funds was declined in 1924, although there was a possibility that the bridge could be built based on assessment plans that were being procured.<ref>{{cite news |title=City Won't Pay for Surveys for Tri-Boro Bridge |work=Daily Star |date=March 11, 1924 |pages=[http://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2015/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Star/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Star%201923/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Star%201924%20-%200779.pdf 1], [http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252015%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Star%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Star%25201923%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Star%25201924%2520-%25200780.pdf 2] |via=Fultonhistory.com }}</ref>

==== Funding ====
The Tri-Borough Bridge project finally received funding in June 1925, when the city appropriated $50,000 for surveys, test borings and structural plans. Work started on a tentative design for the bridge.<ref name="NYC Parks" /><ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1925/06/25/archives/bourne-jr-jailed-on-wifes-charge-son-of-head-of-singer-sewing.html |title=Celebrate Proposed Tri Borough Bridge |date=June 25, 1925 |work=The New York Times |access-date=October 1, 2018 |archive-date=December 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181202202654/https://www.nytimes.com/1925/06/25/archives/bourne-jr-jailed-on-wifes-charge-son-of-head-of-singer-sewing.html |url-status=live }}</ref> By December 1926, the $50,000 allotment had been spent on bores.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1926/12/17/archives/triborough-bridge-comes-up-monday-goldman-to-tell-of-plan-which.html |title=Tri-borough Bridge Comes Up Monday; Goldman to Tell of Plan Which Then Goes to Berry for Opinion on Financing. |date=December 17, 1926 |work=The New York Times |access-date=October 1, 2018 |archive-date=December 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181202202748/https://www.nytimes.com/1926/12/17/archives/triborough-bridge-comes-up-monday-goldman-to-tell-of-plan-which.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Around the same time, the proposal to convert the Hell Gate Bridge resurfaced.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25027944/new_auto_bridge/ |title=New Auto Bridge? |date=December 17, 1926 |work=Daily News |location=New York |access-date=November 1, 2018 |page=33 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=December 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181202202642/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25027944/new_auto_bridge/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Albert Goldman, the Commissioner of Plant and Structures, had finished a tentative report for the Tri-Borough Bridge by that time; however, it was not immediately submitted to the [[New York City Board of Estimate]] as a result of a reorganization of the city's proposed budget.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1926/12/21/archives/cuts-to-fit-budget-held-up-for-berry-estimate-board-awaits-report.html |title=Cuts To Fit Budget Held Up For Berry; Estimate Board Awaits Report on Sum to Be Available for $713,000,000 Projects |date=December 21, 1926 |work=The New York Times |access-date=October 1, 2018 |archive-date=December 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181203010839/https://www.nytimes.com/1926/12/21/archives/cuts-to-fit-budget-held-up-for-berry-estimate-board-awaits-report.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25028075/triborough_span_plans_modified/ |title=Tri-Borough Span Plans Modified |work=Daily News |location=New York |date=December 21, 1926 |page=69 |access-date=November 1, 2018 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=December 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181203010845/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25028075/triborough_span_plans_modified/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Goldman finally published the report in March 1927, stating that the bridge was estimated to cost $24.6&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1927/03/25/archives/triborough-bridge-to-cost-24625000-goldman-completes-plans-and.html |title=Tri-borough Bridge To Cost $24,625,000; Goldman Completes Plans, and Estimate Board Sets April 21 for Public Hearing. |date=March 25, 1927 |work=The New York Times |access-date=October 1, 2018 |archive-date=December 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181202202700/https://www.nytimes.com/1927/03/25/archives/triborough-bridge-to-cost-24625000-goldman-completes-plans-and.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He explained that the Hell Gate Bridge only had enough space for five lanes of roadway, so a new bridge would have to be constructed parallel to it.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25028256/triborough_bridge_objections_refuted/ |title=Triborough Bridge Objections Refuted |date=April 23, 1927 |work=Daily News |location=New York |access-date=November 1, 2018 |page=36 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=December 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181202202631/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25028256/triborough_bridge_objections_refuted/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Though two mayoral committees endorsed the Tri-Borough plan,<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1927/05/07/archives/committee-backs-triborough-bridge-goldman-project-for-queens.html |title=Committee Backs Tri-Borough Bridge; Goldman Project For Queens, Manhattan And Bronx Goes To Plan And Survey Body |date=May 7, 1927 |work=The New York Times |access-date=October 1, 2018 |archive-date=June 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621005551/https://www.nytimes.com/1927/05/07/archives/committee-backs-triborough-bridge-goldman-project-for-queens.html |url-status=live }}</ref> as did several merchants' associations,<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1927/05/22/archives/merchants-back-triborough-bridge-association-also-approves-the.html |title=Merchants Back Tri-borough Bridge; Association Also Approves the Vehicular Tunnel Under the East River |date=May 22, 1927 |work=The New York Times |access-date=October 1, 2018 |archive-date=June 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621005458/https://www.nytimes.com/1927/05/22/archives/merchants-back-triborough-bridge-association-also-approves-the.html |url-status=live }}</ref> construction was delayed for a year because of a lack of funds.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1927/05/11/archives/triborough-bridge-held-up-for-a-year-lack-of-city-funds-seen-as-bar.html |title=Tri-borough Bridge Held Up For A Year; Lack of City Funds Seen as Bar to $25,000,000 Project and the $50,000,000 East River Tube |date=May 11, 1927 |work=The New York Times |access-date=October 1, 2018 |archive-date=April 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180403032414/https://www.nytimes.com/1927/05/11/archives/triborough-bridge-held-up-for-a-year-lack-of-city-funds-seen-as-bar.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The Board of Estimate did approve $150,000 in May 1927 for preliminary borings and soundings.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1927/05/27/archives/first-fund-is-voted-for-triboro-bridge-estimate-board-appropriates.html |title=First Fund Is Voted For Tri-boro Bridge; Estimate Board Appropriates $150,000 for Preliminary Soundings and Borings |date=May 27, 1927 |work=The New York Times |access-date=October 1, 2018 |archive-date=June 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621005449/https://www.nytimes.com/1927/05/27/archives/first-fund-is-voted-for-triboro-bridge-estimate-board-appropriates.html |url-status=live }}</ref> That September, a group of entrepreneurs proposed to fund the bridge privately.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1927/09/22/archives/offers-to-finance-triborough-bridge-capitalists-committee-tells.html |title=Offers To Finance Tri-borough Bridge; Capitalists' Committee Tells Acting Mayor Private Funds Can Be Obtained. |date=September 22, 1927 |work=The New York Times |access-date=October 1, 2018 |archive-date=June 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621005507/https://www.nytimes.com/1927/09/22/archives/offers-to-finance-triborough-bridge-capitalists-committee-tells.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Under this plan, the bridge would be set up as a [[toll bridge]], and ownership would be transferred to the city once the bridge was paid for.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1927/09/29/archives/offers-plan-to-pay-for-triboro-bridge-bf-yoakum-suggests-private.html |title=Offers Plan To Pay For Tri-Boro Bridge; B. F. Yoakum Suggests Private Capital Be Used For The Construction |date=September 29, 1927 |work=The New York Times |access-date=October 1, 2018 |archive-date=June 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621005451/https://www.nytimes.com/1927/09/29/archives/offers-plan-to-pay-for-triboro-bridge-bf-yoakum-suggests-private.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In August 1928, Mayor [[Jimmy Walker]] received a similar proposal from the Long Island Board of Commerce to build the Tri-Borough Bridge using $32&nbsp;million of private capital.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1928/08/21/archives/mayor-gets-bridge-offer-but-declines-to-discuss-32000000-triborough.html |title=Mayor Gets Bridge Offer; But Declines to Discuss $32,000,000 Tri-Borough Proposal. |date=August 21, 1928 |work=The New York Times |access-date=October 1, 2018 |archive-date=June 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621005556/https://www.nytimes.com/1928/08/21/archives/mayor-gets-bridge-offer-but-declines-to-discuss-32000000-triborough.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The Queens Chamber of Commerce also favored setting up tolls on the bridge to pay for its construction.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1928/12/02/archives/favors-tolls-for-triboro-bridge-feasibility-of-that-plan-explained.html |title=Favors Tolls For Tri-boro Bridge; Feasibility of That Plan Explained by Queens Chamberof Commerce. |date=December 2, 1928 |work=The New York Times |access-date=October 1, 2018 |archive-date=April 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419053235/https://www.nytimes.com/1928/12/02/archives/favors-tolls-for-triboro-bridge-feasibility-of-that-plan-explained.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Yet another plan called for financing the bridge using proceeds from a [[Bond (finance)|bond]] issue, which would also pay for the proposed [[Queens–Midtown Tunnel]].<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1928/12/21/archives/bond-issue-weighed-to-relieve-traffic-mayor-discusses-program-to.html |title=Bond Issue Weighed To Relieve Traffic; Mayor Discusses Program to Ease Congestion at Once With Lawmakers |date=December 21, 1928 |work=The New York Times |access-date=October 1, 2018 |archive-date=June 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621005635/https://www.nytimes.com/1928/12/21/archives/bond-issue-weighed-to-relieve-traffic-mayor-discusses-program-to.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Tri-Borough Bridge was being planned in conjunction with the [[Brooklyn–Queens Expressway]], which would create a continuous highway between the Bronx and [[Brooklyn]] with a southward extension over [[The Narrows]] to [[Staten Island]]. In January 1929, New York City aldermanic president [[Joseph V. McKee]] endorsed the bridge, saying there was enough funding to begin one of four proposed bridges on the expressway's route.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/01/03/archives/says-city-has-cash-to-start-new-span-mckee-urges-agreement-on-one.html |title=Says City Has Cash To Start New Span; McKee Urges Agreement on One Bridge to Brooklyn So It Can Be Begun at Once |date=January 3, 1929 |work=The New York Times |access-date=October 1, 2018 |archive-date=November 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103091825/https://www.nytimes.com/1929/01/03/archives/says-city-has-cash-to-start-new-span-mckee-urges-agreement-on-one.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The newly elected borough president of Queens, [[George U. Harvey]], also endorsed the bridge, as did Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce leader [[George Vincent McLaughlin]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25028931/queens_chief_in_triboro_big_three/ |title=Queens Chief in Tri-Boro Big Three |date=January 4, 1929 |work=Daily News |location=New York |access-date=November 1, 2018 |page=368 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103052321/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25028931/queens_chief_in_triboro_big_three/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Trade groups petitioned Mayor Walker to take up the bridge's construction.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/01/18/archives/trade-bodies-urge-triborough-bridge-early-action-to-ease-traffic.html |title=Trade Bodies Urge Tri-borough Bridge; Early Action to Ease Traffic Congestion Is Demanded at Bronx Chamber Luncheon |date=January 18, 1929 |work=The New York Times |access-date=October 1, 2018 |archive-date=November 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103052337/https://www.nytimes.com/1929/01/18/archives/trade-bodies-urge-triborough-bridge-early-action-to-ease-traffic.html |url-status=live }}</ref> By the end of the month, Walker acquiesced, and he had included both the Tri-Borough Bridge and a [[Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge#Early plans|tunnel under the Narrows]] in his 10-year traffic program.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/01/30/archives/50year-traffic-aid-pledged-by-mayor-he-decries-piecemeal-program.html |title=50-year Traffic Aid Pledged By Mayor; He Decries Piecemeal Program and Promises Basis for Full Plan in 3 Months |date=January 30, 1929 |work=The New York Times |access-date=October 1, 2018 |archive-date=November 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103091836/https://www.nytimes.com/1929/01/30/archives/50year-traffic-aid-pledged-by-mayor-he-decries-piecemeal-program.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The preliminary borings were completed by late February 1929.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ready To Construct Tri-borough Bridge; Commissioner Goldman Says Borings for Which Funds Were Provided Are Finished. |work=The New York Times |date=February 24, 1929 |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/02/24/archives/ready-to-construct-triborough-bridge-commissioner-goldman-says.html |access-date=October 1, 2018 |archive-date=November 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103052330/https://www.nytimes.com/1929/02/24/archives/ready-to-construct-triborough-bridge-commissioner-goldman-says.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The results of the preliminary borings showed that the [[bedrock]] in the ground underneath the proposed bridge was sufficient to support the spans' foundations.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/08/07/archives/bridge-borings-finished-preliminary-tests-for-triboro-span-show.html |title=Bridge Borings Finished; Preliminary Tests for Triboro Span Show Bedrock Is Good. |date=August 7, 1929 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 5, 2018 |archive-date=November 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105202846/https://www.nytimes.com/1929/08/07/archives/bridge-borings-finished-preliminary-tests-for-triboro-span-show.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In early March, the Board of Estimate voted to start construction on the bridge and on the Narrows tunnel once funding was obtained. The same month, the board allocated $3&nbsp;million toward the bridge's construction.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25029220/citys_boosting_slate_boosted_by/ |title=City's Boosting Slate Boosted by $156,552,450 |date=March 13, 1929 |work=Daily News |location=New York |access-date=November 1, 2018 |page=12 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103052258/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25029220/citys_boosting_slate_boosted_by/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/03/13/archives/city-acts-to-speed-bridge-and-tunnel-walker-and-civic-delegates-go.html |title=City Acts To Speed Bridge And Tunnel; Walker and Civic Delegates Go to Albany Today to Urge New Commission |date=March 13, 1929 |work=The New York Times |access-date=October 1, 2018 |archive-date=November 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103091813/https://www.nytimes.com/1929/03/13/archives/city-acts-to-speed-bridge-and-tunnel-walker-and-civic-delegates-go.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Separately, the Board of Estimate voted to create an authority to impose toll charges on both crossings.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/03/22/archives/toll-power-voted-for-bridge-and-tube-estimate-board-passes-bill-to.html |title=Toll Power Voted For Bridge And Tube; Estimate Board Passes Bill to Fix Charges on Triborough Span and Narrows Tunnel |date=March 22, 1929 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 3, 2018 |archive-date=November 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103091840/https://www.nytimes.com/1929/03/22/archives/toll-power-voted-for-bridge-and-tube-estimate-board-passes-bill-to.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In April 1929, the New York state legislature voted to approve the Tri-Borough Bridge as well as a prison on [[Rikers Island]] before adjourning for the fiscal year.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/04/02/archives/city-hails-passage-of-bridge-measure-success-of-bills-at-albany.html |title=City Hails Passage Of Bridge Measure; Success of Bills at Albany Opens Way for Tri-Borough Span and Riker's Island Prison. |date=April 2, 1929 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 3, 2018 |archive-date=November 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103052335/https://www.nytimes.com/1929/04/02/archives/city-hails-passage-of-bridge-measure-success-of-bills-at-albany.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The same month, New York state governor [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]] signed the bill to approve the move of about 700 beds in Wards Island's mental hospital, which were in the way of the proposed bridge's suspension span to Queens.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25061471/insane_hospital_loses_700_beds_by/ |title=Insane Hospital Loses 700 Beds by Bridge Pier |last=Limpus |first=Lowell |date=April 10, 1929 |work=Daily News |location=New York |access-date=November 2, 2018 |page=138 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103052307/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25061471/insane_hospital_loses_700_beds_by/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The New York state legislature later approved a bill that provided for moving the Queens span's Wards Island end, {{Convert|1100|ft|m}} to the west, thereby preserving hospital buildings from demolition.<ref name="The New York Times 1929" />

==== Finalization of plans ====
[[File:RFK Bridge at sunrise vc.jpg|thumb|300x300px|Queens suspension span over the East River, seen at dusk]]
The bridge was ultimately planned to cost $24&nbsp;million and was planned to start construction in August 1929.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25125781/5_cents_plus_1400000000_walkers/ |title=5 Cents Plus $1,400,000,000 Walker's Fare Next Fall |last=Ruppel |first=Louis |date=June 9, 1929 |work=Daily News |location=New York |access-date=November 5, 2018 |page=217 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105202456/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25125781/5_cents_plus_1400000000_walkers/ |url-status=live }}</ref> By July, the groundbreaking was scheduled for September.<ref name="The New York Times 1929 2">{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/07/26/archives/fete-to-mark-start-of-triborough-span-plans-laid-for-celebration-in.html |title=Fete To Mark Start Of Triborough Span; Plans Laid for Celebration in September at Beginning of Construction |date=July 26, 1929 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 5, 2018 |archive-date=November 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105202959/https://www.nytimes.com/1929/07/26/archives/fete-to-mark-start-of-triborough-span-plans-laid-for-celebration-in.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The preliminary Triborough Bridge proposal comprised four bridges: a suspension span across the East River to Queens; a truss span across Bronx Kill to the Bronx; a fixed span across the Harlem River to Manhattan; and a steel arch viaduct across the no-longer-extant Little Hell Gate between Randalls and Wards Islands.<ref name="The New York Times 1929 2" />

In August 1929, plans for the bridge were submitted to the [[United States Department of War]] for approval to ensure that the proposed Tri-Borough Bridge would not block any maritime navigation routes. Railroad and shipping groups objected that the proposed Harlem River span, with a height of {{Convert|50|ft|m}} above mean high water, was too short for most ships, and suggested building a {{Convert|135|ft|m|-high|adj=mid}} suspension span over the Harlem River instead.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/07/31/archives/see-shipping-peril-in-triborough-span-rail-and-harbor-interests-say.html |title=See Shipping Peril In Triborough Span; Rail and Harbor Interests Say Clearance of Harlem River Crossing Is Too Low |date=July 31, 1929 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 5, 2018 |archive-date=November 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105202651/https://www.nytimes.com/1929/07/31/archives/see-shipping-peril-in-triborough-span-rail-and-harbor-interests-say.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Because of complaints about maritime navigational clearance, the Department of War approved an increase in the Harlem River fixed bridge's height to {{Convert|55|ft|m}}, as well as an increase in the length of the Hell Gate suspension bridge's main span from {{Convert|1100|to|1380|ft|m}}.<ref name="The New York Times 1929" />

=== Initial construction ===
The scale of the Triborough Bridge project, including its approaches, was such that hundreds of large apartment buildings were demolished to make way for it. The structure used concrete from factories "from Maine to the Mississippi", and steel from 50 mills in Pennsylvania. To make the [[formwork]] for pouring the concrete, a forest's worth of trees on the [[West Coast of the United States|Pacific Coast]] was cut down.{{sfn|Caro|1974|p=386}} [[Robert Caro]], the author of a biography on [[Long Island State Park Commission|Long Island State Parks]] commissioner and [[Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority]] chairman [[Robert Moses]], wrote about the project:<blockquote>Triborough was not a bridge so much as a traffic machine, the largest ever built. The amount of human energy expended in its construction gives some idea of its immensity: more than five thousand men would be working at the site, and these men would only be putting into place the materials furnished by the labor of many times five thousand men; before the Triborough Bridge was completed, its construction would have generated more than 31,000,000 man-hours of work in 134 cities in twenty states.{{sfn|Caro|1974|pp=366–395}}</blockquote>

==== First contracts ====
The Board of Estimate approved the first contracts for the Triborough Bridge in early October 1929, specifically for the construction bridge [[Pier (architecture)|piers]] on Randalls and Wards Islands and in Queens. This allowed for the start of construction on the Triborough Bridge's suspension span to Queens.<ref name="The New York Times 1929">{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/10/04/archives/work-begins-oct-26-on-triborough-span-goldman-authorized-by-board.html |title=Work Begins Oct. 26 On Triborough Span; Goldman Authorized by Board to Let Contracts at Once for Towers on City Property |date=October 4, 1929 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 5, 2018 |archive-date=November 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105202836/https://www.nytimes.com/1929/10/04/archives/work-begins-oct-26-on-triborough-span-goldman-authorized-by-board.html |url-status=live }}</ref> A [[groundbreaking]] ceremony was held in [[Astoria Park]], Queens, on October 25, 1929, just a day after [[Wall Street Crash of 1929#Crash|Black Thursday]], which started the [[Great Depression]].<ref name="Feuer 2009">{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/28/nyregion/28bridge.html |title=Deconstructing the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge |last=Feuer |first=Alan |date=June 28, 2009 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 5, 2018 |archive-date=November 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105203005/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/28/nyregion/28bridge.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Mayor Walker turned over the first spadeful of dirt for the bridge in front of 10,000 visitors.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/10/26/archives/walker-opens-work-on-triborough-span-with-silverplated-pick-and.html |title=Walker Opens Work On Triborough Span; With Silver-Plated Pick and Spade He Breaks Ground in Astoria Park |date=October 26, 1929 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 5, 2018 |archive-date=November 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105202901/https://www.nytimes.com/1929/10/26/archives/walker-opens-work-on-triborough-span-with-silverplated-pick-and.html |url-status=live }}</ref> After the groundbreaking ceremony, further construction was delayed because the company originally contracted to build the piers, the Albert A. Volk Company, refused to carry out the contract. In early December, the contract for the piers was reassigned to the McMullen Company.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/12/05/archives/will-build-piers-of-triborough-span-the-mcmullen-company-gets.html |title=Will Build Piers Of Triborough Span; The McMullen Company Gets Contract for Work Original Holder Failed to Perform |date=December 5, 1929 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 5, 2018 |archive-date=November 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105202931/https://www.nytimes.com/1929/12/05/archives/will-build-piers-of-triborough-span-the-mcmullen-company-gets.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Meanwhile, the Board was condemning the land in the path of the bridge's approaches.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/12/17/archives/to-condemn-bridge-land-estimate-board-fixes-procedure-on-triborough.html |title=To Condemn Bridge Land; Estimate Board Fixes Procedure on Triborough Span Approaches. |date=December 17, 1929 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 5, 2018 |archive-date=November 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105203006/https://www.nytimes.com/1929/12/17/archives/to-condemn-bridge-land-estimate-board-fixes-procedure-on-triborough.html |url-status=live }}</ref> However, this process was also postponed because homeowners wanted to sell their property to the city at exceedingly high prices.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1930/03/02/archives/move-to-expedite-triborough-bridge-property-owners-delay-work-by.html |title=Move To Expedite Triborough Bridge; Property Owners Delay Work by Asking Unduly High Prices. |date=March 2, 1930 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 5, 2018 |archive-date=November 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105203005/https://www.nytimes.com/1930/03/02/archives/move-to-expedite-triborough-bridge-property-owners-delay-work-by.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

The War Department gave its approval to the Bronx Kills, East River, and Little Hell Gate spans in late April 1930, after construction was already underway on the Queens suspension span across the East River.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1930/05/01/archives/plan-for-3-bridges-here-is-approved-bronxrandalls-island.html |title=Plan For 3 Bridges Here Is Approved; Bronx-Randalls Island, Queenswards Island And Hell Gate Get War Department O.K.; Bronx Kills Dam Favored; Plans For Harlem River Bridge At East 125th St. Altered And Approval Later Is Expected. |date=May 1, 1930 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 5, 2018 |archive-date=November 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105202918/https://www.nytimes.com/1930/05/01/archives/plan-for-3-bridges-here-is-approved-bronxrandalls-island.html |url-status=live }}</ref> A week later, the War Department also approved the Harlem River span, with another amendment: the span was now a movable lift bridge, which could be raised to allow maritime traffic to pass.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1930/05/08/archives/washington-approves-harlem-bridge-plan-war-department-sanction.html |title=Washington Approves Harlem Bridge Plan; War Department Sanction Clears the Way for City's Triborough Bridge System. |date=May 8, 1930 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 5, 2018 |archive-date=November 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105202635/https://www.nytimes.com/1930/05/08/archives/washington-approves-harlem-bridge-plan-war-department-sanction.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Shortly afterward, a special mayoral committee sanctioned a $5&nbsp;million expenditure for the Triborough project,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/59906600/ |title=Approves Plan for $3,000,000 Hospital Here |date=May 29, 1930 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=November 5, 2018 |page=26 |via=Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com |archive-date=November 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105202840/http://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/59906600/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and in July 1930, a $5&nbsp;million bond issue to fund the Triborough Bridge's construction was passed.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1930/07/09/archives/act-on-triborough-bridge-aldermen-approve-5000000-bond-issue-for.html |title=Act on Triborough Bridge; Aldermen Approve $5,000,000 Bond Issue for the Project. |date=July 9, 1930 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 5, 2018 |archive-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106004724/https://www.nytimes.com/1930/07/09/archives/act-on-triborough-bridge-aldermen-approve-5000000-bond-issue-for.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Plans for an expressway to connect to the bridge's Queens end were also filed in July 1930. This later became the [[Brooklyn–Queens Expressway]], which was connected to the bridge via the [[Grand Central Parkway]].<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1930/07/11/archives/two-boroughs-file-express-road-plan-queens-and-brooklyn-submit.html |title=Two Boroughs File Express Road Plan; Queens and Brooklyn Submit Crosstown Boulevard Data to Estimate Board |date=July 11, 1930 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 5, 2018 |archive-date=November 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105202831/https://www.nytimes.com/1930/07/11/archives/two-boroughs-file-express-road-plan-queens-and-brooklyn-submit.html |url-status=live }}</ref> There were also proposals for an expressway to connect to the Bronx end of the bridge along [[Southern Boulevard (Bronx)|Southern Boulevard]].<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1931/07/26/archives/new-bridge-approach-proposed-for-bronx-civic-groups-to-confer-with.html |title=New Bridge Approach Proposed For Bronx; Civic Groups to Confer With Bruckner on Tri-Borough Boulevard Link. |date=July 26, 1931 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106132232/https://www.nytimes.com/1931/07/26/archives/new-bridge-approach-proposed-for-bronx-civic-groups-to-confer-with.html |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Robert Moses]], the Long Island state parks commissioner, wanted to expand Grand Central Parkway from its western terminus at the time, [[Union Turnpike (New York)|Union Turnpike]] in [[Kew Gardens, Queens]], northwest to the proposed bridge.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1931/09/16/archives/urges-extension-of-2-queens-drives-moses-proposes-to-continue-grand.html |title=Urges Extension Of 2 Queens Drives; Moses Proposes to Continue Grand Central Parkway as Triborough Bridge Link |date=September 16, 1931 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-date=July 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726171807/https://www.nytimes.com/1931/09/16/archives/urges-extension-of-2-queens-drives-moses-proposes-to-continue-grand.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The Brooklyn-Queens Expressway proposal, which would create a highway from the Queens end of the bridge to [[Queens Boulevard]] in [[Woodside, Queens]], was also considered.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25147102/plans_studied_for_brooklyn_link_to/ |title=Plans Studied for Brooklyn Link to Queens Span |date=December 28, 1931 |work=Daily News |location=New York |access-date=November 6, 2018 |page=199 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106092933/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25147102/plans_studied_for_brooklyn_link_to/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:RFK Triboro Lift Bridge 20070902-jag9889.jpg|thumb|300x300px|Manhattan lift bridge over the Harlem River]]

A contract to build the suspension anchorage on Wards Island was awarded in January 1931.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1931/01/07/archives/speeds-triborough-bridge-goldman-lets-618855-work-on-wards-island.html |title=Speeds Triborough Bridge; Goldman Lets $618,855 Work on Ward's Island Anchorage. |date=January 7, 1931 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 5, 2018 |archive-date=November 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105202940/https://www.nytimes.com/1931/01/07/archives/speeds-triborough-bridge-goldman-lets-618855-work-on-wards-island.html |url-status=live }}</ref> At the time, progress on the bridge approaches was proceeding rapidly, and it was expected that the entire Triborough Bridge complex would be completed in 1934.<ref name="The New York Times 1931">{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1931/03/01/archives/triborough-bridge-progress-is-rapid-structure-will-link-boroughs-of.html |title=Triborough Bridge Progress Is Rapid; Structure Will Link Boroughs of Manhattan, Queens and the Bronx |date=February 1, 1931 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 5, 2018 |archive-date=November 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105202846/https://www.nytimes.com/1931/03/01/archives/triborough-bridge-progress-is-rapid-structure-will-link-boroughs-of.html |url-status=live }}</ref> By August 1931, it was reported that the Wards Island anchorage was 33% completed, and that the corresponding anchorage on the Queens side was 15% completed. Work on drainage dikes, as well as contracts for bridge approach piers, were also progressing.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1931/08/18/archives/rapid-progress-made-on-triborouch-bridge-onethird-of-wards-island.html |title=Rapid Progress Made On Triborough Bridge; One-Third of Ward's Island Anchorage Finished, Says the Report to Goldman. |date=August 18, 1931 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106132310/https://www.nytimes.com/1931/08/18/archives/rapid-progress-made-on-triborouch-bridge-onethird-of-wards-island.html |url-status=live }}</ref> A report the next month indicated that the overall project was 6% completed, and that another $2.45&nbsp;million in contracts was planned to be awarded over the following year.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25147151/work_rushed_by_triborough_span_builders/ |title=Work Rushed by Triborough Span Builders |date=September 8, 1931 |work=Daily News |location=New York |access-date=November 6, 2018 |page=361 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106092851/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25147151/work_rushed_by_triborough_span_builders/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1931/09/05/archives/plans-2450000-bridge-contracts.html |title=Plans $2,450,000 Bridge Contracts. |date=September 5, 1931 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106092954/https://www.nytimes.com/1931/09/05/archives/plans-2450000-bridge-contracts.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In October, contracts for constructing the bridge piers were advertised.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25146507/bid_list_opens_on_piers_for_triboro/ |title=Bid List Opens on Piers for Tri-boro Span |date=October 5, 1931 |work=Daily News |location=New York |access-date=November 6, 2018 |page=481 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106132156/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25146507/bid_list_opens_on_piers_for_triboro/ |url-status=live }}</ref> By December 1931, the project was 15% completed,<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1931/12/20/archives/engineers-view-work-on-triborough-bridge-15-of-construction.html |title=Engineers View Work On Triborough Bridge; 15% of Construction Completed, Says City Designer |date=December 20, 1931 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106092917/https://www.nytimes.com/1931/12/20/archives/engineers-view-work-on-triborough-bridge-15-of-construction.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and the city was accepting designs for the Queens span's suspension towers.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1931/12/07/archives/designs-submitted-for-bridge-towers-design-of-triborough-bridge.html |title=Designs Submitted For Bridge Towers; Design Of Triborough Bridge Towers. |date=December 7, 1931 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106092916/https://www.nytimes.com/1931/12/07/archives/designs-submitted-for-bridge-towers-design-of-triborough-bridge.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The granite foundations in the water near each bank of the East River, which would support the suspension towers, were completed in early or mid-1932.<ref name="Daily News 1932">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25155349/piers_for_triborough_bridge_near/ |title=Piers for Tri-Borough Bridge Near Completion |date=February 28, 1932 |work=Daily News |location=New York |access-date=November 6, 2018 |page=74 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107010234/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25155349/piers_for_triborough_bridge_near/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1932/07/11/archives/big-pier-ready-today-on-triborough-bridge-first-granite-structure.html |title=Big Pier Ready Today On Tri-borough Bridge; First Granite Structure, in Astoria, for Support of Towers, to Be Completed. |date=July 11, 1932 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-date=June 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621005516/https://www.nytimes.com/1932/07/11/archives/big-pier-ready-today-on-triborough-bridge-first-granite-structure.html |url-status=live }}</ref> At the time, there were no funds to build six additional piers on Randalls Island and one in Little Hell Gate, nor were there funds to build the suspension towers themselves.<ref name="Daily News 1932" />

==== Funding issues ====

The Great Depression severely impacted the city's ability to finance the Triborough Bridge's construction.<ref name="Feuer 2009" /> City comptroller Charles W. Berry had stated in February 1930 that the city was in sound financial condition, even though other large cities were nearing bankruptcy.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1930/02/07/archives/finances-of-the-city-were-never-better-berry-points-out-he-says.html |title=Finances Of The City Were Never Better, Berry Points Out |date=February 7, 1930 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 5, 2018 |archive-date=November 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105203000/https://www.nytimes.com/1930/02/07/archives/finances-of-the-city-were-never-better-berry-points-out-he-says.html |url-status=live }}</ref> However, the New York City government was running out of money by that July.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25126842/berry_warns_citys_nearing_limit_of_debt/ |title=Berry Warns City's Nearing Limit of Debt |last=Wantuch |first=Howard |date=July 18, 1930 |work=Daily News |location=New York |access-date=November 5, 2018 |page=62 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105202520/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25126842/berry_warns_citys_nearing_limit_of_debt/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Triborough project's outlook soon began to look bleak. Chief engineer Othmar Ammann was enlisted to help guide the project, but the combination of [[Tammany Hall]] graft, the [[Wall Street Crash of 1929|stock market crash]], and the Great Depression which followed it, brought the project to a virtual halt.{{sfn|Caro|1974|pp=340–344}} Investors shied away from purchasing the [[municipal bonds]] needed to fund it.<ref name="encnyc" />

By early 1932, the Triborough Bridge project was in danger of cancellation.<ref name="fednyc">{{cite fednyc |pages=392–394 }}</ref> As part of $213&nbsp;million in cuts to the city's budget, Berry wanted to halt construction on the span in order to avoid a $43.7&nbsp;million budget shortage by the end of that year.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1932/02/06/archives/berry-would-halt-213000000-work-warns-of-a-deficit-tells-board-that.html |title=Berry Would Halt $213,000,000 Work; Warns Of A Deficit |date=February 6, 1932 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106093000/https://www.nytimes.com/1932/02/06/archives/berry-would-halt-213000000-work-warns-of-a-deficit-tells-board-that.html |url-status=live }}</ref> With no new contracts being awarded, the chief engineer of the Department of Plant and Structures, [[Edward Abraham Byrne|Edward A. Byrne]], warned in March 1932 that construction on the Triborough Bridge would have to be halted.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1932/03/16/archives/byrne-fears-a-halt-on-tribo-rough-span-city-engineer-warns-work.html |title=Byrne Fears A Halt On Triborough Span; City Engineer Warns Work Will Be Stopped in Three Months Unless Contracts Are Let |date=March 16, 1932 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106093011/https://www.nytimes.com/1932/03/16/archives/byrne-fears-a-halt-on-tribo-rough-span-city-engineer-warns-work.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Though Queens borough president Harvey objected to the impending postponement of the bridge's construction,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25147777/harvey_protests_delay_in_work_on/ |title=Harvey Protests Delay in Work on Tri-Boro Bridge |date=March 25, 1932 |work=Daily News |location=New York |access-date=November 6, 2018 |page=406 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106092907/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25147777/harvey_protests_delay_in_work_on/ |url-status=live }}</ref> the project was still included in the $213&nbsp;million worth of budget cuts.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1932/04/02/archives/walker-and-mkee-clash-over-economy-aldermanic-head-loses-fight-to.html |title=Walker And M'kee Clash Over Economy; Aldermanic Head Loses Fight to Omit Triborough Bridge From $213,000,000 Recisions |date=April 2, 1932 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106092931/https://www.nytimes.com/1932/04/02/archives/walker-and-mkee-clash-over-economy-aldermanic-head-loses-fight-to.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Following this, Goldman submitted a proposal to fund the planning stages for the remaining portions of construction, so that work could resume immediately once sufficient funding was available.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1932/05/04/archives/city-to-push-work-on-triborough-span-approval-expected-of-115000.html |title=City To Push Work On Triborough Span; Approval Expected of $115,000 Rise in 1932 Budget for the New Bridg |date=May 4, 1932 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-date=June 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621005504/https://www.nytimes.com/1932/05/04/archives/city-to-push-work-on-triborough-span-approval-expected-of-115000.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In August 1932, Senator [[Robert F. Wagner]] announced that he would ask for a $26&nbsp;million loan from the federal government, namely President [[Herbert Hoover|Herbert Hoover's]] [[Reconstruction Finance Corporation]], so there could be funds for the construction of both the Triborough Bridge and Queens-Midtown Tunnel.<!-- At the same time, the Port of New York Authority announced its intent to seek RFC funding for the construction of the Lincoln Tunnel between Manhattan and Weehawken, New Jersey, placing the projects in competition for funding. --><ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1932/08/06/archives/walker-to-ask-rfc-to-give-bridge-loan-and-buy-city-bonds-going-to.html |title=Walker To Ask R.F.C. To Give Bridge Loan And Buy City Bonds; Going to Capital Next Week to Arrange Hearing for Plea for Urgent Public Works |date=August 6, 1932 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-date=June 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621005532/https://www.nytimes.com/1932/08/06/archives/walker-to-ask-rfc-to-give-bridge-loan-and-buy-city-bonds-going-to.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Queens borough president Harvey also went to the RFC to ask for funding for the bridge.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25155784/harvey_pleads_today_for_us_loan_on/ |title=Harvey Pleads Today for U.S. Loan on Bridge |date=August 11, 1932 |work=Daily News |location=New York |access-date=November 6, 2018 |page=23 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107010232/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25155784/harvey_pleads_today_for_us_loan_on/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Soon after, the RFC moved to prepare the loan for the Triborough Bridge project.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1932/09/02/archives/r-f-c-prepares-liquidating-loans-data-on-new-york-26000000.html |title=R. F. C. Prepares Liquidating Loans; Data on New York $26,000,000 Triborough Bridge Project Are Found Satisfactory. |date=September 2, 1932 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-date=July 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220711184831/https://www.nytimes.com/1932/09/02/archives/r-f-c-prepares-liquidating-loans-data-on-new-york-26000000.html |url-status=live }}</ref> However, when Mayor Walker resigned suddenly in September 1932, his successor [[Joseph V. McKee]] refused to seek RFC or other federal aid for the two projects, stating, "If we go to Washington for funds to complete the Triborough Bridge [...] where would we draw the line?"<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1932/10/12/archives/mkee-denies-plea-to-seek-rfc-aid-blocks-proposals-to-finish-bridge.html |title=M'kee Denies Plea To Seek R.F.C. Aid; Blocks Proposals to Finish Bridge and Start Tunnel With a Federal Loan |date=October 12, 1932 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-date=November 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107021837/https://www.nytimes.com/1932/10/12/archives/mkee-denies-plea-to-seek-rfc-aid-blocks-proposals-to-finish-bridge.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Governor [[Al Smith]] agreed, saying that such requests were unnecessary because the bridge could pay for itself.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25155919/smith_tells_city_how_to_slash_costs/ |title=Smith Tells City How to Slash Costs |date=December 2, 1932 |work=Daily News |location=New York |access-date=November 6, 2018 |page=294 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107010249/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25155919/smith_tells_city_how_to_slash_costs/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Harvey continued to push for federal funding for the Triborough Bridge, prioritizing its completion over other projects such as the development of [[Jamaica Bay]] in southern Queens.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/59983379/ |title=Bridge Before Bay Project, Urges Harvey |date=November 6, 1932 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=November 6, 2018 |page=107 |via=Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com |archive-date=November 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107010244/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/59983379/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Civic groups also advocated for the city to apply for RFC funding.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1933/01/13/archives/seek-rfc-loan-combined-civic-bodies-want-triborough-bridge.html |title=Seek R.F.C. Loan; Combined Civic Bodies Want Tri-borough Bridge Completed. |date=January 13, 1933 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-date=June 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621005450/https://www.nytimes.com/1933/01/13/archives/seek-rfc-loan-combined-civic-bodies-want-triborough-bridge.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In February 1933, a nine-person committee, appointed by Lehman and chaired by Moses, applied to the RFC for a $150&nbsp;million loan for projects in New York state, including the Triborough Bridge.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1933/02/04/archives/state-board-to-ask-150000000-of-rfc-moses-will-hold-a-hearing.html |title=State Board To Ask $150,000,000 Of R.F.C.; Moses Will Hold a Hearing Monday to Decide Which Projects to Recommend |date=February 4, 1933 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-date=June 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621005453/https://www.nytimes.com/1933/02/04/archives/state-board-to-ask-150000000-of-rfc-moses-will-hold-a-hearing.html |url-status=live }}</ref> However, although the RFC favored a loan for the Triborough project,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/59983532 |title=Harvey Hears Loan Report with Delight |date=February 12, 1932 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=November 6, 2018 |page=3 |via=Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com |archive-date=November 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107103937/http://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/59983532/ |url-status=live }}</ref> the new mayor, [[John P. O'Brien]], banned the RFC from giving loans to the city.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1933/02/15/archives/mayor-bans-loans-from-rfc-for-city-financing-will-continue-as-in.html |title=Mayor Bans Loans From R.F.C. For City; Financing Will Continue as in Past, He Says on Proposal for Real Estate Help |date=February 15, 1933 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-date=November 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107021854/https://www.nytimes.com/1933/02/15/archives/mayor-bans-loans-from-rfc-for-city-financing-will-continue-as-in.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Instead, O'Brien wanted to create a bridge authority to sell bonds to pay for the construction of the Triborough Bridge as well as for the Queens-Midtown Tunnel.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1933/03/29/archives/city-bridge-board-sought-by-obrien-mayor-wants-agency-like-the-port.html |title=City Bridge Board Sought By O'Brien; Mayor Wants Agency Like the Port Authority to Finance Triborough Project |date=March 29, 1933 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106210753/https://www.nytimes.com/1933/03/29/archives/city-bridge-board-sought-by-obrien-mayor-wants-agency-like-the-port.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Robert Moses was also pushing the state legislature to create an authority to fund, build, and operate the Triborough Bridge.{{sfn|Caro|1974|pp=340–344}} A bill to create the [[Triborough Bridge Authority]] (TBA) passed quickly through both houses of the state legislature,<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1933/04/05/archives/lehman-to-demand-action-on-charter-message-is-expected-when-the.html |title=Lehman To Demand Action On Charter; Message Is Expected When the Desmond-Moffat Proposal Is Taken Up Today |date=April 5, 1933 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106210756/https://www.nytimes.com/1933/04/05/archives/lehman-to-demand-action-on-charter-message-is-expected-when-the.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and was signed by Governor [[Herbert H. Lehman]] that April. The bill included a provision that the authority could sell up to $35&nbsp;million in bonds and fund the remainder of construction through bridge tolls.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1933/04/08/archives/signs-triborough-bridge-bills.html |title=Signs Tri-Borough Bridge Bills. |date=April 8, 1933 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-date=June 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621005448/https://www.nytimes.com/1933/04/08/archives/signs-triborough-bridge-bills.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25156706/lehman_oks_bill_for_3boro_span/ |title=Lehman OKs Bill for 3-Boro Span |date=April 9, 1933 |work=Daily News |location=New York |access-date=November 6, 2018 |page=133 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107010214/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25156706/lehman_oks_bill_for_3boro_span/ |url-status=live }}</ref> George Gordon Battle, a Tammany Hall attorney, was appointed as chairman of the new authority, and three commissioners were appointed.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1933/04/29/archives/battle-is-made-head-of-bridge-authority-mayor-also-names-ja-oleary.html |title=Battle Is Made Head Of Bridge Authority; Mayor Also Names J.A. O'Leary and F.C. Lemmerman to Board for Triborongh Span. |date=April 29, 1933 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-date=June 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621005500/https://www.nytimes.com/1933/04/29/archives/battle-is-made-head-of-bridge-authority-mayor-also-names-ja-oleary.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Shortly after the TBA bill was signed, the War Department extended its deadline for the Triborough Bridge's completion by three years, to April 28, 1936.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1933/04/07/archives/extends-time-for-bridge-war-department-sets-1936-for-completion-of.html |title=Extends Time For Bridge; War Department Sets 1936 for Completion of Triborough Section. |date=April 7, 1933 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-date=June 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621005451/https://www.nytimes.com/1933/04/07/archives/extends-time-for-bridge-war-department-sets-1936-for-completion-of.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Lehman also signed bills to clear land for a bridge approach in the Bronx,<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1933/04/15/archives/bronx-bridge-link-bill-signed.html |title=Bronx Bridge Link Bill Signed. |date=April 15, 1933 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-date=June 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621005456/https://www.nytimes.com/1933/04/15/archives/bronx-bridge-link-bill-signed.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and he promised to resume construction of the bridge.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25156050/lehman_pledges_speedy_action_on_triboro/ |title=Lehman Pledges Speedy Action on Triboro Bridge |date=July 16, 1933 |work=Daily News |location=New York |access-date=November 6, 2018 |page=357 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107010229/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25156050/lehman_pledges_speedy_action_on_triboro/ |url-status=live }}</ref> That May, the TBA asked the RFC for a $35&nbsp;million loan to pay for the bridge.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1933/05/24/archives/35000000-sought-for-city-bridge-application-to-rfc-for-triborough.html |title=$35,000,000 Sought For City Bridge; Application to R.F.C. for Triborough Loan Scheduled Within 48 Hours |date=May 24, 1933 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-date=November 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107021852/https://www.nytimes.com/1933/05/24/archives/35000000-sought-for-city-bridge-application-to-rfc-for-triborough.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/59843823/ |title=Requests Pour In to U.S. for Building Loans |date=May 28, 1933 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=November 6, 2018 |page=3 |via=Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com |archive-date=November 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107010216/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/59843823/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The RFC ultimately agreed in August to grant $44.2&nbsp;million, to be composed of a loan of $37&nbsp;million, as well as a $7.2&nbsp;million subsidy.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1933/08/19/archives/triborough-loan-expected-by-aug-31-bridge-authority-moves-to-get.html |title=Triborough Loan Expected By Aug. 31; Bridge Authority Moves to Get City to Accept Terms for $44,200,000 Grant |date=August 19, 1933 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-date=June 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621005457/https://www.nytimes.com/1933/08/19/archives/triborough-loan-expected-by-aug-31-bridge-authority-moves-to-get.html |url-status=live }}</ref> However, the loan would only be given under a condition that 18,000 workers be hired first,<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1933/08/22/archives/city-can-give-no-jobs-on-triborough-span-contractors-mast-hire.html |title=City Can Give No Jobs On Triborough Span; Contractors Mast Hire 18,000 Needed for Project Under Terms of Federal Loan |date=August 22, 1933 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-date=November 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107020207/https://www.nytimes.com/1933/08/22/archives/city-can-give-no-jobs-on-triborough-span-contractors-mast-hire.html |url-status=live }}</ref> so the city's Board of Estimate voted to hire 18,000 workers to work on the Triborough project.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/59992575/ |title=City Votes Work For 18,000 Men On Triboro Span |date=August 25, 1933 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=November 6, 2018 |page=1 |via=Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com |archive-date=November 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107010200/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/59992575/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The funds for the Triborough Bridge, as well as for the [[Lincoln Tunnel]] from Manhattan to [[New Jersey]], were ready by the beginning of September.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1933/09/02/archives/79500000-is-ready-for-city-projects-officials-sign-compacts-for.html |title=$79,500,000 Is Ready For City ProjectS; Officials Sign Compacts for Loans for Triborough Span and Midtown Tunnel. |date=September 2, 1933 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-date=June 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621005515/https://www.nytimes.com/1933/09/02/archives/79500000-is-ready-for-city-projects-officials-sign-compacts-for.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Construction resumes ===
[[Image:Triborough Bridge - saddle housing.jpg|thumb|left|225px|[[Art Deco]] saddle housing on Queens suspension bridge]]

The city purchased land in the path of the Triborough Bridge in September 1933,<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1933/09/16/archives/city-acquires-land-for-triborough-span-board-of-estimate-expected.html |title=City Acquires Land For Triborough Span; Board of Estimate Expected to Remove Last Obstacle to Project on Monday. |date=September 16, 1933 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-date=June 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621005539/https://www.nytimes.com/1933/09/16/archives/city-acquires-land-for-triborough-span-board-of-estimate-expected.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and construction on the Triborough Bridge resumed that November.<ref name="fednyc" /> By January 1934, contracts were being prepared for the completion of the suspension span and the construction of the other three spans;<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/01/04/archives/10399810-works-for-bridge-listed-contracts-prepared-and-some.html |title=$10,399,810 Works For Bridge Listed; Contracts Prepared and Some Approved for New Phases of Triborough Span Project. |date=January 4, 1934 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-date=June 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621005455/https://www.nytimes.com/1934/01/04/archives/10399810-works-for-bridge-listed-contracts-prepared-and-some.html |url-status=live }}</ref> one of these contracts included the construction of the bridge's piers.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/01/07/archives/triborough-bridge-bids-opened.html |title=Triborough Bridge Bids Opened. |date=January 7, 1934 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-date=June 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621005455/https://www.nytimes.com/1934/01/07/archives/triborough-bridge-bids-opened.html |url-status=live }}</ref> That February, the TBA contemplated condensing the Queens span's 16-lane, double-deck roadway into an 8-lane, single deck road, as well as simplify the suspension towers' designs, to save $5&nbsp;million.<ref name="p1240114691">{{cite news |date=21 Feb 1934 |title=Change in Plane of Tri-Borough Bridge Mapped: One Roadway Now Content, plated Instead of Two With Eight Traffic Lanes Costs Are To Be Reduced $5,000,000 Saved Will Be Used for Approaches |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=12 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1240114691}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/02/22/archives/bridge-plans-altered-triborough-changes-will-cut-the-cost-by.html |title=Bridge Plans Altered; Triborough Changes Will Cut the Cost by $5,000,000. |date=February 22, 1934 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-date=November 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107021844/https://www.nytimes.com/1934/02/22/archives/bridge-plans-altered-triborough-changes-will-cut-the-cost-by.html |url-status=live }}</ref> According to the agency, it would take 40 years for the bridge to reach a level of traffic where all sixteen lanes were needed.{{sfn|Caro|1974|p=390}} In April, a new plan was approved that would reduce the bridge's cost from $51&nbsp;million to $42&nbsp;million.{{sfn|Caro|1974|p=390}}<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/04/04/archives/triborough-bridge-to-cost-41258000-revised-plans-approved-and-chief.html |title=Triborough Bridge to Cost $41,258,000; Revised Plans Approved and Chief Engineer Is Ordered to Go Ahead With Them. |date=April 4, 1934 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-date=November 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107010235/https://www.nytimes.com/1934/04/04/archives/triborough-bridge-to-cost-41258000-revised-plans-approved-and-chief.html |url-status=live |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/59977476/ |title=Millions Sliced from Bridge Cost |date=April 4, 1934 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=November 6, 2018 |page=15 |via=Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com |archive-date=November 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107010218/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/59977476/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Chief engineer Ammann had decided to collapse the original design's two-deck roadway into one, requiring lighter towers and lighter piers.{{sfn|Caro|1974|pp=340–344}} The steel company constructing the towers challenged the TBA's decision in an appellate court, but the court ruled in favor of the TBA.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/04/27/archives/cheaper-contract-for-bridge-upheld-court-holds-the-triborough.html |title=Cheaper Contract For Bridge Upheld; Court Holds the Triborough Authority Can Amend Plan to Save $7,500,000 |date=April 27, 1934 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-date=November 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107014825/https://www.nytimes.com/1934/04/27/archives/cheaper-contract-for-bridge-upheld-court-holds-the-triborough.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== 1934 progress ====
By January 1934, the TBA was in turmoil: one of the TBA's commissioners had resigned,<ref name="p537592701">{{Cite news |date=11 Jan 1934 |title=Quits New York Office On Fee-Taking Charge: Triborough Bridge Commissioner Asserts Innocence, But Resigns From Post |work=The Sun |page=3 |id={{ProQuest|537592701}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/01/11/archives/bridge-official-quits-under-fire-lemmerman-faced-charge-of-taking.html |title=Bridge Official Quits Under Fire; Lemmerman Faced Charge of Taking Fee in Lease of Office to Tri-Borough Authority. |date=January 11, 1934 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-date=June 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621005505/https://www.nytimes.com/1934/01/11/archives/bridge-official-quits-under-fire-lemmerman-faced-charge-of-taking.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and New York City Mayor [[Fiorello H. La Guardia]] was trying another TBA commissioner, John Stratton O'Leary, for corruption.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/01/14/archives/laguardia-to-try-a-bridge-official-as-tool-of-bosses-oleary-member.html |title=Laguardia To Try A Bridge Official As Tool Of Bosses; O'Leary, Member of Triborough Board, Called for Removal Hearing on Jan. 25. |date=January 14, 1934 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-date=June 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621005544/https://www.nytimes.com/1934/01/14/archives/laguardia-to-try-a-bridge-official-as-tool-of-bosses-oleary-member.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The TBA's general counsel also resigned.<ref name="p1240094792">{{cite news |date=3 Feb 1934 |title=Combs Jr. Quits As Tri-borough Bridge Counsel |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=5 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1240094792}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite web |date=February 3, 1934 |title=Combs Quits Post With Triborough; Counsel Resigns 'Because of Conflict' Between City and Bridge Authority. Mayor Is Expected to Remove Him at Final Hearing on Neglect-of-Duty Charge. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/02/03/archives/combs-quits-post-with-triborough-counsel-resigns-because-of.html |access-date=March 7, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> As a result, [[Public Works Administration]] (PWA) administrator [[Harold L. Ickes]] refused to distribute more of the RFC grant until the existing funds could be accounted for.<ref name="p129265945">{{cite news |date=17 Jan 1934 |title=N.Y. Bridge Fund Held Up: Ickes Shuts Off Tri-borough Money Pending Approval of Accounting |work=The Wall Street Journal |page=7 |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|129265945}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite web |date=January 16, 1934 |title=Triborough Funds Tied Up Ickes; Bars Further Grants Until He Is Assured Bridge Project Will Be Properly Handled |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/01/16/archives/triborough-funds-tied-up-ickes-bars-further-grants-until-he-is.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621005521/https://www.nytimes.com/1934/01/16/archives/triborough-funds-tied-up-ickes-bars-further-grants-until-he-is.html |archive-date=June 21, 2023 |access-date=November 6, 2018 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> Ickes also warned that he would cancel the RFC grant if the political disputes regarding the TBA were not cleared up.<ref name="n142878263">{{Cite news |date=1934-02-02 |title=Delay Menaces Bridge Loan, Ickes Warns |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-delay-menaces-b/142878263/ |access-date=2024-03-07 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=2 |via=newspapers.com }}</ref> After O'Leary was removed, La Guardia appointed Moses to fill O'Leary's position,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/59975383/ |title=Mayor Ousts O'Leary; Moses Given Place on Bridge Authority |date=February 3, 1934 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=November 6, 2018 |page=1 |via=Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com |archive-date=November 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107010214/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/59975383/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and Ickes also promised to give $1.5&nbsp;million toward the bridge's construction,<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/02/06/archives/68000000-loans-for-pwa-projects-won-by-laguardia-mayor-in.html |title=$68,000,000 Loans For PWA Projects Won By LaGuardia; Mayor in Washington Gets Promise of $1,500,000 Now for Triborough Bridge |date=February 6, 1934 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-date=June 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621005643/https://www.nytimes.com/1934/02/06/archives/68000000-loans-for-pwa-projects-won-by-laguardia-mayor-in.html |url-status=live |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/59983204/ |title=Plain Sailing for Triborough Bridge Project |date=February 10, 1934 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=November 6, 2018 |page=3 |via=Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com |archive-date=November 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107010246/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/59983204/ |url-status=live }}</ref> which the city received that March.<ref name="p1243054471">{{cite news |date=3 Mar 1934 |title=U. S. Sends $1,500,000 For Tri-Borough Bridge |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=6 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1243054471}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite web |date=March 3, 1934 |title=Triborough Cash Released by Ickes; 100 on Bridge Staff, Unpaid a Month, Will Get Salaries Early Next Week. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/03/03/archives/triborough-cash-released-by-ickes-100-on-bridge-staff-unpaid-a.html |access-date=March 7, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240307195654/https://www.nytimes.com/1934/03/03/archives/triborough-cash-released-by-ickes-100-on-bridge-staff-unpaid-a.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Moses became the chairman of the TBA in April 1934, after a series of interim chairmen had held the post.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/02/04/archives/oleary-is-ousted-moses-gets-post-mayor-dismisses-triborough-bridge.html |title=O'leary Is Ousted; Moses Gets Post; Mayor Dismisses Triborough Bridge Official as Deutsch Finds He Shirked Duties |date=February 4, 1934 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-date=December 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201183325/https://www.nytimes.com/1934/02/04/archives/oleary-is-ousted-moses-gets-post-mayor-dismisses-triborough-bridge.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Moses, who also had positions in the state and city governments, sought to expedite the project,<ref name="fednyc" /> awarding a contract in May for the construction of an approach highway to the Queens span.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/05/16/archives/triborough-board-awards-a-contract-293360-grade-separation-on.html |title=Triborough Board Awards A Contract; $293,360 Grade Separation on Queens Approach to Span to Be Begun at Once. |date=May 16, 1934 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 7, 2018 |archive-date=November 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107185617/https://www.nytimes.com/1934/05/16/archives/triborough-board-awards-a-contract-293360-grade-separation-on.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

A contract to clear land in the bridge's right-of-way was awarded in April 1934,<ref name="p1114813190a">{{cite news |date=12 Apr 1934 |title=Work to Begin On Triborough Bridge Monday: Bids Will Be Opened Today for Wrecking of Houses on Sites of Approaches |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=2 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1114813190}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite web |date=April 14, 1934 |title=Wreckers to Clear Bridge Land at Once; Contracts Let for Demolition of 300 Buildings at Approaches of Triborough Span. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/04/14/archives/wreckers-to-clear-bridge-land-at-once-contracts-let-for-demolition.html |access-date=March 7, 2024 |website=The New York Times }}</ref> and work began that month.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 24, 1934 |title=Demolition Work Begins; Removal of Buildings Starts for Triborough Bridge Project. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/04/24/archives/demolition-work-begins-removal-of-buildings-starts-for-triborough.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107020209/https://www.nytimes.com/1934/04/24/archives/demolition-work-begins-removal-of-buildings-starts-for-triborough.html |archive-date=November 7, 2018 |access-date=November 6, 2018 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> Over 300 buildings had to be destroyed.<ref name="p1114841582">{{cite news |date=6 May 1934 |title=Work on Triborough Bridge Resumed as the Wreckers Start Razing Buildings at Approaches |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=A14 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1114841582}} }}</ref> Families living in the path of the bridge's approaches protested the eviction notices given to them.<ref>{{cite web |date=January 17, 1934 |title=Protest Queens Evictions; 600 Families Ordered to Move From Site of Approaches. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/01/17/archives/protest-queens-evictions-600-families-ordered-to-move-from-site-of.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621005528/https://www.nytimes.com/1934/01/17/archives/protest-queens-evictions-600-families-ordered-to-move-from-site-of.html |archive-date=June 21, 2023 |access-date=November 6, 2018 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> The Harlem Market on First Avenue, which stood in the way of the Manhattan approach, was to be moved to the [[Bronx Terminal Market]].<ref name="The New York Times 1934 n047">{{cite web |date=May 5, 1934 |title=Moses Asks Removal of Harlem Market; Says Project Would Permit Improvement in Approach to Triborough Bridge. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/05/05/archives/moses-asks-removal-of-harlem-market-says-project-would-permit.html |access-date=March 7, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=July 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240711083112/https://www.nytimes.com/1934/05/05/archives/moses-asks-removal-of-harlem-market-says-project-would-permit.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The construction of the Triborough Bridge across Little Hell Gate also required the demolition of hospital buildings on Randalls and Wards Islands.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 5, 1934 |title=Triborough Span Ousting A Hospital; Removal of Child Patients From Several Buildings on Randall's Island Asked |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/04/05/archives/triborough-span-ousting-a-hospital-removal-of-child-patients-from.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107030237/https://www.nytimes.com/1934/04/05/archives/triborough-span-ousting-a-hospital-removal-of-child-patients-from.html |archive-date=November 7, 2018 |access-date=November 6, 2018 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> The [[New York City Department of Hospitals]] applied for funds to build the [[Seaview Hospital]] on [[Staten Island]], which would house the hospital facilities displaced by the Triborough Bridge.<ref>{{cite web |date=May 8, 1935 |title=City Seeks $800,000 For New Hospital; Goldwater Asks PWA Loan for Institution to House Patients Ousted by Triborough Span. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/05/08/archives/city-seeks-800000-for-new-hospital-goldwater-asks-pwa-loan-for.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108224932/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/05/08/archives/city-seeks-800000-for-new-hospital-goldwater-asks-pwa-loan-for.html |archive-date=November 8, 2018 |access-date=November 8, 2018 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> Homes in Astoria and wooden docks were also demolished to make way for the bridge.<ref name="p278802969">{{cite news |date=31 July 1994 |title=Triborough Triumph Unifying bridge born of NY power politics |work=Newsday |page= |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|278802969}} }}</ref>

Moses continued to advocate for new roads and parkways to connect with the bridge as part of an interconnected parkway system.<ref>{{cite web |last=Britton. |first=A.d. |date=February 10, 1935 |title=Moses's Many Projects Are All Tied Together; The Commissioner Has Coordinated His Tasks So That Each of Them Helps the Others |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/02/10/archives/mosess-many-projects-are-all-tied-together-the-commissioner-has.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108224738/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/02/10/archives/mosess-many-projects-are-all-tied-together-the-commissioner-has.html |archive-date=November 8, 2018 |access-date=November 8, 2018 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> The complex of roads included the Grand Central Parkway and [[Astoria Boulevard]] in Queens; [[125th Street (Manhattan)|125th Street]], the [[East River Drive]] (now the FDR Drive), and [[Harlem River Drive]] in Manhattan; and Whitlock Avenue and Eastern Boulevard (now [[Bruckner Expressway]]) in the Bronx.{{sfn|Caro|1974|p=388}} The first of those roads, the Grand Central Parkway, was planned to start construction in early 1934.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/04/01/archives/parkway-to-reach-triborough-span-contract-for-extension-of-grand.html |title=Parkway To Reach Triborough Span; Contract for Extension of Grand Central Highway Will Be Awarded Soon |date=March 1, 1934 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-date=November 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107030243/https://www.nytimes.com/1934/04/01/archives/parkway-to-reach-triborough-span-contract-for-extension-of-grand.html |url-status=live }}</ref> That July, the Department of War approved the Bronx Kill span as a fixed truss span, since the Bronx Kill was not a navigable waterway; the span could be replaced with a lift bridge if needed.{{sfn|Caro|1974|p=388}}<ref name="p1242838649">{{cite news |date=27 Jul 1934 |title=Single Span Is Approved For Triborough Bridge: War Department Accepts New Specification for Structure |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=4 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1242838649}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite web |date=July 27, 1934 |title=Changes Approved On 3-borough Span; War Department Sanctions the Elimination of a Channel Pier for the Bronx Arm. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/07/27/archives/changes-approved-on-3borough-span-war-department-sanctions-the.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107185606/https://www.nytimes.com/1934/07/27/archives/changes-approved-on-3borough-span-war-department-sanctions-the.html |archive-date=November 7, 2018 |access-date=November 7, 2018 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> The same month, the city approved the first segment of the East River Drive, leading from the intersection of [[York Avenue and Sutton Place|York Avenue]] and 92nd Street to the Triborough Bridge approach at 125th Street.{{sfn|Caro|1974|pp=393–394}}<ref name="p1222210420">{{cite news |date=26 Jul 1934 |title=City Will Build 30-Block Road By East River: Scenic Parkway Will Link York Av. to Triborough Bridge at 125th St |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=34 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1222210420}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=July 26, 1934 |title=East Side To Get A 'Riverside Drive'; Triborough Bridge Plans Call for a 100-Foot Parkway as Manhattan Approach |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/07/26/archives/east-side-to-get-a-riverside-drive-triborough-bridge-plans-call-for.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107185718/https://www.nytimes.com/1934/07/26/archives/east-side-to-get-a-riverside-drive-triborough-bridge-plans-call-for.html |archive-date=November 7, 2018 |access-date=November 7, 2018 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> The bridge approach on the Bronx side was also finalized, running along [[Southern Boulevard (Bronx)|Southern]] and Eastern boulevards,<ref name="p1222210420" /> with a future extension to [[Pelham Bay Park]] in the northeastern Bronx.<ref name="Robbins 1935">{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/03/03/archives/great-triborough-bridge-now-taking-form-from-the-bronx-to-flushing.html |title=Great Triborough Bridge Now Taking Form; From the Bronx to Flushing Bay Work On Span and Approaches Goes On |last=Robbins |first=L.h. |date=March 3, 1935 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 8, 2018 |archive-date=November 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108224940/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/03/03/archives/great-triborough-bridge-now-taking-form-from-the-bronx-to-flushing.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Civic groups advocated for an approach highway from the West Bronx,<ref>{{cite web |date=March 28, 1934 |title=West Bronx Road To Bridge Barred; Civic Groups Lose Fight for a New Approach to the Triborough Span |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/03/28/archives/west-bronx-road-to-bridge-barred-civic-groups-lose-fight-for-a-new.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106210754/https://www.nytimes.com/1934/03/28/archives/west-bronx-road-to-bridge-barred-civic-groups-lose-fight-for-a-new.html |archive-date=November 6, 2018 |access-date=November 6, 2018 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> and Bronx borough president [[James J. Lyons]] tried to block the Board of Estimate from approving the Manhattan approach highway until a West Bronx approach was also provided for.<ref name="p1243765460">{{cite news |date=24 Aug 1934 |title=Lyons Delays Approval Of New Span Approaches: Demands Bronx Market Link to Tri-Borough Bridge |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=6 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1243765460}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite web |date=August 24, 1934 |title=Clash Delays Plans for Triborough Span; Lyons Tells Board Link to Bronx Market Is Left Out – Moses Sees Loan Jeopardized. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/08/24/archives/clash-delays-plans-for-triborough-span-lyons-tells-board-link-to.html |access-date=March 7, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240307195656/https://www.nytimes.com/1934/08/24/archives/clash-delays-plans-for-triborough-span-lyons-tells-board-link-to.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite this, in October 1934, the Board of Estimate approved the East River Drive approach while rejecting the West Bronx approach.<ref name="p513607663">{{cite news |date=12 Oct 1934 |title=East River Drive Voted as Approach To Triborough Bridge |work=The Christian Science Monitor |page=4 |issn=0882-7729 |id={{ProQuest|513607663}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=12 Oct 1934 |title=Mayor Clashes With Moses on Span Approach: Holds Tri-Borough Authority Is Bound to Bronx Entrance, but Loses Session Is Turbulent Work on East River Drive Will Begin by January 1 |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=5 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1221455897}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite web |date=October 12, 1934 |title=City Fails To Heed Bronx Bridge Plea; Estimate Board Approves Plan for Manhattan Approach to Triborough Span |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/10/12/archives/city-fails-to-heed-bronx-bridge-plea-estimate-board-approves-plan.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621005703/https://www.nytimes.com/1934/10/12/archives/city-fails-to-heed-bronx-bridge-plea-estimate-board-approves-plan.html |archive-date=June 21, 2023 |access-date=November 7, 2018 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> While reformers embraced Moses's plans to expand the parkway system, state and city officials were overwhelmed by their scale, and slow to move to provide financing for the vast system.{{sfn|Caro|1974|pp=340–344}} Partial funding came from interest-bearing bonds issued by the Triborough Bridge Authority, to be secured by future toll revenue.{{sfn|Caro|1974|pp=345}}<ref>{{harvnb|Caro|1974|pp=1119–1122}}. The bonds not only helped to finance the project, but also assured that the Authority would be self-perpetuating and immune from legislative oversight, as the Authority's contractual obligations to the bond-holders were paramount and could not, according to the Authority's legal theory, be altered by legislative action. They also assured that the Triborough would never be toll free.</ref>

==== 1935 progress ====
Financing disputes with the PWA involved complex political infighting.{{sfn|Caro|1974|pp=426–440}} The disputes peaked in January 1935, when Ickes passed a rule that effectively prohibited PWA funding for the TBA unless Moses resigned the post of either TBA chairman or [[New York City Parks Commissioner]].<ref>{{cite web |date=January 4, 1935 |title=Moses Bridge Job In Peril As Ickes Seeks His Ouster; La Guardia in Dispute With PWA Head as Latter Withholds Triborough Funds. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/01/04/archives/moses-bridge-job-in-peril-as-ickes-seeks-his-ouster-la-guardia-in.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107190849/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/01/04/archives/moses-bridge-job-in-peril-as-ickes-seeks-his-ouster-la-guardia-in.html |archive-date=November 7, 2018 |access-date=November 7, 2018 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref><ref name=":0">{{cite news |date=January 4, 1935 |title=Ickes-Moses Feud Ties Up Bridge Funds |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25207500/ickesmoses_feud_ties_up_bridge_funds/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108224558/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25207500/ickesmoses_feud_ties_up_bridge_funds/ |archive-date=November 8, 2018 |access-date=November 8, 2018 |work=Daily News |location=New York |page=505 |via=Newspapers.com }}</ref> This came as a result of Moses's criticism that [[New Deal]] funding programs like the PWA were too slow to disburse funds.<ref name=":0" /> Moses refused to resign in spite of Ickes's persistence,<ref name="p1221946237">{{cite news |date=11 Jan 1935 |title=Ickes Refuses To Modify His Ban on Moses: Stands on His Tri-Borough Bridge Order Following Talk With President |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=1 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1221946237}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite web |date=January 11, 1935 |title=Ickes Stands Firm in Edict on Moses; PWA Administrator Regards Rule Against Dual Office Holding as 'a Good One.' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/01/11/archives/ickes-stands-firm-in-edict-on-moses-pwa-administrator-regards-rule.html |access-date=March 7, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240307195655/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/01/11/archives/ickes-stands-firm-in-edict-on-moses-pwa-administrator-regards-rule.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and Ickes threatened to withhold salaries for TBA workers as well.<ref>{{cite web |date=January 13, 1935 |title=Ickes May Bar Pay To End Moses Row; Climax in Job Dispute Likely This Week if Bridge Fund for Salaries Is Held Up. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/01/13/archives/ices-may-bar-pay-to-end-moses-row-climax-in-job-dispute-likely-this.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107185401/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/01/13/archives/ices-may-bar-pay-to-end-moses-row-climax-in-job-dispute-likely-this.html |archive-date=November 7, 2018 |access-date=November 7, 2018 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> Though La Guardia was supportive of Moses, even petitioning Roosevelt for help,<ref name="The New York Times 1935 t187">{{cite web |date=January 8, 1935 |title=Appeal for Moses Sent to President; Protests Also Made to Ickes Against Order That Would Cost Official One Job. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/01/08/archives/appeal-for-moses-sent-to-president-protests-also-made-to-ickes.html |access-date=March 7, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240307195656/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/01/08/archives/appeal-for-moses-sent-to-president-protests-also-made-to-ickes.html |url-status=live }}</ref> he was willing to replace the TBA chairman if it resulted in funding for the bridge.<ref>{{cite web |date=January 19, 1935 |title=La Guardia Will Oust Moses If Federal Funds Are Held Up |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/01/19/archives/la-guardia-will-oust-moses-if-federal-funds-are-held-up-wont.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107191130/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/01/19/archives/la-guardia-will-oust-moses-if-federal-funds-are-held-up-wont.html |archive-date=November 7, 2018 |access-date=November 7, 2018 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> In mid-March, Ickes suddenly backed down on his ultimatum; not only was Moses allowed to keep both of his positions, but the PWA also resumed its payments to the TBA.<ref>{{cite web |date=March 12, 1935 |title=Ickes Yields In Moses Row; $1,600,000 Funds Released On Triborough Bridge Job; Post Also Is Retained |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/03/12/archives/ickes-yields-in-moses-row-1600000-funds-released-on-triborough.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107191144/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/03/12/archives/ickes-yields-in-moses-row-1600000-funds-released-on-triborough.html |archive-date=November 7, 2018 |access-date=November 7, 2018 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=March 12, 1935 |title=Ickes Says Gibraltar Isn't Some Rock Now |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/53845966/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108224801/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/53845966/ |archive-date=November 8, 2018 |access-date=November 8, 2018 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |page=2 |via=Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=March 11, 1935 |title=Moses Wins His Fight With Ickes in Bridge Funds Grant to N.Y. |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25208291/moses_wins_his_fight_with_ickes_in/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108230311/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25208291/moses_wins_his_fight_with_ickes_in/ |archive-date=November 8, 2018 |access-date=November 8, 2018 |work=Press and Sun-Bulletin |location=Binghamton, NY |page=505 |via=Newspapers.com }}</ref> La Guardia re-appointed Moses to the TBA the same year.<ref name="p1244948373">{{cite news |date=4 Jul 1935 |title=Mayor Agrees To Give Moses '2d Vaccination': Says Triborough Bridge Reappointment 'May Help Reduce the Temperature' |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=1 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1244948373}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite web |date=July 4, 1935 |title=Mayor Pokes Fun at Moses's Stand; Says He Will Swear In Bridge Commissioner Wednesday 'if He Presents Himself.' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/07/04/archives/mayor-pokes-fun-at-mosess-stand-says-he-will-swear-in-bridge.html |access-date=March 7, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240307195656/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/07/04/archives/mayor-pokes-fun-at-mosess-stand-says-he-will-swear-in-bridge.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Meanwhile, in February 1935, the TBA awarded a contract to construct the piers for the Harlem River lift structure.<ref name="p1243958468">{{cite news |date=15 Feb 1935 |title=Showdown Due In Ickes-Moses Feud Monday: Submission of Low Bid for Piers and Spans to Test Order of P. W. A. |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=1 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1243958468}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite web |date=February 19, 1935 |title=Bridge Work Awarded; Snare Corporation Gets Contract on Triborough Span. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/02/19/archives/bridge-work-awarded-snare-corporation-gets-contract-on-triborough.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108224921/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/02/19/archives/bridge-work-awarded-snare-corporation-gets-contract-on-triborough.html |archive-date=November 8, 2018 |access-date=November 8, 2018 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> Despite an impending lack of funds due to the dispute between Moses and Ickes, the TBA announced its intent to open bids for bridge steelwork.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/03/03/archives/bids-for-steel-work-on-bridge-advertised-triborough-authority-goes.html |title=Bids For Steel Work On Bridge Advertised; Triborough Authority Goes Ahead Despite the Threat of Ickes to Cut Off Funds. |date=March 3, 1935 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 8, 2018 |archive-date=November 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109024803/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/03/03/archives/bids-for-steel-work-on-bridge-advertised-triborough-authority-goes.html |url-status=live }}</ref> By March, the suspension towers for the East River span to Queens were nearing completion, and support piers on Randalls and Wards Islands had progressed substantially.<ref name="p1221564975">{{cite news |date=10 Mar 1935 |title=Civic Leaders Inspect Work On New Bridge: Moses Conducts 100 From 35 Groups on Tour of Tri-Borough Span Route Delays Laid to P. W. A. Commissioner Cites Outlay of $18,000,000 City Cash |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=13 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1221564975}} }}</ref><ref name="Robbins 1935" /> After the Moses–Ickes dispute had subsided, the TBA started advertising for bids to build the steel roadways of the Randalls and Wards Islands viaducts, as well as the East River suspension span.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/03/15/archives/bridge-bids-opened-authority-gets-offers-for-triborough-span.html |title=Bridge Bids Opened; Authority Gets Offers for Triborough Span Steelwork. |date=March 15, 1935 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 8, 2018 |archive-date=November 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108224909/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/03/15/archives/bridge-bids-opened-authority-gets-offers-for-triborough-span.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Less than a week afterward, the first temporary wires were strung between the two towers of the suspension span.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/03/19/archives/first-cables-link-triborough-bridge-piers-east-river-traffic-halted.html |title=First Cables Link Triborough Bridge Piers; East River Traffic Halted to Permit Work |date=March 19, 1935 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 8, 2018 |archive-date=November 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108224954/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/03/19/archives/first-cables-link-triborough-bridge-piers-east-river-traffic-halted.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The wires in the main cables were laid by machines that traveled along these temporary wires.<ref name="p1221973115" /> A contract for the Harlem River lift span's steel superstructure was awarded that May,<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/05/17/archives/bridge-bid-1313668-taylorfichter-low-for-harlem-river-span-of.html |title=Bridge Bid $1,313,668.; Taylor-Fichter Low for Harlem River Span of Triborough. |date=May 17, 1935 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 8, 2018 |archive-date=November 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108224701/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/05/17/archives/bridge-bid-1313668-taylorfichter-low-for-harlem-river-span-of.html |url-status=live }}</ref> followed by a contract for the Bronx Kill truss span's structure the following month.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/06/28/archives/1093753-low-bid-for-span-in-bronx-slightly-under-estimated-cost-of.html |title=$1,093,753 Low Bid For Span In Bronx; Slightly Under Estimated Cost of Triborough Bridge Link |date=June 28, 1935 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 8, 2018 |archive-date=November 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108224739/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/06/28/archives/1093753-low-bid-for-span-in-bronx-slightly-under-estimated-cost-of.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

The spinning of the main span's suspension cables was finished in July 1935. By that time, half of the $41&nbsp;million federal grant had been spent on construction, and the bridge was expected to open the following year.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/07/14/archives/triborough-bridge-to-open-next-july-huge-structure-is-expected-to.html |title=Triborough Bridge To Open Next July; Huge Structure Is Expected to Be Completed About a Year From Today. |date=July 14, 1935 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 8, 2018 |archive-date=November 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109024826/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/07/14/archives/triborough-bridge-to-open-next-july-huge-structure-is-expected-to.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The bridge was expected to relieve traffic on nearby highways,<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/10/20/archives/new-city-speedways-bridges-tunnels-and-roads-being-built-to-help.html |title=New City Speedways; Bridges, Tunnels and Roads Being Built To Help End New York's Motor Jams |last=Duffus |first=R. L. |date=October 20, 1935 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 8, 2018 |archive-date=November 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108224733/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/10/20/archives/new-city-speedways-bridges-tunnels-and-roads-being-built-to-help.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and, with the upcoming [[1939 New York World's Fair]] being held in Queens, would also provide a new route to the fairground at [[Flushing Meadows–Corona Park]].<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/09/23/archives/great-world-fair-for-city-in-1939-on-site-in-queens-cost-to-be.html |title=Great World Fair For City In 1939 On Site In Queens; Cost To Be $40,000,000 |date=September 23, 1935 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 8, 2018 |archive-date=April 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407073005/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/09/23/archives/great-world-fair-for-city-in-1939-on-site-in-queens-cost-to-be.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The construction of the Bronx approach was delayed after the city's corporation council found that the approach could not be built using federal funds.<ref name="The New York Times 1935 u328">{{cite web |date=July 31, 1935 |title=Bridge Approach in Bronx Held Up; Windels Rules Federal Loan of $6,000,000 for Right of Way Would Not Be Legal. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/07/31/archives/bridge-approach-in-bronx-held-up-windels-rules-federal-loan-of.html |access-date=March 7, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240307195654/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/07/31/archives/bridge-approach-in-bronx-held-up-windels-rules-federal-loan-of.html |url-status=live }}</ref> By October 1935, the Queens approach and the Randalls and Wards Islands viaduct was nearly complete. Vertical suspender cables had been hung from the main cables of the Queens suspension span, and the steel slabs to support the span's roadway deck were being erected. The concrete piers supporting Bronx span were still being constructed, and the site of the Manhattan span was marked only by its foundations.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/10/27/archives/great-triborough-bridge-taking-shape-steel-towers-and-roadways-are.html |title=Great Triborough Bridge Taking Shape; Steel Towers and Roadways Are Rising and Work on 'Centre' Will Soon Begin |date=October 27, 1935 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 8, 2018 |archive-date=November 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108224732/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/10/27/archives/great-triborough-bridge-taking-shape-steel-towers-and-roadways-are.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The deck of the Queens suspension span was completed the following month.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/11/13/archives/steel-work-finished-on-triborough-span-bridge-now-virtually.html |title=Steel Work Finished On Triborough Span; Bridge Now Virtually Completed Except Concrete Roadway and the Approaches. |date=November 13, 1935 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 8, 2018 |archive-date=November 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108224648/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/11/13/archives/steel-work-finished-on-triborough-span-bridge-now-virtually.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The work was dangerous, as some workers fell off the scaffolding that had been erected to allow them to build the suspension span, while others died due to [[lead poisoning]].<ref name="p278802969" />
[[File:TRIBOROUGH BRIDGE EXCHANGE PLAZA ON RANDALL'S ISLAND. - Triborough Bridge, Passing through Queens, Manhattan and the Bronx, Queens (subdivision), Queens County, NY HAER NY,41-QUE,2-21 (cropped).tif|thumb|300x300px|The interchange plaza between the Queens, Bronx, and Manhattan spans]]
In November 1935, a controversy emerged over the fact that the Triborough Bridge would use steel imported from [[Nazi Germany]], rather than American producers.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/11/13/archives/protests-growing-on-german-steel-labor-heads-join-producers-in.html |title=Protests Growing On German Steel; Labor Heads Join Producers in Holding Practice Contrary to Spirit of PWA. |date=November 13, 1935 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 8, 2018 |archive-date=November 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108224743/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/11/13/archives/protests-growing-on-german-steel-labor-heads-join-producers-in.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Although American steel producers objected to the contract, the PWA approved of it anyway, because the German steel contract was cheaper than any of the bids presented by American producers.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/11/09/archives/german-steel-wins-a-pwa-order-here-engineers-approve-purchase-for.html |title=German Steel Wins A PWA Order Here; Engineers Approve Purchase for Triborough Bridge Over U.S. Producers' Protest. |date=November 9, 1935 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 8, 2018 |archive-date=November 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108225008/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/11/09/archives/german-steel-wins-a-pwa-order-here-engineers-approve-purchase-for.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Moses also approved of the decision because it would save money,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52632958/ |title=Ickes Charges Buck Passing |date=November 12, 1935 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=November 8, 2018 |pages=1, 3 |via=Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com |archive-date=November 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108224743/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52632958/ |url-status=live |postscript=none}}; {{Cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/11/12/archives/use-of-nazi-steel-upheld-by-moses-purchase-for-triborough-span-is-a.html |title=Use Of Nazi Steel Upheld By Moses; Purchase for Triborough Span Is 'a Matter of Law, Not Agitation,' He Holds. |date=November 12, 1935 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 8, 2018 |archive-date=November 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108230025/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/11/12/archives/use-of-nazi-steel-upheld-by-moses-purchase-for-triborough-span-is-a.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and the TBA said that federal regulations had forced the agency to turn to a German manufacturer.<ref name="p1329340744">{{cite news |date=14 Nov 1935 |title=German Steel In Triborough Laid to P.W.A.: Bridge Authority Officials Say Federal Regulations Necessitated Purchase |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=9 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1329340744}} }}</ref> La Guardia blocked the deal, writing that "the only commodity we can get from Hitlerland [Germany] is hatred, and we don't want any in our country",<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/11/15/archives/mayor-orders-ban-on-german-steel-says-only-commodity-we-can-get.html |title=Mayor Orders Ban On German Steel; Says Only Commodity We Can Get From 'Hitlerland is Hatred and We Don't Want' That |date=November 15, 1935 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 8, 2018 |archive-date=November 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108224746/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/11/15/archives/mayor-orders-ban-on-german-steel-says-only-commodity-we-can-get.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and Ickes also banned the use of imported materials on PWA projects.<ref name="p1221717653a">{{cite news |last=Lindley |first=Ernest K. |date=15 Nov 1935 |title=Ickes Restricts German Steel On P. W. A. Jobs: Enters Triborough Bridge Uproar Also as Foe of 'Collusion' in Home Bids |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=1 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1221717653}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite web |date=November 16, 1935 |title=Roosevelt Affirms PWA Rule To Ban Foreign Materials; Denying a Shift in Policy, He Says All Contracts Will Be Scanned to End Dumping. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/11/16/archives/roosevelt-affirms-pwa-rule-to-ban-foreign-materials-denying-a-shift.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108224824/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/11/16/archives/roosevelt-affirms-pwa-rule-to-ban-foreign-materials-denying-a-shift.html |archive-date=November 8, 2018 |access-date=November 8, 2018 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> The TBA then re-awarded the contract to the [[Jones and Laughlin Steel Company]].<ref name="p1329992785">{{cite news |date=22 Nov 1935 |title=Ickes Charges 'Collusion' in 4 U. S. Steel Bids: Accusation About Carolina Project; Sends Data on It and Triboro to Roosevelt Cites Bridge Order Here Says Cancellation Shows It Was Never Necessary |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=15 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1329992785}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite web |date=November 22, 1935 |title=Steel Collusion Charged by Ickes; Identical Bids by 4 Companies on Triborough Bridge Job Are Cited by Secretary |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/11/22/archives/steel-collusion-charged-by-ickes-identical-bids-by-4-companies-on.html |access-date=March 7, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=July 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240711083106/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/11/22/archives/steel-collusion-charged-by-ickes-identical-bids-by-4-companies-on.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== 1936 progress ====
By February 1936, the TBA had awarded contracts for paving the Bronx Kill and East River spans, as well as for constructing several administrative buildings for the TBA near the bridge.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/02/15/archives/3-bridge-contracts-let-they-involve-work-on-triborough-span.html |title=3 Bridge Contracts Let; They Involve Work on Triborough Span Totaling $1,794,000. |date=February 15, 1936 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 8, 2018 |archive-date=November 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108224926/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/02/15/archives/3-bridge-contracts-let-they-involve-work-on-triborough-span.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Lyons continued to object to Moses's plans for the bridge's Bronx approach.<ref name="The New York Times 1936 d446">{{cite web |date=February 2, 1936 |title=Opposes Bridge Plans; Lyons Wants Moses to Revise Bronx Approach Project. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/02/02/archives/opposes-bridge-plans-lyons-wants-moses-to-revise-bronx-approach.html |access-date=March 7, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240307195653/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/02/02/archives/opposes-bridge-plans-lyons-wants-moses-to-revise-bronx-approach.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Moses wanted to speed up construction on the Triborough Bridge so that it would meet a deadline of July 11, 1936.<ref name=":1" /> He objected to Ickes's decision, in March 1936, to decentralize control of PWA resident engineers, who would report to state PWA bosses instead of directly to the PWA's main office in Washington, D.C. Moses believed that the PWA boss for New York, Arthur S. Tuttle, was indecisive.<ref name=":1">{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/03/24/archives/moses-opens-fights-on-change-in-pwa-says-triborough-bridge-will-be.html |title=Moses Opens Fights On Change In PWA; Says Triborough Bridge Will Be Delayed by New Set-Up – RFC to Get Appeal |date=March 24, 1936 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 8, 2018 |archive-date=November 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108224921/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/03/24/archives/moses-opens-fights-on-change-in-pwa-says-triborough-bridge-will-be.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="p150899869">{{cite news |date=25 Mar 1936 |title=Moses Revives Year-Old Feud, Blaming Bridge Delay on Ickes: Interior Secretary and Tuttle, New York PWA Engineer, More Interested in Lead Pencils, Says State Park Official. |newspaper=The Washington Post |page=26 |issn=0190-8286 |id={{ProQuest|150899869}} }}</ref> In return, Ickes assured Moses of Tuttle's full cooperation.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52656843/ |title=Moses Veiling Delay on Span; PWA Charges |date=March 25, 1936 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=November 8, 2018 |pages=2 |via=Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com |archive-date=November 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109070707/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52656843/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The 300-by-84-foot superstructure of the Harlem River lift span was assembled in [[Weehawken, New Jersey]]. It was floated northward to the Triborough Bridge site in April 1936.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/04/06/archives/huge-bridge-span-is-moved-on-floats-4000000-pounds-of-steel-towed.html |title=Huge Bridge Span Is Moved On Floats; 4,000,000 Pounds of Steel Towed From Weehawken to Triborough Project |date=April 6, 1936 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 8, 2018 |archive-date=November 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108224732/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/04/06/archives/huge-bridge-span-is-moved-on-floats-4000000-pounds-of-steel-towed.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Early the next month, the 200-ton main lift span was hoisted into place above the Harlem River in a process that took sixteen minutes.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/05/04/archives/triborough-hoists-its-2000ton-span-huge-structure-is-lifted-fifty.html |title=Triborough Hoists Its 2,000-ton Span; Huge Structure Is Lifted Fifty Feet From Harlem River in Sixteen Minutes. |date=May 4, 1936 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 8, 2018 |archive-date=June 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621011021/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/05/04/archives/triborough-hoists-its-2000ton-span-huge-structure-is-lifted-fifty.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In addition, the city gave the [[New York City Omnibus Corporation]] a temporary permit to operate bus routes on the Triborough Bridge, connecting the bus stops at each of the bridge's ends, during the summer months.<ref name="p128880639">{{cite news |date=16 May 1936 |title=Tri Boro Bridge Contract |work=The Wall Street Journal |page=10 |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|128880639}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite web |date=May 16, 1936 |title=City Gives Permit For Bridge Buses; Authorization to Use Street Terminals Is Temporary and for Summer Months |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/05/16/archives/city-gives-permit-for-bridge-buses-authorization-to-use-street.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108224930/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/05/16/archives/city-gives-permit-for-bridge-buses-authorization-to-use-street.html |archive-date=November 8, 2018 |access-date=November 8, 2018 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> Moses appealed to Ickes to increase the construction workers' workweeks from 30 to 40 hours so the bridge would be able to open on time, but was initially rejected.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 5, 1936 |title=Forty-hour Week On Bridge Barred; Plea of Triborough Authority to Add to Working Hours Rejected by Ickes |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/04/05/archives/fortyhour-week-on-bridge-barred-plea-of-triborough-authority-to-add.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108224945/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/04/05/archives/fortyhour-week-on-bridge-barred-plea-of-triborough-authority-to-add.html |archive-date=November 8, 2018 |access-date=November 8, 2018 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |date=5 Apr 1936 |title=Triborough Bridge Delay Threatened, By Ickes's Order: His Refusal to Permit 40- Hour Week Is New Shot in Moses Feud |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=1 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1319851306}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=April 12, 1936 |title=Delay is Seen in 30-Hr. Week on New Bridge |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52664484/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108224741/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52664484/ |archive-date=November 8, 2018 |access-date=November 8, 2018 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=3 |via=Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com }}</ref> A 40-hour workweek was approved that June.<ref>{{cite web |date=June 12, 1936 |title=Work on Bridge Speeded; 40-Hour Week Sciedule Ordered on Triborough Span. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/06/12/archives/work-on-bridge-speeded-40hour-week-sciedule-ordered-on-triborough.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108224936/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/06/12/archives/work-on-bridge-speeded-40hour-week-sciedule-ordered-on-triborough.html |archive-date=November 8, 2018 |access-date=November 8, 2018 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> As late as the day before the bridge's opening on July 11, workers were still putting finishing touches on the bridge and surrounding highways.<ref name="p1243506057">{{cite news |date=11 July 1936 |title=Triborough Bridge Opens At 1; Roosevelt To Be Present |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=1 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1243506057}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1936-07-10 |title=Triborough Bridge Cuts Travel Time; Forty-five-Minute Ride on Old Arteries Is Made in Sixteen Minutes in Tour. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/07/10/archives/triborough-bridge-cuts-travel-time-fortyfiveminute-ride-on-old.html |access-date=2024-03-13 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240313014950/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/07/10/archives/triborough-bridge-cuts-travel-time-fortyfiveminute-ride-on-old.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="p1330097912">{{cite news |date=10 July 1936 |title=11th-Hour Rush Begins to Finish Triborough Job: Thousands of Men Labor in Hot Sun Preparing for Opening Tomorrow |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=14 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1330097912}} }}</ref>

A byproduct of the Triborough project was the creation of parks and playgrounds in the lands underneath the bridges and approaches.<ref name="fednyc"/> The largest of these parks was [[Randall's Island Park]], located on Wards and Randalls Islands.{{sfn|Caro|1974|pp=395–396}}<ref name="p1114826013"/> The park on Randalls Island was approved in February 1935<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/02/06/archives/randalls-island-to-be-play-centre-park-departments-plans-now-ready.html |title=Randall's Island To Be Play Centre; Park Department's Plans, Now Ready, Call for a Stadium to Seat 10,000. |date=February 6, 1935 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 8, 2018 |archive-date=November 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108224933/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/02/06/archives/randalls-island-to-be-play-centre-park-departments-plans-now-ready.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and included an Olympic-sized running track called [[Downing Stadium]], work on which began in mid-1935;{{sfn|Caro|1974|pp=395–396}}<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/07/17/archives/government-backs-city-stadium-plan-mayor-arranges-final-terms-for.html |title=Government Backs City Stadium Plan; Mayor Arranges Final Terms for Randall's Island Project With Capital Officials. |date=July 17, 1935 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 8, 2018 |archive-date=November 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108225000/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/07/17/archives/government-backs-city-stadium-plan-mayor-arranges-final-terms-for.html |url-status=live |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/clip/25209984/contract_awarded_for_start_of_work_on/ |title=Contract Awarded For Start of Work On City Stadium |date=July 11, 1935 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=November 8, 2018 |page=13 |via=Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com |archive-date=November 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108224733/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/clip/25209984/contract_awarded_for_start_of_work_on/ |url-status=live }}</ref> the stadium was incomplete at the time of the bridge's opening.<ref name="p1330097912" /> The plan included infilling a strait, Little Hell Gate, between the two islands.<ref name="p1114826013">{{cite news |date=20 May 1934 |title=Twin Island Park Projected With New Triborough Bridge: 400-Acre Playground for New Yorkers on Randall's and Ward's Islands Being Developed Coincident With the Building of New Span Location of Proposed 400-Acre Playground for New Yorkers |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=A1 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1114826013}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite web |date=May 15, 1934 |title=Huge Island Park Planned For City; Moses Hopes to Have 140-Acre Tract at Randall's Island Ready by July 1, 1936 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/05/15/archives/huge-island-park-planned-for-city-moses-hopes-to-have-140acre-tract.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107185429/https://www.nytimes.com/1934/05/15/archives/huge-island-park-planned-for-city-moses-hopes-to-have-140acre-tract.html |archive-date=November 7, 2018 |access-date=November 7, 2018 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> Smaller parks were also built in Astoria and Manhattan.<ref name="fednyc" /><ref name="NYC Parks" />

When the Triborough Bridge was finished, it was the largest PWA project in the eastern U.S.,<ref name="Bernstein 1936">{{cite web |last=Bernstein |first=Victor H. |date=July 5, 1936 |title=A New Triumph of Engineering |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/07/05/archives/a-new-triumph-of-engineering-great-structure-building-for-seven.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111001554/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/07/05/archives/a-new-triumph-of-engineering-great-structure-building-for-seven.html |archive-date=November 11, 2018 |access-date=November 10, 2018 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> having cost $60.3&nbsp;million (equivalent to ${{round|{{Inflation|US|0.063|1936|r=3}}}}&nbsp;billion in {{Inflation-year|US}}) according to final TBA figures.<ref name="p1243506170">{{cite news |date=11 July 1936 |title=Bridge Authority Makes Accounting of Its Cash: Tells of $60,300,000 Outlay and How Debts Will Be Paid |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=12 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1243506170}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite web |title=Infrastructure: New York City (NYC) Triboro Bridge (1936) |url=https://www.baruch.cuny.edu/nycdata/infrastructure/triboro_bridge.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308011907/https://www.baruch.cuny.edu/nycdata/infrastructure/triboro_bridge.html |archive-date=March 8, 2023 |access-date=March 7, 2023 |website=NYCdata |publisher=Weissman Center for International Business, [[Baruch College]]/[[City University of New York]] }}</ref><ref name=nyt-2009-06-26/> Based on expenditures, the PWA had originally estimated the bridge's cost to be as high as $64&nbsp;million.<ref name="Bernstein 1936" /><ref>{{cite news |date=July 11, 1936 |title=Roosevelt Will Dedicate Bridge |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/476676728/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111000114/https://www.newspapers.com/image/476676728/ |archive-date=November 11, 2018 |access-date=November 1, 2018 |work=The Post-Star |location=Glens Falls, NY |page=1 |via=Newspapers.com }}</ref> In either case, the Triborough Bridge was one of the largest public works projects of the [[Great Depression in the United States|Great Depression]], more expensive than the [[Hoover Dam]].<ref name="NYC Parks" />{{sfn|Caro|1974|pp=440–443}}<ref>{{cite news |last=Roberts |first=Sam |date=July 11, 2006 |title=Reappraising a Landmark Bridge, and the Visionary Behind It |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/11/nyregion/11bridge.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150129235511/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/11/nyregion/11bridge.html |archive-date=January 29, 2015 |access-date=February 25, 2010 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> Of this, $16&nbsp;million came from the city and $9&nbsp;million directly from the PWA. The latter also purchased $35&nbsp;million worth of TBA bonds, which were eventually bought back and resold to the public.<ref name="fednyc" /> The PWA had finished giving out the $35&nbsp;million loan by February 1937,<ref>{{cite web |date=February 19, 1937 |title=PWA Completes Loan; Triborough Bridge Authority Gets Last $5,000,000 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1937/02/19/archives/pwa-completes-loan-triborough-bridge-authority-gets-last-5000000.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181112181753/https://www.nytimes.com/1937/02/19/archives/pwa-completes-loan-triborough-bridge-authority-gets-last-5000000.html |archive-date=November 12, 2018 |access-date=November 12, 2018 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> and the [[Reconstruction Finance Corporation]] had sold the last of the TBA's funds that July.<ref>{{cite news |date=July 22, 1937 |title=Roosevelt Will Dedicate Bridge |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52702471/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181112181627/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52702471/ |archive-date=November 12, 2018 |access-date=November 12, 2018 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |page=23 |via=Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com }}</ref> Additional income came from toll collection: the toll was initially set at 25 cents per passenger car, with lower rates for motorcycles and higher rates for commercial vehicles.<ref name="The New York Times 1936 3">{{cite web |date=July 14, 1936 |title=Traffic Speeds Up On The Triborough; Cars Skim Across New Bridge at Rate of 1,000 an Hour as Toll Delays End. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/07/14/archives/traffic-speeds-up-on-the-triborough-cars-skim-across-new-bridge-at.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111000411/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/07/14/archives/traffic-speeds-up-on-the-triborough-cars-skim-across-new-bridge-at.html |archive-date=November 11, 2018 |access-date=November 10, 2018 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref>

==Operational history<span class="anchor" id="Operation"></span> ==

=== Opening ===
The toll rates for the bridge were decided upon in March 1936.<ref name="The New York Times 1936 d902">{{cite web |date=March 11, 1936 |title=25-Cent Auto Fee Set For Triborough Bridge |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/03/11/archives/25cent-auto-fee-set-for-triborough-bridge.html |access-date=March 7, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030092305/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/03/11/archives/25cent-auto-fee-set-for-triborough-bridge.html |url-status=live }}</ref> By May, the opening ceremonies for both the Triborough Bridge and the Downing Stadium were scheduled for July 11.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/05/08/archives/1000000-randalls-island-sports-project-impresses-olympic-officials.html |title=$1,000,000 Randalls Island Sports Project Impresses Olympic Officials |last=Daley |first=Arthur J. |date=May 8, 1936 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 10, 2018 |archive-date=July 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722220917/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/05/08/archives/1000000-randalls-island-sports-project-impresses-olympic-officials.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The dedication was scheduled to occur on the Manhattan lift span, prompting objections from both Bronx and Queens officials.<ref name="p1237410297">{{cite news |date=26 June 1936 |title=Bronx Leaders Say Triborough Span Is Theirs: Queens Puts in Claim Too as Both Assail Manhattan 'Monopoly' on Festivities |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=21 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1237410297}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite web |date=June 26, 1936 |title=Queens And Bronx Ask Part In Bridge Fete; Civic Leaders Outline Local Plans for Dedication of Triborough Span July 11. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/06/26/archives/queens-and-bronx-ask-part-in-bridge-fete-civic-leaders-outline.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111001940/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/06/26/archives/queens-and-bronx-ask-part-in-bridge-fete-civic-leaders-outline.html |archive-date=November 11, 2018 |access-date=November 10, 2018 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> Due to the previous conflicts between President Roosevelt and Robert Moses, the attendance of the former was not certain until two weeks before the ceremony.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/06/30/archives/roosevelt-expected-here-to-dedicate-the-triborough-bridge-at-fete.html |title=Roosevelt Expected Here to Dedicate The Triborough Bridge at Fete July 11 |date=June 30, 1936 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 10, 2018 |archive-date=November 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111004933/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/06/30/archives/roosevelt-expected-here-to-dedicate-the-triborough-bridge-at-fete.html |url-status=live }}</ref> PWA administrator Ickes's attendance was finalized only four days beforehand.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/07/07/archives/ickes-to-attend-triborough-bridge-opening-moses-foe-in-bitter-feud.html |title=Ickes to Attend Triborough Bridge Opening; Moses, Foe in Bitter Feud, to Introduce Him |date=July 7, 1936 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 10, 2018 |archive-date=November 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111000313/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/07/07/archives/ickes-to-attend-triborough-bridge-opening-moses-foe-in-bitter-feud.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

The completed structure, described by ''[[The New York Times]]'' as a "Y-shaped sky highway",<ref name="The New York Times 1936 2" /> was dedicated on Saturday, July 11, 1936, along with Downing Stadium.<ref name="The New York Times 1936 2" /><ref name="p1243473862a">{{cite news |last=Boyer |first=Philip |date=11 July 1936 |title=Triborough Bridge Is a Triumph Over Years of Technical and Personal Strife: Construction Halted Months By Depression Structure Surmounted Almost All Problems Met in Its Engineering Field Marvel of Traffic Routes Moses-Ickes Feud Almost Ended It Many a Time |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=12 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1243473862}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1936-07-11 |title=Triborough Bridge Opened; Roosevelt at Dedication |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-triborough-bridge-opened-ro/143255610/ |access-date=2024-03-13 |work=Times Union |pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-triborough-bridge-opened-ro/143255636/ 3] |via=newspapers.com |postscript=none |archive-date=March 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240313014951/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-triborough-bridge-opened-ro/143255610/ |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=July 12, 1936 |title=Governor, Mayor, Ickes Hail Triboro Span as New Deal Achievement |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52664924/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111000349/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52664924/ |archive-date=November 11, 2018 |access-date=November 1, 2018 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |page=10 |via=Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com }}</ref> The ceremony for the Triborough Bridge was held at the interchange plaza, and was attended by Roosevelt, La Guardia, Lehman, Ickes, and Postmaster General [[James A. Farley]], who all gave speeches.<ref name="p1243473862a" /><ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/07/12/archives/texts-of-addresses-by-roosevelt-lehman-and-others-at-bridge.html |title=Texts of Addresses by Roosevelt, Lehman and Others at Bridge Ceremony |date=July 12, 1936 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 10, 2018 |archive-date=November 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111001938/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/07/12/archives/texts-of-addresses-by-roosevelt-lehman-and-others-at-bridge.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Robert Moses acted as the master of ceremonies.<ref name="The New York Times 1936 2">{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/07/12/archives/great-link-is-acclaimed-people-demanding-such-uptodate-projects.html |title=Great Link Is Acclaimed |date=July 12, 1936 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 10, 2018 |archive-date=November 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107145618/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/07/12/archives/great-link-is-acclaimed-people-demanding-such-uptodate-projects.html |url-status=live }}</ref>{{sfn|Caro|1974|pp=440–443}} The ceremonies were broadcast nationwide via radio,{{sfn|Caro|1974|pp=440–443}} and a parade was also held on 125th Street in Manhattan to celebrate the bridge's opening.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/07/12/archives/crowds-defy-heat-to-cheer-parade-line-flagbedecked-125th-st-for.html |title=Crowds Defy Heat To Cheer Parade; Line Flag-Bedecked 125th St. for March Celebrating the Opening of New Bridge |date=July 12, 1936 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 10, 2018 |archive-date=November 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111003126/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/07/12/archives/crowds-defy-heat-to-cheer-parade-line-flagbedecked-125th-st-for.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Queens residents, excluded from the official ceremony, hosted an unofficial gathering in Astoria.<ref name="p278802969" /> The Triborough Bridge opened to the general public at 1:30&nbsp;p.m.,<ref name="p1248051331">{{cite news |date=13 July 1936 |title=50,000 Cars On 1st Day Use Triborough: 10,000 Autos Going to Stadium Swell Heavy Sunday Load, but New Span Proves Adequate Traffic Lightened On Other Arteries Queensboro Has 50 P. C. Drop, Others 30 P. C., and Ferries Carry Few |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=1 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1248051331}} }}</ref> and by that midnight an estimated 200,000 people had visited the bridge.<ref name="The New York Times 1936 2" /><ref name="The New York Times 1936" /> The bridge saw 40,000 vehicles on its first full day, July 12,<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/07/13/archives/40000-autos-use-triborough-span-on-first-sunday-except-for-delays.html |title=40,000 Autos Use Triborough Span On First Sunday; Except for Delays Caused by Emergency Collecting System Traffic Flows Smoothly. |date=July 13, 1936 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 10, 2018 |archive-date=November 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111004924/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/07/13/archives/40000-autos-use-triborough-span-on-first-sunday-except-for-delays.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and about 1,000 vehicles an hour on July 13, its first full weekdays.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/07/15/archives/1000-cars-an-hour-use-triborough-span-average-maintained-in-figures.html |title=1,000 Cars An Hour Use Triborough Span |date=July 15, 1936 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 10, 2018 |archive-date=November 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111000259/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/07/15/archives/1000-cars-an-hour-use-triborough-span-average-maintained-in-figures.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The TBA recorded 242,000 total vehicles in the bridge's first week,<ref name="p128886478">{{cite news |date=22 July 1936 |title=Tri-Borough Bridge Bonds Draw Interest Of Investment Group: Syndicate Reported Ready to Buy Issue of Which Federal Agencies Hold $28,300,000 |work=The Wall Street Journal |page=9 |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|128886478}} }}</ref> 953,100 during the first month,<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/08/12/archives/31000-vehicles-a-day-use-triborough-bridge.html |title=31,000 Vehicles a Day Use Triborough Bridge |date=August 12, 1936 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 10, 2018 |archive-date=November 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111043725/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/08/12/archives/31000-vehicles-a-day-use-triborough-bridge.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and 2.7 million in its first three months.<ref name="p1223317305">{{cite news |date=11 Oct 1936 |title=2,700,000 Use Triborough in First 3 Months: Average of 31,000 Vehicles Daily Cross Bridge Since Its Opening on July 11 Revenue Over $650,000 All Construction Completed Except East River Drive |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=A9 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1223317305}} }}</ref>

After the bridge's opening, one Queens civic group predicted that the bridge would increase real-estate values in Queens and on Long Island at large.<ref name="p1348913060">{{cite news |date=19 Jul 1936 |title=3-Way Bridge Viewed Maker Of Fortunes: MacDougall Says Advance in Next Decade Will Exceed Last 25 Years Welds Three Boroughs Says It Will Accelerate Industrial Growth of City |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=I2 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1348913060}} }}</ref> The ferry between Yorkville, Manhattan, and Astoria, Queens, was made redundant by the new Triborough Bridge,<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/07/23/archives/mayor-calls-police-to-halt-razing-of-ferry-by-moses-workmen.html |title=Mayor Calls Police to Halt Razing of Ferry by Moses |date=July 23, 1936 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 10, 2018 |archive-date=November 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111004940/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/07/23/archives/mayor-calls-police-to-halt-razing-of-ferry-by-moses-workmen.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Mayor's Cops Rout Moses' Wreckers From Ferry House |date=July 23, 1936 |work=Daily News |location=New York |pages=[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25269231/mayors_cops_rout_moses_wreckers_from/ 3], [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25269270/mayors_cops_rout_moses_razing_crew/ 18] |via=Newspapers.com }}</ref> and the city had closed the ferry by the end of July 1936.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/07/30/archives/astoria-ferry-line-to-close-saturday-board-votes-to-halt-operation.html |title=Astoria Ferry Line To Close Saturday; Board Votes to Halt Operation and Ends Row Between Moses and Kracke. |date=July 30, 1936 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 10, 2018 |archive-date=November 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111000445/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/07/30/archives/astoria-ferry-line-to-close-saturday-board-votes-to-halt-operation.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Traffic on the [[Queensboro Bridge]], the only other vehicular bridge that connected Manhattan and Queens, declined after the Triborough Bridge opened,<ref name="p1240505622">{{cite news |date=28 Oct 1936 |title=Queens Bridge Traffic Drops; Others Busier: Williamsburg, Manhattan and Brooklyn Spans Are Given Increased Use |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=23 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1240505622}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite web |date=October 28, 1936 |title=Traffic Decline Shown On Queensboro Bridge |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/10/28/archives/traffic-decline-shown-on-queensboro-bridge.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111000322/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/10/28/archives/traffic-decline-shown-on-queensboro-bridge.html |archive-date=November 11, 2018 |access-date=November 10, 2018 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> though not by as much as city officials had anticipated.<ref name="p1222207327">{{cite news |last=Hammersley |first=E. Gordon |date=27 Dec 1936 |title=Traffic Flow On Queensboro Span Still Big: Motorists Fail to Utilize the Triborough Bridge in Numbers as Expected Further Relief Is Asked First Avenue Association Backs Underpass Project Traffic Congestion Remains on Fifty-Ninth St. Bridge |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=A6 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1222207327}} }}</ref> In 1937, the first full year of the bridge's operation, it generated $2.85&nbsp;million (equivalent to ${{round|{{Inflation|US|2.85|1937|r=2}}|2}}&nbsp;million in {{Inflation-year|US}}) in revenue from 11.18&nbsp;million vehicles.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1938-01-22 |title=11,171,956 Cars Used Triborough Bridge; Report Shows 30,608 Vehicles Crossed Span Daily in 1937--$2,845,109 Paid in Tolls |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1938/01/22/archives/11171-956-carsused-triborough-bridge-report-shows-30608-vehicles.html |access-date=2024-03-14 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314002558/https://www.nytimes.com/1938/01/22/archives/11171-956-carsused-triborough-bridge-report-shows-30608-vehicles.html |url-status=live }}</ref> This was far more than the 8 million vehicles that TBA officials had originally anticipated.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Markland |first=John |date=1938-07-10 |title=Big Gain for Triborough; Automobiles on the Span, Now Two Years Old, Far Ahead of Predictions An Express Highway Could Handle More Income From Tolls |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1938/07/10/archives/big-gain-for-triborough-automobiles-on-the-span-now-two-years-old.html |access-date=2024-03-14 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314002558/https://www.nytimes.com/1938/07/10/archives/big-gain-for-triborough-automobiles-on-the-span-now-two-years-old.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[American Institute of Steel Construction]] declared the Triborough Bridge the "most beautiful" steel bridge constructed during 1936.<ref name="p515366438">{{cite news |date=25 Aug 1937 |title=New York Bridges Win Beauty Awards |work=The Christian Science Monitor |page=10 |issn=0882-7729 |id={{ProQuest|515366438}} |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |date=June 30, 1937 |title=Triborough Bridge Gets Steel Award; Institute Gives Plaque to Be Fastened on East River Span, Signalizing Its Beauty |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1937/06/30/archives/triborough-bridge-gets-steel-award-institute-gives-plaque-to-be.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181112181725/https://www.nytimes.com/1937/06/30/archives/triborough-bridge-gets-steel-award-institute-gives-plaque-to-be.html |archive-date=November 12, 2018 |access-date=November 12, 2018 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> ''[[Newsday]]'', writing retrospectively in 1994, said: "More than any other structure, the Triborough unified the boroughs of New York City."<ref name="p278802969" />

=== 1930s to mid-1960s ===

==== Highway construction ====
[[File:2024-05-24 14 29 58 View west along the Grand Central Parkway and east along Interstate 278 from the Astoria Boulevard BMT station in Queens, New York City, New York.jpg|thumb|The Grand Central Parkway/I-278 approach to the bridge's Queens suspension span]]

When the bridge opened, none of the spans had direct connections to the greater system of highways in New York City.<ref name="Duffus 1936" /> In Queens, the Grand Central Parkway extension to the Triborough Bridge was nearly completed at the time of the bridge's opening. The Manhattan span was planned to connect to the East River Drive (now the FDR Drive), the first segments of which were still under construction.<ref name="Duffus 1936" /> The section of the East River Drive from the bridge south to 92nd Street opened that October.<ref name=p1237427444>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1237427444}} |title=E. River Drive To Triborough Bridge Opens: Southbound Parkway to 92d St. Takes Traffic North Also for the Time Being No Trucks Are Allowed New Highway Facilitates Progress Into Midtown |date=1 Nov 1936 |page=5 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |id={{ProQuest|514215862}} |title=New York Opens Portion Of East River Drive |date=2 Nov 1936 |page=10 |work=The Christian Science Monitor |issn=0882-7729 |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/10/31/archives/east-drive-link-opens-southbound-lanes-ready-today-from-92d-to-122d.html |title=East Drive Link Opens; Southbound Lanes Ready Today From 92d to 122d Streets |date=October 31, 1936 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 10, 2018 |archive-date=July 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701083147/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/10/31/archives/east-drive-link-opens-southbound-lanes-ready-today-from-92d-to-122d.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Originally, there was no direct access from the Queens span to Wards Island, but in November 1937, Moses announced the construction of a ramp from the Queens span that would lead down to the island.<ref>{{cite web |date=November 22, 1937 |title=Ramp To Give Access To Wards Island; Triborough Bridge Project Will Give Short Path to Park for Astoria Residents |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1937/11/22/archives/ramp-to-give-access-to-wards-island-triborough-bridge-project-will.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181112181700/https://www.nytimes.com/1937/11/22/archives/ramp-to-give-access-to-wards-island-triborough-bridge-project-will.html |archive-date=November 12, 2018 |access-date=November 12, 2018 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> The next year, a lawsuit was filed by two Wards Islands landowners, who alleged that the Triborough Bridge had been built on portions of their land. They each received nominal damages of $1.<ref>{{cite news |date=August 10, 1938 |title=Suit for $525,972 Nets Two $1 Each |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52756635/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181112223328/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52756635/ |archive-date=November 12, 2018 |access-date=November 12, 2018 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |page=5 |via=Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=August 10, 1938 |title=2 Get $2 Verdict In A $525,792 Suit; Wards Island Realty Owners Asked Damages From City for Triborough Land |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1938/08/10/archives/2-get-2-verdict-in-a-525792-suit-wards-island-realty-owners-asked.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181112223332/https://www.nytimes.com/1938/08/10/archives/2-get-2-verdict-in-a-525792-suit-wards-island-realty-owners-asked.html |archive-date=November 12, 2018 |access-date=November 12, 2018 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref>

The Bronx span ended in local traffic at the no-longer extant intersection of 135th Street and Cypress Avenue.<ref name="Duffus 1936" /> The first of two approach highways in the Bronx was approved late in 1936<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/10/20/archives/link-to-bridge-approved-mayor-authorizes-bronx-approach-to.html |title=Link to Bridge Approved; Mayor Authorizes Bronx Approach to Triborough Span. |date=October 20, 1936 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 10, 2018 |archive-date=November 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111004948/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/10/20/archives/link-to-bridge-approved-mayor-authorizes-bronx-approach-to.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and was partially funded by the PWA.<ref name="p128804535">{{cite news |date=10 Oct 1936 |title=PWA Makes New Allotments |work=The Wall Street Journal |page=4 |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|128804535}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1936-10-10 |title=$2,434,500 Bridge Grant; PWA Allots Fund for Triborough Span Link From West Bronx. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/10/10/archives/2434500-bridge-grant-pwa-allots-fund-for-triborough-span-link-from.html |access-date=2024-03-13 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240313234736/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/10/10/archives/2434500-bridge-grant-pwa-allots-fund-for-triborough-span-link-from.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Consisting of ramps to the intersection of 138th Street and [[Grand Concourse (Bronx)|Grand Concourse]],<ref name=p1244862702>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1244862702}} |title=Links to Span In Bronx To Be Finished in Fall: Triborough Bridge, Westchester Traffic Benefit by Route Improvements |date=30 Apr 1939 |page=36 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1938/02/20/archives/construction-work-on-bronx-approach-to-triborough-bridge-well-under.html |title=Construction Work On Bronx Approach To Triborough Bridge Well Under Way |date=February 20, 1938 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 12, 2018 |archive-date=November 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181112181730/https://www.nytimes.com/1938/02/20/archives/construction-work-on-bronx-approach-to-triborough-bridge-well-under.html |url-status=live }}</ref> this highway opened in April 1939<ref>{{cite web |date=April 30, 1939 |title=Bridge Approach In Bronx Is Ready; Road Leading to Triborough Span Officially Opened by the Mayor |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/04/30/archives/bridge-approach-in-bronx-is-ready-road-leading-to-triborough-span.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181112223308/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/04/30/archives/bridge-approach-in-bronx-is-ready-road-leading-to-triborough-span.html |archive-date=November 12, 2018 |access-date=November 12, 2018 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> and later became part of the Major Deegan Expressway ([[Interstate 87 (New York)|Interstate 87]]).<ref name=":2">{{cite web |last=Ingraham |first=Joseph C. |date=November 4, 1955 |title=3 Highway Links Open Tomorrow; Additions to Queens Midtown, Cross-Bronx and Deegan Units Cost $127,000,000 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1955/11/04/archives/3-highway-links-open-tomorrow-additions-to-queens-midtown.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722190755/https://www.nytimes.com/1955/11/04/archives/3-highway-links-open-tomorrow-additions-to-queens-midtown.html |archive-date=July 22, 2018 |access-date=November 14, 2018 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> Another approach highway in the Bronx, the present Bruckner Boulevard, was approved in 1938<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1938/06/05/archives/bronx-bridge-link-speeded-by-lyons-5800000-approach-to-triborough.html |title=Bronx Bridge Link Speeded By Lyons; $5,800,000 Approach to Triborough Span to Be Ready for Fair Opening, He Says |date=June 5, 1938 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 12, 2018 |archive-date=November 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181112183032/https://www.nytimes.com/1938/06/05/archives/bronx-bridge-link-speeded-by-lyons-5800000-approach-to-triborough.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and extended eastward to the [[Bruckner Interchange]].<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1938/10/30/archives/new-bridge-road-in-bronx-is-pushed-5mile-easterly-approach-to.html |title=New Bridge Road In Bronx Is Pushed; 5-Mile Easterly Approach to Triborough Span Expected to Be Ready for World's Fair |date=October 30, 1938 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 12, 2018 |archive-date=November 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181112181708/https://www.nytimes.com/1938/10/30/archives/new-bridge-road-in-bronx-is-pushed-5mile-easterly-approach-to.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Both Bronx approach roads were completed in time for the [[1939 New York World's Fair]], which was held in Queens.<ref name=":2" />

Moses continued expanding the system of highways in the mid-20th century, including arteries that led to the Triborough Bridge, namely the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway in Queens<ref>{{cite web |last=Freeman |first=Ira |date=December 13, 1947 |title=City Pushes Work On Expressways |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1947/12/13/archives/city-pushes-work-on-expressways-8-of-15-major-road-projects-in.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031143436/https://www.nytimes.com/1947/12/13/archives/city-pushes-work-on-expressways-8-of-15-major-road-projects-in.html |archive-date=October 31, 2022 |access-date=November 14, 2018 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> and the [[Bruckner Expressway]] in the Bronx.<ref>{{cite web |date=October 4, 1956 |title=Plans Approved For Bronx Road; Bruckner Expressway Link to Thruway Is Estimated to Cost $26,850,000 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1956/10/04/archives/plans-approved-for-bronx-road-bruckner-expressway-link-to-thruway.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114224035/https://www.nytimes.com/1956/10/04/archives/plans-approved-for-bronx-road-bruckner-expressway-link-to-thruway.html |archive-date=November 14, 2018 |access-date=November 14, 2018 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> Both highways became part of I-278, as did the Queens and Bronx spans of the Triborough Bridge, by the 1960s.<ref name="1970log">{{cite book |url=http://www.greaternyroads.info/pdfs/state70.pdf |title=Official Description of Touring Routes in New York State |date=January 1, 1970 |publisher=[[New York State Department of Transportation]] (NYSDOT) |access-date=July 13, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090326062441/http://www.greaternyroads.info/pdfs/state70.pdf |archive-date=March 26, 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref> In the 1950s, there were also plans for a highway to be constructed between the Triborough Bridge's Manhattan span and a never-built [[125th Street Hudson River bridge]], which would have allowed direct highway access to the [[New Jersey Turnpike]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ingraham |first=Joseph C. |date=1954-02-21 |title=By-passing Manhattan; Port, Triborough Authorities Join to Speed Through Traffic Around New York on Tunnel-Bridge-Expressway Network |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1954/02/21/archives/bypassing-manhattan-port-triborough-authorities-join-to-speed.html |access-date=2024-03-14 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=July 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240711083106/https://www.nytimes.com/1954/02/21/archives/bypassing-manhattan-port-triborough-authorities-join-to-speed.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Bridge traffic and modifications ====
The Triborough Bridge Authority was headquartered in an administration building adjacent to the Manhattan span's toll plaza, where by 1940, it controlled the operation of all toll bridges located entirely within New York City.<ref name="Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) 2011" /> Though the [[Bronx–Whitestone Bridge]] between the Bronx and Queens opened in April 1939,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52709050/ |title=New Queens Span Opens in Time for Fair |date=April 30, 1939 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=October 25, 2018 |page=1 |via=Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com |archive-date=October 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181026025043/http://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52709050/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24833464/bronxwhitestone_bridge_is_opened/ |title=Bronx–Whitestone Bridge is Opened |date=April 30, 1939 |work=Daily News |location=New York |access-date=October 25, 2018 |page=43 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=February 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219211850/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-bronx-whitestone-bridge-is-op/24833464/ |url-status=live }}</ref> the Triborough Bridge did not see any initial decline in traffic, likely because both spans were heavily used during the World's Fair.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/07/26/archives/whitestone-span-earns-4232-a-day-report-on-2month-operation-shows.html |title=Whitestone Span Earns $4,232 A Day; Report on 2-Month Operation Shows It Is Not Cutting Into Triborough Traffic |date=July 26, 1939 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 12, 2018 |archive-date=October 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181026025052/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/07/26/archives/whitestone-span-earns-4232-a-day-report-on-2month-operation-shows.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Soon after, vehicle rationing caused by the onset of [[World War II]] resulted in a decline in traffic at crossings operated by the TBA including the Triborough Bridge.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1942/08/04/archives/motoring-here-cut-29-by-rationing-decline-reported-for-july-by-2.html |title=Motoring Here Cut 29% By Rationing; Decline Reported for July by 2 Tunnels and 4 Bridges of Port Authority |date=August 4, 1942 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 12, 2018 |archive-date=April 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420012342/https://www.nytimes.com/1942/08/04/archives/motoring-here-cut-29-by-rationing-decline-reported-for-july-by-2.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Still, by 1940, the Triborough Bridge was the most profitable crossing operated by the TBA.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1941-07-11 |title=Triborough Bridge a Symbol to Moses; His Report Today, on the Fifth Anniversary of Its Opening; Stresses City's Progress |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1941/07/11/archives/triborough-bridge-a-symbol-to-moses-his-report-today-on-the-fifth-a.html |access-date=2024-03-14 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none |archive-date=March 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314002558/https://www.nytimes.com/1941/07/11/archives/triborough-bridge-a-symbol-to-moses-his-report-today-on-the-fifth-a.html |url-status=live }}; {{cite news |date=July 18, 1940 |title=Triborough Bridge Best Money Maker of Authority's Five |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52614599/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181112181600/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52614599/ |archive-date=November 12, 2018 |access-date=November 12, 2018 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |page=24 |via=Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com }}</ref> ''The New York Times'', describing the bridge as "generally recognized as a monument to engineering ingenuity", attributed the bridge's popularity to the design of its three spans.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Markland |first=John |date=1940-07-07 |title=Gain on Triborough; Great Bridge,Four Years Old, Surpasses Predictions in Carrying Auto Traffic |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/07/07/archives/gain-on-triborough-great-bridgefour-years-old-surpasses-predictions.html |access-date=2024-03-14 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314011632/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/07/07/archives/gain-on-triborough-great-bridgefour-years-old-surpasses-predictions.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1941, one of the lift span's original gates was removed after a motorist damaged it.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1941-07-25 |title=Gift of Aluminum Weighs Two Tons; La Guardia to Receive Damaged Triborough Bridge Gate at Summer City Hall Today |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1941/07/25/archives/gift-of-aluminum-weighs-two-tons-la-guardia-to-receive-damaged.html |access-date=2024-03-14 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314002559/https://www.nytimes.com/1941/07/25/archives/gift-of-aluminum-weighs-two-tons-la-guardia-to-receive-damaged.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Traffic decreased significantly during the war, declining to 5.1&nbsp;million vehicles in 1943, though traffic counts again increased afterward.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |date=1947-07-11 |title=Triborough Bridge 11 Years Old Today; 103,102,587 Tolls for Vehicles Paid So Far, With Record Expected for 1947 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1947/07/11/archives/triborough-bridge-11-years-old-today-103102587-tolls-for-vehicles.html |access-date=2024-03-14 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314011632/https://www.nytimes.com/1947/07/11/archives/triborough-bridge-11-years-old-today-103102587-tolls-for-vehicles.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="p131691462">{{cite news |date=11 July 1947 |title=Triborough Bridge Toll Traffic Expected to Top 15 Million This Year |work=The Wall Street Journal |page=6 |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|131691462}} }}</ref> The TBA became the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority (TBTA) in 1946, though TBTA operations continued to be managed from the Triborough Bridge.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1946/04/24/archives/dewey-affirms-authority-merger.html |title=Dewey Affirms Authority Merger |date=April 24, 1946 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 15, 2018 |archive-date=November 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116000909/https://www.nytimes.com/1946/04/24/archives/dewey-affirms-authority-merger.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The bridge was repainted for the first time in September 1946 for $600,000.<ref name="p131691462" /><ref name="p1287125267a">{{cite news |date=6 July 1947 |title=New Paint Job On Triborough Bridge Is Begun: 2 Coats of Aluminum, First Since Opening 10 Years Ago, Will Cost $600,000 |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=A48 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1287125267}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1946-09-27 |title=Triborough Bridge Gets Coat of Paint |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-triborough-brid/143319044/ |access-date=2024-03-14 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=3 |archive-date=March 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314011632/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-triborough-brid/143319044/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The bridge recorded over 100 million total vehicles in its first decade of operation.<ref name=":3" /> By 1951, the bridge accommodated 29.4&nbsp;million vehicles a year, more than any other toll road in the U.S.;<ref name="p131928811">{{cite news |date=30 July 1951 |title=N.Y. Triborough Bridge Tolls In Year Set Record for U.S. |work=The Wall Street Journal |page=10 |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|131928811}} }}</ref> the TBTA claimed in early 1952 that the bridge was the busiest toll road in the world.<ref name="p1324193941">{{cite news |date=13 Feb 1952 |title=Triborough Bridge Tolls in '51 $8,599,375, Exceed Estimate |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=25 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1324193941}} }}</ref>

=== Late 1960s to 1990s ===
In 1968, the Triborough Bridge received its first major renovation in its 31-year history. Seven tollbooths were added, three at the Manhattan span's toll plaza and four at the Queens/Bronx spans' toll plaza, and several ramps were widened at a cost of $20&nbsp;million. The project also added a direct ramp from the Manhattan span to the southbound lanes of Second Avenue in East Harlem.<ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1968/01/08/archives/20million-triborough-bridge-job-gets-under-way.html |title=$20-Million Triborough Bridge Job Gets Under Way |date=January 8, 1968 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 15, 2018 |archive-date=November 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116000746/https://www.nytimes.com/1968/01/08/archives/20million-triborough-bridge-job-gets-under-way.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The TBTA administration building was also expanded during this project.<ref name="Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) 2011" /> Traffic from the Manhattan span was temporarily diverted during this project.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25412787/triboro_bridge_detour_slated/ |title=Triboro Bridge Detour Slated |date=May 13, 1968 |work=Daily News |location=New York |access-date=November 14, 2018 |page=40 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181115202205/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25412787/triboro_bridge_detour_slated/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1968/05/13/archives/triborough-bridge-traffic-to-be-shifted-for-road-job.html |title=Triborough Bridge Traffic To Be Shifted for Road Job |date=May 13, 1968 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 15, 2018 |archive-date=November 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116000739/https://www.nytimes.com/1968/05/13/archives/triborough-bridge-traffic-to-be-shifted-for-road-job.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

At some point in the 20th century, a sign on the bridge informed travelers, "In event of attack, drive off bridge"; according to ''[[New York Times]]'' columnist [[William Safire]], the "somewhat macabre sign" must have "drawn a wry smile from millions of motorists".<ref>{{cite news |last=Safire |first=William |author-link=William Safire |date=July 13, 2008 |title=On Language: Dead End |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/13/magazine/13wwln-safire-t.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090310090513/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/13/magazine/13wwln-safire-t.html |archive-date=March 10, 2009 |access-date=December 4, 2008 |newspaper=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> The TBTA replaced the movable toll gates across all of its toll booths in 1989, including those at the Triborough Bridge.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Moss |first=Michael |date=1991-06-19 |title=Metal Gates Seen Taking a Toll |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-metal-gates-seen-taking-a-toll/143321695/ |access-date=2024-03-14 |work=Newsday |pages=3 |archive-date=March 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314020226/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-metal-gates-seen-taking-a-toll/143321695/ |url-status=live }}</ref> By that year, pieces of concrete were falling off the bridge, prompting concerns about deterioration.<ref name="p278078024">{{cite news |last=Gordy |first=Molly |date=4 Jan 1989 |title=Concrete Falling Off Triborough's Supports |work=Newsday |page=2 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|278078024}} }}</ref> By the early 1990s, the bridge accommodated about 160,000 daily vehicles, and the TBTA employed 140 toll collectors there.<ref name="nyt-1990-04-02">{{Cite news |last=Lyall |first=Sarah |date=1990-04-02 |title=For Many Harassed Toll Collectors, Cars and Fumes Just Keep Coming |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/04/02/nyregion/for-many-harassed-toll-collectors-cars-and-fumes-just-keep-coming.html |access-date=2024-03-14 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314020226/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/04/02/nyregion/for-many-harassed-toll-collectors-cars-and-fumes-just-keep-coming.html |url-status=live }}</ref> During that decade, the TBTA discovered high concentrations of lead under the bridge's Queens approaches, prompting the agency to remove the lead.<ref name="p278664353">{{cite news |last=Bazzi |first=Mohamad |date=18 May 1993 |title=Closeup New System Tries to Get Lead Out Reduces Blasting Effects |work=Newsday |page=27 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|278664353}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Myers |first=Steven Lee |date=1993-01-15 |title=Queens Families Told of Lead Peril Under Bridge |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/01/15/nyregion/queens-families-told-of-lead-peril-under-bridge.html |access-date=2024-03-14 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314020226/https://www.nytimes.com/1993/01/15/nyregion/queens-families-told-of-lead-peril-under-bridge.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The TBTA also rearranged the lanes at the bridge's toll plazas in 1992.<ref name="p278632135">{{cite news |last=Ascher |first=Michael |date=11 Apr 1993 |title=Voices Maintenance is Ongoing at Triborough Toll Plazas |work=Newsday |page=2 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|278632135}} }}</ref> The Triborough Bridge remained the TBTA's busiest facility in the 1990s, with over 200,000 daily vehicles.<ref name="nyt-1996-08-21">{{Cite news |last=Holloway |first=Lynette |date=1996-08-21 |title=With Triborough Bridge Debut, A Test for E-Z Pass Toll System |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/08/21/nyregion/with-triborough-bridge-debut-a-test-for-e-z-pass-toll-system.html |access-date=2024-03-14 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122060445/https://www.nytimes.com/1996/08/21/nyregion/with-triborough-bridge-debut-a-test-for-e-z-pass-toll-system.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 1997, more renovations of the bridge were announced.<ref name="MTA 2008">{{cite press release |title=MTA Bridges and Tunnels $2.5 Billion Five-year Capital Program |website=Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) |date=March 28, 2008 |url=http://www.mta.info/press-release/bridges-tunnels/mta-bridges-and-tunnels-25-billion-five-year-capital-program |access-date=November 17, 2018 |archive-date=November 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181117151220/http://www.mta.info/press-release/bridges-tunnels/mta-bridges-and-tunnels-25-billion-five-year-capital-program |url-status=live }}</ref> The project consisted of three phases. The first phase involved renovating the Queens span and approach ramps, as well as replacing the suspender cables;<ref name=":4" /><ref name="p2638143497">{{Cite news |date=1 Feb 1997 |title=Rehabilitation work begins on Triborough Bridge anchorages |work=New York Amsterdam News |page=11 |id={{proQuest|2638143497}} }}</ref> work on the Queens span's anchorage began in February 1997.<ref name="p2638143497" /> On the Queens side, an exit ramp from westbound I-278 to 31st Street necessitated the destruction of the entrance to the southern sidewalk.<ref>Kadinsky, Sergey [https://forgotten-ny.com/2024/11/secrets-of-the-triboro/ Secrets of the Triboro] ''[[Forgotten NY]]'' November 10, 2024</ref> The second phase involved renovating the Bronx span and approach ramps. The third phase involved renovating the Manhattan span and approach ramps.<ref name=":4">''Guide to Civil Engineering Projects in and around New York City'', Metropolitan Section, American Society of Engineers, 1997, available from [http://www.ascemetsection.org/content/view/153/481/ ASCE Metropolitan Section] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716190348/http://www.ascemetsection.org/content/view/153/481/ |date=July 16, 2020 }}.</ref> By early 1999, there were more than 500 potholes on the bridge, requiring workers to use {{convert|22.5|ST|LT t}} of concrete and {{convert|65|ST|LT t}} of asphalt to repave the deck.<ref name="n143349571">{{Cite news |last=Rutenberg |first=James |date=1999-01-21 |title=Potholes biting Apple |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-potholes-biting-apple/143349571/ |access-date=2024-03-14 |work=Daily News |pages=1327 |archive-date=March 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314170538/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-potholes-biting-apple/143349571/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Work on replacing the Queens span's suspender cables and adding an [[orthotropic deck]] to the Queens suspension span started in 2000.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bridgeweb.com/Triborough-Bridge-rehab-scooped-by-joint-venture/16 |title=Triborough Bridge rehab scooped by joint venture |date=December 6, 2000 |website=Bridge Design & Engineering |access-date=November 20, 2018 |archive-date=November 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181121022156/https://www.bridgeweb.com/Triborough-Bridge-rehab-scooped-by-joint-venture/16 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.structuremag.org/?p=10637 |title=Robert F. Kennedy Bridge |last1=Coco |first1=Edith |last2=Ye |first2=Qi |date=November 2016 |website=Structure Magazine |access-date=November 20, 2018 |archive-date=November 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181121022202/https://www.structuremag.org/?p=10637 |url-status=live }}</ref> The replacement of the deck was estimated to cost $125&nbsp;million.<ref name="p235703745">{{Cite magazine |date=March 2, 1998 |title=New York 3/12 |magazine=Engineering News-Record |page=40 |volume=240 |issue=9 |id={{ProQuest|235703745}} }}</ref>

=== 2000s to present ===
[[File:RFK Ramp Reconstruction (14128455961).jpg|thumb|300x300px|Reconstruction of the viaduct between the Manhattan lift span and the Queens suspension bridge span]]
In January 2008, then-governor [[Eliot Spitzer]] proposed renaming the bridge after former U.S. senator [[Robert F. Kennedy]], who had been [[Assassination of Robert F. Kennedy|assassinated]] during a 1968 presidential bid.<ref name="New York Daily News 2008 g912">{{cite news |agency=[[Associated Press]] |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2008/01/07/dedicate-triborough-bridge-to-rfk-says-governor-spitzer/ |date=January 8, 2008 |access-date=January 9, 2008 |title=Triborough Bridge may be renamed for Robert F. Kennedy |newspaper=[[New York Daily News]] |archive-date=January 9, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080109145752/http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2008/01/08/2008-01-08_triborough_bridge_may_be_renamed_for_rob.html |url-status=live |postscript=none }}; {{Cite web |last=Chan |first=Sewell |date=2008-01-08 |title=Family Supports Renaming of Triborough Bridge for R.F.K. |url=https://archive.nytimes.com/cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/08/family-supports-renaming-of-triborough-bridge-for-rfk/ |access-date=2024-03-14 |website=City Room |language=en |archive-date=March 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314174739/https://archive.nytimes.com/cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/08/family-supports-renaming-of-triborough-bridge-for-rfk/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Though the [[Kennedy family]] supported the renaming,<ref name="New York Daily News 2008 g912"/> there were initial doubts over whether local residents would use the new name.<ref name="Chan 2017 b119">{{cite web |last=Chan |first=Sewell |title=Will Anyone Really Call It the R.F.K. Bridge? |website=City Room |date=June 6, 2005 |url=https://archive.nytimes.com/cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/05/will-anyone-really-call-it-the-rfk-bridge/ |access-date=March 14, 2024 |archive-date=March 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314174738/https://archive.nytimes.com/cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/05/will-anyone-really-call-it-the-rfk-bridge/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[New York State Legislature]] approved the bill that June,<ref name="Press 2008 s533">{{cite web |title=Triboro Bridge gets renamed Robert F. Kennedy Bridge |website=New York Daily News |date=June 4, 2008 |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2008/06/04/triboro-bridge-gets-renamed-robert-f-kennedy-bridge/ |access-date=March 14, 2024 |postscript=none |archive-date=March 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314174739/https://www.nydailynews.com/2008/06/04/triboro-bridge-gets-renamed-robert-f-kennedy-bridge/ |url-status=live }}; {{cite web |title=Triborough Bridge renamed for RFK |website=QNS.com |date=June 11, 2008 |url=https://qns.com/2008/06/triborough-bridge-renamed-for-rfk/ |access-date=March 14, 2024 |postscript=none |archive-date=March 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314174738/https://qns.com/2008/06/triborough-bridge-renamed-for-rfk/ |url-status=live }}; {{cite web |title=Triborough Bridge to be renamed in honor of RFK |website=ABC7 New York |date=June 5, 2008 |url=https://abc7ny.com/archive/6187026/ |access-date=March 14, 2024 |archive-date=July 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240711083107/https://abc7ny.com/archive/6187026/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and the Triborough Bridge was officially renamed after Kennedy on November 19, 2008.<ref>{{cite news |first=Jacob |last=Gershman |url=http://www.nysun.com/new-york/enduring-wish-may-come-true-in-rfk-bridge/69058/ |date=January 8, 2008 |access-date=January 9, 2008 |title=Enduring Wish May Come True in RFK Bridge |newspaper=The New York Sun |archive-date=September 6, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080906194158/http://www.nysun.com/new-york/enduring-wish-may-come-true-in-rfk-bridge/69058/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="WNYC 2008 c606">{{cite web |date=November 7, 2008 |title=New York Public Radio, Podcasts, Live Streaming Radio, News |url=https://www.wnyc.org/story/76203-triborough-renamed-robert-f-kennedy-bridge/ |access-date=March 14, 2024 |website=WNYC |postscript=none |archive-date=March 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314174738/https://www.wnyc.org/story/76203-triborough-renamed-robert-f-kennedy-bridge/ |url-status=live }}; {{cite web |date=November 7, 2008 |title=MTA erasing all signs of 'Triborough' on Robert F. Kennedy Bridge |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2008/11/07/mta-erasing-all-signs-of-triborough-on-robert-f-kennedy-bridge/ |access-date=March 14, 2024 |website=New York Daily News |postscript=none |archive-date=March 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314174740/https://www.nydailynews.com/2008/11/07/mta-erasing-all-signs-of-triborough-on-robert-f-kennedy-bridge/ |url-status=live }}; {{cite news |last=Chan |first=Sewell |author-link=Sewell Chan |issn=0362-4331 |url=http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/11/19/triborough-bridge-is-renamed-for-rfk/ |title=The Triborough Is Officially the R.F.K. Bridge |date=November 19, 2008 |access-date=December 4, 2008 |newspaper=The New York Times |archive-date=June 24, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110624101916/http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/11/19/triborough-bridge-is-renamed-for-rfk/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The MTA announced further renovations to the Triborough Bridge in 2008; the work included the replacement of the roadways at the toll plazas, as well as the rehabilitation of various ramps and the construction of a new service building.<ref name="MTA 2008" /> The same year, the MTA awarded contracts to renovate the Queens span's anchorages.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.mta.info/press-release/bridges-tunnels/anchorage-work-critical-component-triborough-bridge-major-rehab |title=Anchorage Work Is Critical Component of Triborough Bridge Major Rehab Project |date=June 1, 2008 |website=Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) |access-date=November 20, 2018 |archive-date=November 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181121022124/http://www.mta.info/press-release/bridges-tunnels/anchorage-work-critical-component-triborough-bridge-major-rehab |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2015, the MTA started two reconstruction projects on different parts of the bridge<ref name="Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)">{{Cite web |url=http://www.mta.info/news-bridges-and-tunnels-rfk-bridge-triborough-bridge/2015/07/02/two-capital-improvement-projects |title=Two Capital Improvement Projects At Flagship Robert F. Kennedy Bridge Underway |website=Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) |access-date=December 28, 2016 |archive-date=February 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208100140/https://www.mta.info/news-bridges-and-tunnels-rfk-bridge-triborough-bridge/2015/07/02/two-capital-improvement-projects |url-status=dead }}</ref> as part of a $1&nbsp;billion, 15-year program to renovate the bridge complex.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.qgazette.com/news/2011-07-06/Front_Page/RFK_Bridge_Gets_1_B_Capital_Improvement_Project_To.html |title=RFK Bridge Gets $1 B Capital Improvement, Project To Take 15 Years; GAHS 75th Anniversary Photo Exhibit |date=July 6, 2011 |work=Queens Gazette |access-date=December 28, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021075930/http://www.qgazette.com/news/2011-07-06/Front_Page/RFK_Bridge_Gets_1_B_Capital_Improvement_Project_To.html |archive-date=October 21, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The MTA commenced construction on a $213&nbsp;million rehabilitation of the 1930s-era toll plaza between the Queens and Bronx spans, which included a rebuilding of the roadway and the supporting structure underneath. The new toll plaza structure was completed in 2019.<ref name="Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)" /> Cashless tolling was implemented on June 15, 2017,<ref name="NY1 2017" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Evelly |first=Jeanmarie |title=RFK-Triborough Bridge Will No Longer Accept Cash Starting June 15 |website=DNAinfo |date=June 5, 2017 |url=https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20170605/astoria/cashless-tolling-rfk-triborough-bridge-june-15-2017 |access-date=September 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190908132959/https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20170605/astoria/cashless-tolling-rfk-triborough-bridge-june-15-2017/ |archive-date=September 8, 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref> allowing drivers to pay tolls electronically via E-ZPass or Toll-by-Mail without having to stop at any tollbooths.<ref name="NY1 2017" /> Shortly afterward, the tollbooths were demolished.<ref name="Walker 2017" /><ref name="Newsday">{{cite web |title=Open road tolling closes gate on era at NYC-area crossings |website=Newsday |url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/transportation/open-road-tolling-closes-gate-on-era-at-nyc-area-crossings-1.14311902 |access-date=September 7, 2019 |archive-date=February 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180217084232/https://www.newsday.com/long-island/transportation/open-road-tolling-closes-gate-on-era-at-nyc-area-crossings-1.14311902 |url-status=live }}</ref>

A ramp from the Manhattan span to the northbound [[Harlem River Drive]] was being built for $68.3&nbsp;million, and was to be finished by December 2017;<ref name="Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)" /> this was delayed pending the reconstruction of the Harlem River Drive viaduct around the area.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mta.info/news-bridge-rfk-bridges-and-tunnels-exit-ramp/2016/10/27/new-rfk-bridge-exit-ramp-e125th-street |title=New RFK Bridge Exit Ramp to E125th Street Opens Ahead of Schedule |date=October 27, 2016 |website=Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) |access-date=November 17, 2018 |archive-date=November 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181117151209/http://www.mta.info/news-bridge-rfk-bridges-and-tunnels-exit-ramp/2016/10/27/new-rfk-bridge-exit-ramp-e125th-street |url-status=live }}</ref> In February 2020, the northbound Harlem River Drive ramp's completion was tentatively announced for 2021,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://gothamist.com/news/17000-vehicles-day-will-be-diverted-east-harlem-streets-new-ramp-2021 |title=17,000 Vehicles A Day Will Be Diverted From East Harlem Streets With A New Ramp By 2021 |last=Pereira |first=Sydney |date=2020-02-06 |website=Gothamist |language=en |access-date=2020-02-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215205855/https://gothamist.com/news/17000-vehicles-day-will-be-diverted-east-harlem-streets-new-ramp-2021 |archive-date=February 15, 2020 |url-status=dead |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |url=https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2020/02/06/triboro-rfk-bridge-ramp- |title=New Ramp to Connect RFK with Harlem River Drive |date=February 6, 2020 |website=Spectrum News NY1 {{pipe}} New York City |access-date=February 15, 2020 |archive-date=February 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215205854/https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2020/02/06/triboro-rfk-bridge-ramp- |url-status=live }}</ref> though the ramp ultimately opened in November 2020.<ref name="Hamodia 2020">{{cite web |title=Robert F. Kennedy Bridge Ramp to Harlem River Drive Open |website=Hamodia |date=2020-11-23 |url=https://hamodia.com/2020/11/23/robert-f-kennedy-bridge-ramp-harlem-river-drive-open/ |access-date=2021-08-24 |archive-date=August 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824132256/https://hamodia.com/2020/11/23/robert-f-kennedy-bridge-ramp-harlem-river-drive-open/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The project was expected to cost $72.6&nbsp;million<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 24, 2020 |title=Capital Program Oversight Committee Meeting February 2020 |url=https://new.mta.info/document/14681 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200222223907/https://new.mta.info/document/14681 |archive-date=February 22, 2020 |access-date=June 23, 2019 |website=mta.info |publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority |pages=22 }}</ref> and involved designing a new overpass to fit between the Harlem River Drive's two existing roadways.<ref name="Engineering News-Record 2022 p840">{{cite web |date=November 14, 2022 |title=Best Highway/Bridge: RFK Bridge Connector Ramp K to the Northbound Harlem River Drive (RK-23C) |url=https://www.enr.com/articles/55310-best-highway-bridge-rfk-bridge-connector-ramp-k-to-the-northbound-harlem-river-drive-rk-23c |access-date=March 14, 2024 |website=Engineering News-Record |archive-date=March 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314174738/https://www.enr.com/articles/55310-best-highway-bridge-rfk-bridge-connector-ramp-k-to-the-northbound-harlem-river-drive-rk-23c |url-status=live }}</ref> The Harlem River lift span was also rehabilitated prior to 2020.<ref name="Engineering News-Record 2020 m710">{{cite web |title=Award of Merit Excellence in Safety: Design-Build of Electrical and Mechanical Rehabilitations at the Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) Bridge Harlem River Lift Span (HRLS) |website=Engineering News-Record |date=November 10, 2020 |url=https://www.enr.com/articles/50644-award-of-merit-excellence-in-safety-design-build-of-electrical-and-mechanical-rehabilitations-at-the-robert-f-kennedy-rfk-bridge-harlem-river-lift-span-hrls |access-date=March 14, 2024 |archive-date=March 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314174739/https://www.enr.com/articles/50644-award-of-merit-excellence-in-safety-design-build-of-electrical-and-mechanical-rehabilitations-at-the-robert-f-kennedy-rfk-bridge-harlem-river-lift-span-hrls |url-status=live }}</ref>

On December 15, 2021, the MTA Board approved a contract to construct a ramp to connect the walkway on the north side of the bridge's Manhattan span to a future park to be constructed along the Manhattan Greenway by the New York City Economic Development Corporation along the Harlem River south of East 127th Street. Work was expected to cost $19.6 million, and would be bundled with a $26 million project to upgrade and renew elements of the bridge. Work was expected to be done by spring 2023, with the ramp opening with the expected completion of the park in 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 15, 2021 |title=MTA Bridges and Tunnels to Connect RFK Bridge Walkway to Future Manhattan Greenway Segment Along Harlem River |url=https://www.mta.info/press-release/mta-bridges-and-tunnels-connect-rfk-bridge-walkway-future-manhattan-greenway-segment |access-date=March 10, 2025 |website=mta.info |publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority |language=}}</ref>

==Usage==
The toll revenues from the RFK Bridge pay for a portion of the public transit funding for the [[New York City Transit Authority]] and the commuter railroads.<ref>{{cite news |title=F.Y.I. |first=Jennifer |last=Steinhauer |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/02/13/nyregion/fyi-155438.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=February 13, 1994 |access-date=February 25, 2010 |archive-date=December 18, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218183721/http://www.nytimes.com/1994/02/13/nyregion/fyi-155438.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The bridge had [[annual average daily traffic]] of 164,116 in 2014. For that year, the bridge saw annual toll-paying traffic rise by 2.9% to 59.9&nbsp;million, generating $393.6&nbsp;million in revenue at an average toll of $6.57.<ref>[http://web.mta.info/mta/investor/pdf/2015/AppendixE2015.pdf#page=24 "Appendix E: History and Projection of Traffic, Toll Revenues and Expenses and Review of Physical Conditions of the Facilities of Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910032144/http://web.mta.info/mta/investor/pdf/2015/AppendixE2015.pdf#page=24 |date=September 10, 2015 }}, [[Stantec]] for the [[Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority]], April 30, 2015. Accessed November 5, 2015.</ref>

[[File:NYC Century climb TBB 27 St jeh.jpg|thumb|250px|Entrance to the Queens span]]

===Pedestrian and bicycle sidewalks===
The bridge has sidewalks on all three spans where the TBTA officially requires bicyclists to walk their bicycles across<ref>{{cite web |url=http://web.mta.info/bandt/regs.pdf |title=Rules and Regulations Governing the Use of the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority Facilities |date=October 1, 2003 |publisher=MTA Bridges & Tunnels |at=Section 1022.1(e) |access-date=February 20, 2010 |archive-date=September 29, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929005212/http://web.mta.info/bandt/regs.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> due to safety concerns.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://web.mta.info/bike/index.html#bandt |title=MTA Bike & Ride |website=Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) |access-date=February 20, 2010 |archive-date=June 28, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130628211818/http://web.mta.info/bike/index.html#bandt |url-status=live }}</ref> However, the signs stating this requirement have been usually ignored by bicyclists,<ref name="New York City Department of City Planning 1997">{{cite web |url=http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/pdf/bike/masterpl.pdf |title=New York City Bicycle Master Plan |date=May 1997 |publisher=New York City Department of City Planning |access-date=February 20, 2010 |archive-date=February 15, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100215160231/http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/pdf/bike/masterpl.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>{{Rp|16}} and the New York City Government has recommended that the TBTA should reassess this kind of bicycling ban.<ref name="New York City Department of City Planning 1997" />{{Rp|57}} Stairs on the {{convert|2|km|mi|abbr=on}} Queens span impede access by disabled people, and only the northern sidewalk on that span is open to traffic; the Queens end of the southern sidewalk was demolished in the early 2000s.<ref>{{cite web |title=Robert F. Kennedy Bridge Pedestrian Walkway |website=Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) |url=http://web.mta.info/bandt/html/rfkbike.html |access-date=November 15, 2018 |archive-date=November 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116085431/http://web.mta.info/bandt/html/rfkbike.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The two sidewalks of the Bronx span are connected to one long and winding ramp at the Randalls Island end,<ref>{{cite web |title=Connector Between Randalls Island and Bronx Is to Open This Summer |work=The New York Times |last=Hu |first=Winnie |date=July 29, 2015 |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/29/nyregion/connector-between-randalls-island-and-the-bronx-to-open-this-summer.html |access-date=November 15, 2018 |archive-date=June 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614182537/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/29/nyregion/connector-between-randalls-island-and-the-bronx-to-open-this-summer.html |url-status=live }}</ref> though another pedestrian bridge between Randalls Island and the neighborhood of [[Port Morris, Bronx]], opened to the east of the RFK Bridge in November 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Small |first=Eddie |date=November 11, 2015 |title=Long-Awaited Randall's Island Connector to Open This Weekend |url=http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20151111/port-morris/long-awaited-randalls-island-connector-open-this-weekend |website=DNAinfo |access-date=November 17, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118162820/http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20151111/port-morris/long-awaited-randalls-island-connector-open-this-weekend |archive-date=November 18, 2015 }}</ref>

===Public transportation===
The RFK Bridge carries the {{NYC bus link|M35|M60 SBS|X80|prose=y}} bus routes operated by [[MTA New York City Transit]], as well as several [[express bus]] routes operated by the [[MTA Bus Company]]: {{NYC bus link|BxM6|BxM7|BxM8|BxM9|BxM10|BxM11|prose=y}}. The M35 travels from Manhattan to Randalls and Wards Islands (with the X80 also operating during special events), while the M60 SBS runs between Manhattan and Queens, and the MTA Bus express routes travel between Manhattan and the Bronx.<ref>See:
* {{Cite NYC bus map|Bx}}
* {{Cite NYC bus map|Q}}
* {{Cite NYC bus map|M }}</ref> The M60 has used the bridge since the early 1990s.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tauranac |first=John |date=1997-07-13 |title=$1.50 to La Guardia? Take the M-60 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/07/13/travel/1.50-to-la-guardia-take-the-m-60.html |access-date=2024-03-14 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107045812/http://www.nytimes.com/1997/07/13/travel/1.50-to-la-guardia-take-the-m-60.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In the 1920s, John F. Hylan proposed building the Triborough Bridge as part of his planned [[Independent Subway System]]. The proposal entailed extending the [[New York City Subway]]'s [[BMT Astoria Line]] along the same route the Triborough now follows. It would have created a crosstown subway line along [[125th Street (Manhattan)|125th Street]], as well as a new subway line in the Bronx under St. Ann's Avenue.<ref name=NYTimes-Subway-1922/><ref name=NYDN-Subway-1922/><ref>[http://quod.lib.umich.edu/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=moa;idno=AGW8304.0001.001 "New subways: proposed additions to rapid transit system to cost $218,000,000 ..."] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716220930/http://quod.lib.umich.edu/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=moa;idno=AGW8304.0001.001 |date=July 16, 2015 }} MOA website ([[University of Michigan]])</ref>

==Tolls==
{{as of|2023|08|06|df=us}}, drivers pay $11.19 per car or $4.71 per motorcycle for tolls by mail/non-NYCSC E-Z Pass. [[E-ZPass]] users with transponders issued by the New York E‑ZPass Customer Service Center pay $6.94 per car or $3.02 per motorcycle. Mid-Tier NYCSC E-Z Pass users pay $8.36 per car or $3.57 per motorcycle. All E-ZPass users with transponders not issued by the New York E-ZPass CSC will be required to pay Toll-by-mail rates.<ref name=car-toll-rates>{{cite web |url=https://new.mta.info/fares-and-tolls/bridges-and-tunnels/tolls-by-vehicle/cars |title=Car Toll Rates |at=Footnote 3 |publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority |access-date=December 18, 2019 |archive-date=August 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190829194309/https://new.mta.info/fares-and-tolls/bridges-and-tunnels/tolls-by-vehicle/cars |url-status=live }}</ref>

When the Triborough Bridge opened, it had a combined 22 tollbooths spread across two toll plazas.<ref name="The New York Times 1936 3" /> Motorists were first able to pay with E‑ZPass in lanes for automatic coin machines at the toll plazas on August 21, 1996;<ref name="p278934210">{{cite news |last=Fallon |first=Scott |date=22 Aug 1996 |title=E-ZPass OK on Triborough |work=Newsday |page=A.27 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|278934210}} |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |last=Purdy |first=Matthew |date=August 22, 1996 |title=Drivers Give Passing Grade To E-Z Pass In Major Test |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/08/22/nyregion/drivers-give-passing-grade-to-e-z-pass-in-major-test.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009172332/https://www.nytimes.com/1996/08/22/nyregion/drivers-give-passing-grade-to-e-z-pass-in-major-test.html |archive-date=October 9, 2018 |access-date=February 25, 2010 |newspaper=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> in contrast to other MTA Bridges & Tunnels facilities where E-ZPass lanes were interspersed with cash only lanes, all of the E-ZPass lanes at either of the Triborough Bridge's toll plazas were grouped together.<ref name="n143349298">{{Cite news |last=McCarthy |first=Nora |date=1996-08-18 |title=(Not-Always-So-) E-ZPass Makes Way to Triborough |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-not-always-so/143349298/ |access-date=2024-03-14 |work=Newsday |pages=25 |archive-date=March 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314170537/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-not-always-so/143349298/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The implementation of E-ZPass allowed each toll lane to accommodate 900 vehicles an hour, compared with the 250 to 400 vehicles that the old toll lanes could accommodate.<ref name="nyt-1996-08-21" />

[[Open road tolling|Open-road cashless tolling]] began on June 15, 2017.<ref name="NY1 2017">{{cite web |title=Cashless Tolls Arrive on RFK Triboro Bridge |website=Spectrum News NY1 |date=June 15, 2017 |url=https://www.ny1.com/nyc/bronx/news/2017/06/15/rfk-triboro-bridge-goes-cashless |access-date=February 16, 2018 |archive-date=November 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127034618/https://www.ny1.com/nyc/bronx/news/2017/06/15/rfk-triboro-bridge-goes-cashless |url-status=live }}</ref> The tollbooths were dismantled, and drivers are no longer able to pay cash at the bridge. Instead, there are cameras mounted onto new overhead gantries manufactured by [[TransCore]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://transcore.com/projects/mta-bt |title=Project Profile Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), New York |access-date=2022-07-11 |website=TransCore |archive-date=July 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712032949/https://transcore.com/projects/mta-bt |url-status=live }}</ref> near where the booths were formerly located.<ref name="Siff 2016" /><ref name="WABC 2016" /> A vehicle without an E-ZPass has a picture taken of its license plate and a bill for the toll is mailed to its owner.<ref name="MTA cashless">{{cite web |title=What Is Cashless Tolling? |website=MTA Bridges & Tunnels |url=http://web.mta.info/bandt/cashless/ |access-date=September 1, 2019 |archive-date=September 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190901193345/http://web.mta.info/bandt/cashless/ |url-status=live }}</ref> For E-ZPass users, sensors detect their transponders wirelessly.<ref name="Siff 2016">{{cite web |last=Siff |first=Andrew |title=Automatic Tolls to Replace Gates at 9 NYC Spans: Cuomo |website=NBC New York |date=October 5, 2016 |url=http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Automatic-Tolls-Coming-to-New-York-City-Bridges-Tunnels-NYC-396050241.html |access-date=December 25, 2016 |archive-date=December 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225145426/http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Automatic-Tolls-Coming-to-New-York-City-Bridges-Tunnels-NYC-396050241.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="WABC 2016">{{cite web |title=MTA rolls out cashless toll schedule for bridges, tunnels |website=ABC7 New York |date=December 21, 2016 |url=http://abc7ny.com/1666924/ |access-date=December 25, 2016 |archive-date=December 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225214031/http://abc7ny.com/1666924/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="MTA cashless" />

===Historical tolls===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+Historical passenger tolls for the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge{{Efn|This table lists the peak tolls for two-axle vehicles. Motorcycle tolls and off-peak tolls are lower, and tolls for vehicles with additional axles are higher.}}
! rowspan="2" scope="col" | Years !! colspan="2" scope="col" | Toll !! colspan="2" scope="col" | Toll equivalent in {{inflation/year|index=US}}{{inflation/fn|index=US}}
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" |{{Abbr|Ref.|References cited}}
|-
!Cash
!E-ZPass
!Cash
!E-ZPass
|-
| 1936–1972
| align="right" | $0.25
| rowspan="10" {{N/A}}
| align="center" | ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|0.25|1972|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice|{{inflation|US|0.25|1936|r=2}}}}
| rowspan="10" {{N/A}}
| <ref>{{cite web |title=25-Cent Auto Fee Set For Triborough Bridge |work=The New York Times |date=March 11, 1936 |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/03/11/archives/25cent-auto-fee-set-for-triborough-bridge.html |access-date=October 30, 2018 |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030092305/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/03/11/archives/25cent-auto-fee-set-for-triborough-bridge.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| 1972–1975
| align="right" | $0.50
| align="center" | ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|0.5|1975|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice|{{inflation|US|0.5|1972|r=2}}}}
| <ref name="Prial 1972">{{cite web |last=Prial |first=Frank J. |date=January 7, 1972 |title=Triborough Tolls Cause Snarls Inside and Outside Cars |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1972/01/07/archives/triborough-tolls-cause-snarls-inside-and-outside-cars.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030035852/https://www.nytimes.com/1972/01/07/archives/triborough-tolls-cause-snarls-inside-and-outside-cars.html |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=October 29, 2018 |website=The New York Times}}</ref><ref name="The New York Times 1975"/>
|-
| 1975–1980
| align="right" | $0.75
| align="center" | ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|0.75|1980|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice|{{inflation|US|0.75|1975|r=2}}}}
|<ref name="The New York Times 1975">{{cite web |date=September 2, 1975 |title=New Fares and Tolls |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1975/09/02/archives/new-fares-and-tolls.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030035517/https://www.nytimes.com/1975/09/02/archives/new-fares-and-tolls.html |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=October 29, 2018 |website=The New York Times}}</ref>
|-
| 1980–1982
| align="right" | $1.00
| align="center" | ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|1.00|1982|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice|{{inflation|US|1.00|1980|r=2}}}}
|<ref name="Goldman 1980">{{cite web |last=Goldman |first=Ari L. |date=May 17, 1980 |title=Tolls Are Raised For Two Tunnels And Six Bridges; Will Affect Four Boroughs --Some Trips to Cost $1 Expected to Yield $33 Million Verrazano-Narrows Is Exempt M.T.A. Increases Tolls for 2 Tunnels and 6 Bridges |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1980/05/17/archives/tolls-are-raised-for-two-tunnels-and-six-bridges-will-affect-four.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030035647/https://www.nytimes.com/1980/05/17/archives/tolls-are-raised-for-two-tunnels-and-six-bridges-will-affect-four.html |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=October 29, 2018 |website=The New York Times}}</ref>
|-
| 1982–1984
| align="right" | $1.25
| align="center" | ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|1.25|1984|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice|{{inflation|US|1.25|1982|r=2}}}}
|<ref name="The New York Times 1982">{{cite web |date=April 18, 1982 |title=Tolls Rise Tomorrow For Several Crossings |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/04/18/nyregion/tolls-rise-tomorrow-for-several-crossings.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030035445/https://www.nytimes.com/1982/04/18/nyregion/tolls-rise-tomorrow-for-several-crossings.html |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=October 29, 2018 |website=The New York Times}}</ref>
|-
| 1984–1986
| align="right" | $1.50
| align="center" | ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|1.50|1985|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice|{{inflation|US|1.50|1986|r=2}}}}
|<ref name="Daley 1983">{{cite web |last=Daley |first=Suzanne |date=December 17, 1983 |title=M.T.A. RAISES FARES AND TOLLS BY 20% ACROSS THE BOARD |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/12/17/nyregion/mta-raises-fares-and-tolls-by-20-across-the-board.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030041344/https://www.nytimes.com/1983/12/17/nyregion/mta-raises-fares-and-tolls-by-20-across-the-board.html |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=October 29, 2018 |website=The New York Times}}</ref>
|-
| 1986–1987
| align="right" | $1.75
| align="center" | ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|1.75|1987|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice|{{inflation|US|1.75|1986|r=2}}}}
|<ref name="newspapers.com 1986">{{cite news |date=December 31, 1985 |title=Motorists - New Tolls on TBTA Bridges and Tunnels 11:59 PM Weds Jan 1, 1986 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24946245/motorists_new_tolls_on_tbta_bridges/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030090625/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24946245/motorists_new_tolls_on_tbta_bridges/ |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=October 29, 2018 |work=New York Daily News |page=245 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
|-
| 1987–1989
| align="right" | $2.00
| align="center" | ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|2.00|1989|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice|{{inflation|US|2.00|1987|r=2}}}}
|<ref name="Bronstein 1987">{{cite web |last=Bronstein |first=Scott |date=February 8, 1987 |title=DRIVERS IRKED BY TOLL RISE AT 5 BRIDGES AND TUNNELS |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/02/08/nyregion/drivers-irked-by-toll-rise-at-5-bridges-and-tunnels.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030035631/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/02/08/nyregion/drivers-irked-by-toll-rise-at-5-bridges-and-tunnels.html |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=October 29, 2018 |website=The New York Times}}</ref>
|-
| 1989–1993
| align="right" | $2.50
| align="center" | ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|2.50|1993|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice|{{inflation|US|2.50|1989|r=2}}}}
|<ref name="Pitt 1989">{{cite web |last=Pitt |first=David E. |date=July 18, 1989 |title=Toll Increase at Bridges Is Described as Smooth |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/07/18/nyregion/toll-increase-at-bridges-is-described-as-smooth.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030090611/https://www.nytimes.com/1989/07/18/nyregion/toll-increase-at-bridges-is-described-as-smooth.html |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=October 29, 2018 |website=The New York Times}}</ref>
|-
| 1993–1996
| align="right" | $3.00
| align="center" | ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|3.00|1996|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice|{{inflation|US|3.00|1993|r=2}}}}
|<ref name="newspapers.com 1993">{{cite news |date=January 30, 1993 |title=Commuter Alert |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24946889/commuter_alert/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030041036/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24946889/commuter_alert/ |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=October 29, 2018 |work=The Journal-News |location=White Plains, NY |page=9 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
|-
| 1996–2003
| align="right" | $3.50
| align="right" | $3.50
| align="center" | ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|3.50|2003|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice|{{inflation|US|3.50|1996|r=2}}}}
| align="center" | ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|3.50|2003|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice|{{inflation|US|3.50|1996|r=2}}}}
|<ref name="The New York Times 1996">{{cite web |date=March 26, 1996 |title=Bridge and Tunnel Traffic Smooth as Tolls Rise |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/03/26/nyregion/bridge-and-tunnel-traffic-smooth-as-tolls-rise.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030035853/https://www.nytimes.com/1996/03/26/nyregion/bridge-and-tunnel-traffic-smooth-as-tolls-rise.html |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=October 29, 2018 |website=The New York Times}}</ref>
|-
| 2003–2005
| align="right" | $4.00
| align="right" | $4.00
| align="center" | ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|4.00|2005|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice|{{inflation|US|4.00|2003|r=2}}}}
| align="center" | ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|4.00|2005|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice|{{inflation|US|4.00|2003|r=2}}}}
|<ref name="newspapers.com 2003">{{cite news |date=May 19, 2003 |title=Tolls rise on Manhattan bridges and tunnels |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24949406/tolls_rise_on_manhattan_bridges_and/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030042600/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24949406/tolls_rise_on_manhattan_bridges_and/ |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=October 29, 2018 |work=Poughkeepsie Journal |location=Poughkeepsie, NY |page=6A |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
|-
| 2005–2008
| align="right" | $4.50
| align="right" | $4.00
| align="center" | ${{formatnum:{{round|{{Inflation|US|4.5|2008|r=2}}|2}}–{{Inflation|US|4.5|2005|r=2}}|2}}
| align="center" | ${{formatnum:{{round|{{Inflation|US|4|2008|r=2}}|2}}–{{Inflation|US|4|2005|r=2}}|2}}
|<ref name="Lee 2005">{{cite web |last=Lee |first=Jennifer 8. |date=March 14, 2005 |title=Bridge-and-Tunnel Blues: Paying More to Cross Over |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/14/nyregion/bridgeandtunnel-blues-paying-more-to-cross-over.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030035617/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/14/nyregion/bridgeandtunnel-blues-paying-more-to-cross-over.html |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=October 29, 2018 |website=The New York Times}}</ref>
|-
| 2008–2010
| align="right" | $5.00
| align="right" | $4.15
| align="center" | ${{formatnum:{{round|{{Inflation|US|5|2010|r=2}}|2}}–{{Inflation|US|5|2008|r=2}}|2}}
| align="center" | ${{formatnum:{{round|{{Inflation|US|4.15|2010|r=2}}|2}}–{{Inflation|US|4.15|2008|r=2}}|2}}
|<ref name="newspapers.com 2008">{{cite news |date=March 16, 2008 |title=Toll hikes start on bridges, tunnels |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24949691/toll_hikes_start_on_bridges_tunnels/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030090651/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24949691/toll_hikes_start_on_bridges_tunnels/ |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=October 29, 2018 |work=The Journal-News |location=White Plains, NY |page=12 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
|-
| 2010–2015
| align="right" | $6.50
| align="right" | $4.80
| align="center" | ${{formatnum:{{round|{{Inflation|US|6.5|2015|r=2}}|2}}–{{Inflation|US|6.5|2010|r=2}}|2}}
| align="center" | ${{formatnum:{{round|{{Inflation|US|4.8|2015|r=2}}|2}}–{{Inflation|US|4.8|2010|r=2}}|2}}
| <ref name="Grynbaum 2010">{{cite web |last=Grynbaum |first=Michael M. |date=October 28, 2010 |title=M.T.A. Raises Bridge and Tunnel Tolls |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/28/nyregion/28tolls.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030035645/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/28/nyregion/28tolls.html |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=October 29, 2018 |website=The New York Times}}</ref><ref name="bt-tolls-2010">{{cite web |url=http://web.mta.info/bandt/traffic/btmain.html |title=2010 Toll Information |publisher=MTA Bridges & Tunnels |access-date=May 14, 2010 |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514044013/http://www.mta.info/bandt/traffic/btmain.html |archive-date=May 14, 2011}}</ref>
|-
| 2015–2017
| align="right" | $8.00
| align="right" | $5.54
| align="center" | ${{formatnum:{{round|{{Inflation|US|8|2017|r=2}}|2}}–{{Inflation|US|8|2015|r=2}}|2}}
| align="center" | ${{formatnum:{{round|{{Inflation|US|5.54|2017|r=2}}|2}}–{{Inflation|US|5.54|2015|r=2}}|2}}
| <ref name="The New York Times 2015">{{cite web |title=M.T.A. Is Raising Fares and Tolls; One Subway or Bus Ride Will Cost $2.75 |website=The New York Times |date=January 23, 2015 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/23/nyregion/mta-raises-fares-subways-and-buses.html |access-date=October 29, 2018 |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030041329/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/23/nyregion/mta-raises-fares-subways-and-buses.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="bt-tolls-2015">{{cite web |url=http://web.mta.info/bandt/traffic/btmain.html |title=2015 Toll Information |publisher=MTA Bridges & Tunnels |access-date=April 22, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150422061534/http://web.mta.info/bandt/traffic/btmain.html |archive-date=April 22, 2015}}</ref>
|-
| 2017–2019
| align="right" | $8.50
| align="right" | $5.76
| align="center" | ${{formatnum:{{round|{{Inflation|US|8.5|2019|r=2}}|2}}–{{Inflation|US|8.5|2017|r=2}}|2}}
| align="center" | ${{formatnum:{{round|{{Inflation|US|5.76|2019|r=2}}|2}}–{{Inflation|US|5.76|2017|r=2}}|2}}
| <ref>{{cite web |title=M.T.A. Votes to Raise Fares and Tolls: What You Need to Know |website=The New York Times |date=January 25, 2017 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/25/nyregion/mta-subway-bus-toll-metrocard-fare-increase.html |access-date=March 5, 2019 |archive-date=March 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306052526/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/25/nyregion/mta-subway-bus-toll-metrocard-fare-increase.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="bt-tolls-2017">{{cite web |url=http://web.mta.info/bandt/traffic/btmain.html |title=2017 Toll Information |publisher=MTA Bridges & Tunnels |access-date=March 16, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426225055/http://web.mta.info/bandt/traffic/btmain.html |archive-date=April 26, 2017}}</ref>
|-
| 2019–2021
| align="right" | $9.50
| align="right" | $6.12
| align="center" | ${{formatnum:{{round|{{Inflation|US|9.5|2021|r=2}}|2}}–{{Inflation|US|9.5|2019|r=2}}|2}}
| align="center" | ${{formatnum:{{round|{{Inflation|US|6.12|2021|r=2}}|2}}–{{Inflation|US|6.12|2019|r=2}}|2}}
| <ref>{{cite web |title=Subway Fares Are Rising Again. But That Won't Solve the M.T.A.'s Crisis. |work=The New York Times |date=February 27, 2019 |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/27/nyregion/mta-fares-hike.html |access-date=March 5, 2019 |archive-date=March 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190304220532/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/27/nyregion/mta-fares-hike.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="bt-tolls-2019">{{cite web |title=New Fares and Tolls Take Effect |website=Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) |date=February 27, 2019 |url=https://new.mta.info/sites/default/files/2019-03/B%26T_toll_tables_03-01-19.pdf |access-date=March 5, 2019 |archive-date=March 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306043838/https://new.mta.info/sites/default/files/2019-03/B%26T_toll_tables_03-01-19.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| 2021–2023
| align="right" | $10.17
| align="right" | $6.55
| align="center" | ${{formatnum:{{round|{{Inflation|US|10.17|2023|r=2}}|2}}–{{Inflation|US|10.17|2021|r=2}}|2}}
| align="center" | ${{formatnum:{{round|{{Inflation|US|6.55|2023|r=2}}|2}}–{{Inflation|US|6.55|2021|r=2}}|2}}
| <ref>{{cite web | last=Guse | first=Clayton | title=MTA jacking up tolls 7% across-the-board on New York City bridges and tunnels | website=New York Daily News | date=February 18, 2021 | url=https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/ny-nyc-mta-bridges-tunnels-tolls-increase-20210218-jgnc3f7wvngfzmxdgyo5s3wdxa-story.html | access-date=March 14, 2021}}</ref>
|-
| 2023–present
| align="right" | $11.19
| align="right" | $6.94
| align="center" | $11.19<!-- ${{formatnum:{{round|{{Inflation|US|11.19|2023|r=2}}|2}}}} -->
| align="center" | $6.94<!-- ${{formatnum:{{round|{{Inflation|US|6.94|2023|r=2}}|2}}}} -->
| <ref name="Bascome 2023 j931">{{cite web | last=Bascome | first=Erik | title=These are the new MTA bridge and tunnel toll rates | website=silive | date=August 6, 2023 | url=https://www.silive.com/news/2023/08/reminder-mta-toll-increases-take-effect-on-sunday.html | access-date=April 6, 2024}}</ref>
|}

==See also==
{{Portal|Engineering|New York City|Transport}}
* [[List of bridges documented by the Historic American Engineering Record in New York]]
* [[List of reference routes in New York]]

==References==
'''Notes'''
{{notelist}}

'''Citations'''
{{Reflist}}

'''Bibliography'''
* {{Cite Power Broker}}
* {{cite book |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=A51VbeqTwogC&pg=PT177 |title=Six Bridges: The Legacy of Othmar H. Ammann |last=Rastorfer |first=Darl |publisher=Yale University Press |year=2000 |isbn=978-0-300-08047-6 |chapter=Chapter 4: The Triborough Bridge |access-date=September 18, 2018}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Triborough Bridge}}
* {{Official website|http://web.mta.info/bandt/html/rfk.html}}
* [http://www.nycroads.com/crossings/triborough/ Triborough Bridge historic overview at nycroads.com]
* {{HAER |survey=NY-301 |id=ny1799 |title=Triborough Bridge, Passing through Queens, Manhattan & the Bronx, Queens, Queens County, NY |photos=28 |cap=3}}
* {{Structurae |id=20000533 |title=Triborough Bridge}}
* {{Structurae |id=20003491 |title=Triborough Bridge Harlem River Lift Span}}

{{NYC Bridge}}
{{Crossings navbox
|structure = Crossings
|place = [[East River]]
|bridge = Robert F. Kennedy Bridge<br />(East River Suspension Span)
|bridge signs = [[File:Toll plate yellow.svg|25px]]<br>[[Image:I-278.svg|25px]]
|upstream = [[Hell Gate Bridge]]
|upstream signs = ''Amtrak''
|downstream = [[Roosevelt Island Bridge]]
|downstream signs =
}}
{{Crossings navbox
|structure = Crossings
|place = [[Harlem River]]
|bridge = Robert F. Kennedy Bridge<br />(Harlem Lift Bridge)
|bridge signs =
|upstream = [[Willis Avenue Bridge]]
|upstream signs =
|downstream = [[Wards Island Bridge]]
|downstream signs =
}}
{{Robert F. Kennedy}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Bridges by Othmar Ammann]]
[[Category:Bridges completed in 1936]]
[[Category:Bridges in Manhattan]]
[[Category:Bridges in Queens, New York]]
[[Category:Bridges in the Bronx]]
[[Category:Bridges over the Harlem River]]
[[Category:Concrete bridges in the United States]]
[[Category:Historic American Engineering Record in New York City]]
[[Category:Historic Civil Engineering Landmarks]]
[[Category:Interstate 78]]
[[Category:Public Works Administration in New York (state)]]
[[Category:Randalls and Wards Islands]]
[[Category:Road bridges in New York City]]
[[Category:Robert Moses projects]]
[[Category:Steel bridges in the United States]]
[[Category:Suspension bridges in New York City]]
[[Category:Toll bridges in New York City]]
[[Category:Tolled sections of Interstate Highways]]
[[Category:Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority]]
[[Category:Vertical lift bridges in New York City]]
[[Category:Walkable bridges on the Interstate Highway System]]