View source for Queensboro Bridge

{{Short description|Cantilever bridge in New York City}}
{{Use American English|date=June 2024}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2024}}
{{Good article}}
{{About|the bridge in New York City|the bridge in New Westminster, British Columbia|Queensborough Bridge}}
{{Infobox bridge
| name = Queensboro Bridge
| image = Queensboro Bridge from Manhattan side.jpg
| image_upright = 1.2
| caption = View from [[Manhattan]] towards [[Roosevelt Island]], 2010
| official_name = Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge
| also_known_as = 59th Street Bridge<br />Blackwell Island Bridge
| carries = {{unbulleted list|8 lanes (4 upper, 4 lower) of {{jct|state=NY|NY|25}}|1 lane for pedestrians|1 lane for bicycles}}
| crosses = [[East River]]
| locale = [[New York City]] ([[Manhattan]]–[[Queens]])
| maint = [[New York City Department of Transportation]]
| id = 2240048
| architect = [[Henry Hornbostel]]
| designer = [[Gustav Lindenthal]]
| engineering = R. S. Buck
| design = Double-decked [[cantilever bridge]]
| mainspan = {{cvt|1182|ft|m}} (west span)
| number_spans = 5
| length = {{cvt|7449|ft|m|0 }}
| width = {{cvt|100|ft|m}}
| height = {{cvt|350|ft|m}}
| clearance_above = {{convert|12|ft|m|1 }} (upper level)
| clearance_below = {{cvt|130|ft|m}}
| traffic = 160,111 (2019)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www1.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/about/datafeeds.shtml#trafficcounts |title=NYC DOT – Data Feeds |at=NYC Bridge & Screenline Traffic Volumes Dashboard |date=2019 |publisher=New York City Department of Transportation |access-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-date=April 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425120940/https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/about/datafeeds.shtml#trafficcounts |url-status=live }}</ref>
| open = {{start date and age|1909|March|30}}
| closed = 
| toll = Free (upper-level northern roadway and Queens-bound traffic)<br/>[[Congestion pricing in New York City|Variable congestion charge]] (Manhattan-bound traffic on all other roadways)
| map_cue = 
| map_text = 
| map_width = 
| coordinates = {{Wikidatacoord|Q125157|type:landmark_region:US-NY|display=inline,title}}
| extra = {{Infobox NRHP
 |name = Queensboro Bridge
 |embed = yes
 |nrhp_type =
 |image =
 |caption =
 |location =
 |built =
 |architect =
 |architecture = [[Beaux Arts architecture|Beaux-Arts]]; through cantilever truss
 |added = December 20, 1978
 |refnum = 78001879<ref>{{NRISref|version=2010a|refnum=78001879}}</ref>
 |designated_other1 = New York State Register of Historic Places
 |designated_other1_abbr = NYSRHP
 |designated_other1_date = June 23, 1980
 |designated_other1_number = 06101.000495
 |designated_other1_num_position = bottom
 |designated_other2 = New York City Landmark
 |designated_other2_date = April 16, 1974
 |designated_other2_abbr = NYCL
 |designated_other2_number = 0828
 }}
}}

The '''Queensboro Bridge''', officially the '''Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge''', is a [[cantilever bridge]] over the [[East River]] in [[New York City]]. Completed in 1909, it connects the [[Long Island City]] neighborhood in the [[Boroughs of New York City|borough]] of [[Queens]] with the [[Midtown Manhattan|East Midtown]] and [[Upper East Side]] neighborhoods in [[Manhattan]], passing over [[Roosevelt Island]]. Because the western end of the bridge connects to [[59th Street (Manhattan)|59th Street]] in Manhattan, it is also called the '''59th Street Bridge'''. The bridge consists of five steel spans measuring {{cvt|3725|ft|m}} long; including approaches, its total length is {{cvt|7449|ft|0 }}.

The Queensboro Bridge carries [[New York State Route 25]] (NY 25), which terminates at the bridge's western end in Manhattan. The bridge has two levels: an upper level with a pair of two-lane roadways, and a lower level with four vehicular lanes flanked by a  walkway and a bike lane. The western leg of the Queensboro Bridge is paralleled on its northern side by the [[Roosevelt Island Tramway]]. The bridge is one of four vehicular bridges directly connecting Manhattan Island and [[Long Island]], along with the [[Williamsburg Bridge|Williamsburg]], [[Manhattan Bridge|Manhattan]], and [[Brooklyn Bridge|Brooklyn]] bridges to the south.<ref>{{cite web | last=Sharif | first=Mo | title=Protecting New York City's Bridge Assets | website=Federal Highway Administration | date=December 19, 1903 | url=https://highways.dot.gov/public-roads/mayjune-2005/protecting-new-york-citys-bridge-assets | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429221316/https://highways.dot.gov/public-roads/mayjune-2005/protecting-new-york-citys-bridge-assets | url-status=dead | archive-date=April 29, 2021 | access-date=January 8, 2025}}</ref> It lies along the courses of the [[New York City Marathon]] and the [[Five Boro Bike Tour]].

Serious proposals for a bridge linking Manhattan to Long Island City were first made as early as 1838, but various 19th-century plans to erect such a bridge, including two proposals by Queens doctor [[Thomas Rainey]], never came to fruition. After the creation of the [[City of Greater New York]] in 1898, plans for a city-operated bridge were finalized in 1901. The bridge opened for public use on March 30, 1909, and was initially used by pedestrians, horse-drawn and motor vehicles, elevated trains, and trolleys. Elevated service ceased in 1942, followed by trolley service in 1957. The upper-level roadways were built in the early 1930s and the late 1950s. Designated as a [[New York City designated landmark|New York City landmark]] in 1973, the bridge was renovated extensively from the late 1970s to the 1990s. The bridge was officially renamed in 2011 in honor of former New York City mayor [[Ed Koch]], and another renovation occurred in the early 2020s.

== Name ==
The Queensboro Bridge was originally named for the [[Boroughs of New York City|borough]] of [[Queens]] and was the third bridge across the [[East River]] to be named after a New York City borough, after the [[Brooklyn Bridge]] and the [[Manhattan Bridge]].<ref name="n133320926">{{Cite news |last=Rabin |first=Bernard |date=December 8, 1980 |title=A Bridge by Any Other Name |pages=277 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-a-bridge-by-any-other-name/133320926/ |access-date=October 12, 2023 |archive-date=October 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019200353/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-a-bridge-by-any-other-name/133320926/ |url-status=live}}</ref> By the late 20th century, the Queensboro Bridge was also known as the 59th Street Bridge because its [[Manhattan]] end is located between [[59th Street (Manhattan)|59th]] and [[60th Street (Manhattan)|60th]] streets. This name caused controversy among Queens residents who felt that the 59th Street Bridge name did not honor the borough of Queens.<ref name="n133320926" /><ref name="n133326018">{{Cite news |last=Colford |first=Paul D. |date=March 27, 1984 |title=Celebrating Bridge's 75th Year |pages=9 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-celebrating-bridges-75th-year/133326018/ |access-date=October 12, 2023 |archive-date=October 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019201906/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-celebrating-bridges-75th-year/133326018/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

In December 2010, mayor [[Michael Bloomberg]] announced that the bridge would be renamed in honor of former mayor Ed Koch;<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bultman |first1=Matthew |last2=Fanelli |first2=James |date=December 9, 2010 |title=Just Call 59th Street Bridge the Ed Koch Bridge; Former Mayor Gets Honored with Span in His Name |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2010/12/09/2010-12-09_kochs_bridge_now_call_it_59th_st_or_queensboro_but_exmayor_sez_its_groovy.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101210163806/http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2010/12/09/2010-12-09_kochs_bridge_now_call_it_59th_st_or_queensboro_but_exmayor_sez_its_groovy.html |archive-date=December 10, 2010 |access-date=January 18, 2024 |website=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |postscript=none }}; {{cite web |date=December 8, 2010 |title=New York Public Radio, Podcasts, Live Streaming Radio, News |url=https://www.wnyc.org/story/103549-koch-feelin-groovy-over-queensboro-bridge-name-change/ |access-date=January 18, 2024 |website=WNYC |archive-date=January 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118004426/https://www.wnyc.org/story/103549-koch-feelin-groovy-over-queensboro-bridge-name-change/ |url-status=live }}</ref> the bridge had been renovated extensively in the 1980s, when he was mayor.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Grynbaum |first1=Michael M. |last2=Kaplan |first2=Thomas |date=December 8, 2010 |title=In City, A Bridge for Koch and a Tunnel for Carey |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/08/nyregion/08koch.html |access-date=January 18, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322142822/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/08/nyregion/08koch.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The ''Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge'' name was formalized on March 23, 2011.<ref name="NYTimes-QboroRenaming-2011">{{Cite news |last1=Hernandez |first1=Javier C. |date=March 23, 2011 |title=Council Votes to Rename Queensboro Bridge for Koch |url=http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/03/23/soon-you-can-take-the-koch-bridge-to-queens |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929052458/http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/03/23/soon-you-can-take-the-koch-bridge-to-queens/ |archive-date=September 29, 2011 |access-date=March 23, 2011 |newspaper=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none }}; {{cite web |date=March 23, 2011 |title=City Council Approves Renaming Queensboro Bridge For Koch |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/city-council-to-vote-on-renaming-queensboro-bridge/ |access-date=January 18, 2024 |website=CBS New York |postscript=none |archive-date=January 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118004426/https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/city-council-to-vote-on-renaming-queensboro-bridge/ |url-status=live }}; {{cite news |last=Einhorn |first=Erin |date=March 23, 2011 |title=Queensborough renamed in honor of Koch |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/ed-koch-queensborough-bridge-span-officially-renamed-honor-new-york-city-mayor-article-1.123504 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823205846/http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/ed-koch-queensborough-bridge-span-officially-renamed-honor-new-york-city-mayor-article-1.123504 |archive-date=August 23, 2017 |access-date=March 27, 2018 |work=[[New York Daily News]] }}</ref> The renaming was unpopular among Queens residents and business leaders;<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Lisberg |first1=Adam |date=February 28, 2011 |title=Queensboro Bridge Should Not Be Renamed After Former Mayor Ed Koch, 70% of Queens Biz Leaders Say |newspaper=[[New York Daily News]] |url=http://articles.nydailynews.com/2011-02-28/local/28656544_1_queens-landmark-queensboro-bridge-mayor-ed-koch |url-status=dead |access-date=February 28, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120612043422/http://articles.nydailynews.com/2011-02-28/local/28656544_1_queens-landmark-queensboro-bridge-mayor-ed-koch |archive-date=June 12, 2012}}</ref> ''[[The Los Angeles Times]]'' wrote that Queens residents found the renaming disrespectful to their borough.<ref name="Susman 2011 u996">{{cite web |last=Susman |first=Tina |title=New Name Gifted upon New York's Queensboro Bridge |website=Los Angeles Times |date=March 2, 2011 |url=https://www.latimes.com/world/la-xpm-2011-mar-02-la-na-hometown-queensboro-bridge-20110302-story.html |access-date=January 18, 2024 |archive-date=January 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118155211/https://www.latimes.com/world/la-xpm-2011-mar-02-la-na-hometown-queensboro-bridge-20110302-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The general public continued to call it the Queensboro Bridge years after the renaming.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Dawsey |first1=Josh |last2=Gay |first2=Mara |date=February 3, 2013 |title=His Bridge—but Still Called Another Name |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887324900204578282261222055752 |access-date=January 17, 2024 |work=Wall Street Journal |archive-date=January 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118004426/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887324900204578282261222055752 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[New York City Council]] member [[Peter Vallone Jr.]] of Queens proposed removing Koch's name from the bridge in 2013<!--, but the legislation failed-->.<ref>{{cite web |title=Vallone Introduces Legislation to Remove Ed Koch from Queensboro Bridge Name |website=QNS.com |date=November 27, 2013 |url=https://qns.com/2013/11/vallone-introduces-legislation-to-remove-ed-koch-from-queensboro-bridge-name/ |access-date=January 18, 2024 |postscript=none |archive-date=January 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118004426/https://qns.com/2013/11/vallone-introduces-legislation-to-remove-ed-koch-from-queensboro-bridge-name/ |url-status=live }}; {{cite web |title=Councilman Introduces Bill To Pull Mayor Koch's Name From Queensboro Bridge |website=CBS New York |date=November 26, 2013 |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/councilman-introduces-bill-to-pull-mayor-kochs-name-from-queensboro-bridge/ |access-date=January 18, 2024 |archive-date=January 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118155210/https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/councilman-introduces-bill-to-pull-mayor-kochs-name-from-queensboro-bridge/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Description ==

The Queensboro Bridge is a two-level double [[cantilever bridge]], with separate cantilevered spans over channels on each side of [[Roosevelt Island]] joined by a fixed central truss.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=HAKS Corporation |title=Project Page:2000 Biennial Bridge Inspection of the Queensboro Bridge over the East River |url=http://www.haks.net/projects.php?id=67 |access-date=June 15, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080625231345/http://www.haks.net/projects.php?id=67 |archive-date=June 25, 2008}}</ref> In all, it has five steel truss spans, as well as approach viaducts on either side.<ref name="ER p. 98">{{harvnb|Engineering Record|1913|ps=.|p=98}}</ref> The total length of the five spans, between the anchorages on the Manhattan and Queens sides, are approximately {{cvt|3725|ft|m}},<ref name="ER p. 98" /><ref name="SA p. 100">{{harvnb|Scientific American|1907|ps=.|p=100}}</ref><ref name="The New York Times 1908 p752">{{cite web |date=March 15, 1908 |title=The Construction of a Giant Cantilever; In Weight and Carrying Capacity, Greatest of Its Kind in the World, The Building of the Blackwell's Island Bridge Involves Problems and Figures of Unparalleled Magnitude |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1908/03/15/archives/the-construction-of-a-giant-cantilever-in-weight-and-carring.html |access-date=November 16, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116193153/https://www.nytimes.com/1908/03/15/archives/the-construction-of-a-giant-cantilever-in-weight-and-carring.html |url-status=live}}</ref> of which {{Convert|2166|ft}} are above water.<ref name="p278370206">{{cite news |date=June 30, 1991 |title=Queens Portrait of Grace in Steel Lace |page=8 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|278370206}}}}</ref> In addition, there is a {{convert|1052|ft|m|-long|adj=mid}} approach viaduct in Manhattan and a {{convert|2588|ft|m|-long|adj=mid}} approach viaduct in Queens, connecting the anchorages on either side to street level. This brings the bridge's total length to {{convert|7449|ft|0 }}.<ref name="ER p. 98" />{{efn|Various sources from 1907 and 1908, before the bridge's completion, cited the Queens approach as {{convert|3455|ft}} and the whole bridge as {{convert|8231|ft}} long. They described the Manhattan approach as being 1,051 feet.<ref name="SA p. 100" /><ref name="The New York Times 1908 p752" /><ref name="p895736043" /> A ''Scientific American'' article from 1908 gives a figure of {{convert|7408|ft}} for the whole bridge.<ref name="p126851307" />}} The bridge carries [[New York State Route 25]], which ends at the span's western terminus.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 26, 2018 |title=A Single Road With Many Names, Traversing Many Worlds |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/26/nyregion/a-single-road-with-many-names-traversing-many-worlds.html |access-date=January 18, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231010221020/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/26/nyregion/a-single-road-with-many-names-traversing-many-worlds.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Society Society 2008 p. 68">{{Harvnb|ps=.|Greater Astoria Historical Society|Roosevelt Island Historical Society|2008|page=68}}</ref>

=== Spans ===
The lengths of the steel spans are as follows, from the westernmost span to the easternmost:<ref name="ER p. 98" /><ref name="The New York Times 1908 p752" /><ref name="p126873067">{{Cite magazine |date=April 1, 1905 |title=The New Blackwell's Island Bridge |magazine=Scientific American |volume=XCII |issue=13 |page=265 |id={{ProQuest|126873067}}}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|+ Spans of the Queensboro Bridge<ref name="ER p. 98" /><ref name="The New York Times 1908 p752" /><ref name="p126873067"/>
|-
! West end !! East end !! Crosses !! Length
|-
| Manhattan anchorage || Manhattan pier || [[York Avenue and Sutton Place|York Avenue]] || {{cvt|469.5|ft|m}}
|-
| Manhattan pier || Roosevelt Island western pier || East River's west channel, [[FDR Drive]] || {{cvt|1182|ft|m}}
|-
| Roosevelt Island western pier || Roosevelt Island eastern pier || Roosevelt Island || {{cvt|630|ft|m}}
|-
| Roosevelt Island eastern pier || Queens pier || East River's east channel || {{cvt|984|ft|m}}
|-
| Queens pier || Queens anchorage || Vernon Boulevard || {{cvt|459|ft|m}}
|}
The bridge was intended to carry a [[dead load]] of {{convert|32200|lb/ft}}.<ref name="The New York Times 1908 p752" /> Each span includes two parallel lines of trusses, one each on the north and south sides of the bridge; the centers of these trusses are spaced {{Convert|60|ft}} apart.<ref name="p126851307">{{Cite magazine |date=March 28, 1908 |title=Joining of Last Span of Blackwell's Island Bridge. |magazine=Scientific American |volume=XCVIII |issue=13 |page=223 |id={{ProQuest|126851307}}}}</ref> The bottom chord of each set of trusses is composed of [[box girder]]s, while the top chord is composed of [[eyebar]]s measuring {{convert|8|to|12|in}} deep.<ref name="p126873067" /> The trusses range in height from {{convert|45|to|118|ft}} between the bottom and top chords; the steel towers atop each pier measure {{convert|185|ft}} tall.<ref name="The New York Times 1908 p752" /> Unlike other large bridges, the trusses are not suspended; instead, the spans are directly connected to each other.<ref name="NPS p. 2">{{harvnb|National Park Service|1978|ps=.|p=2}}</ref> In addition, there are transverse floor beams, which protrude {{convert|13|ft}} from the trusses on either side of the deck.<ref name="SA p. 101">{{harvnb|Scientific American|1907|ps=.|p=101}}</ref> Atop the bridge's topmost chords were originally galvanized steel ropes, which acted as handrails for bridge painters. Five hand-operated scaffolds were also placed on the bridge.<ref name="ER p. 99">{{harvnb|Engineering Record|1913|ps=.|p=99}}</ref>

The spans are cantilevered from steel towers that rise above four central [[Pier (architecture)|piers]].<ref name="p126851307" /><ref name="NPS p. 2" /> Each cantilevered section measures {{convert|808|to|1061|ft}} long. The two spans above the East River's channels are composed of cantilever arms, which extend outward from the towers on either side of the channel. Each pair of cantilever arms meets at a set of [[Bent (structural)|bents]] above the middle of each channel. The bents allowed the cantilever arms to move horizontally due to temperature changes, and it allowed structural loads to be distributed between the two arms.<ref name="p126851307" /> The bridge uses nickel-steel bars that were intended to be 40 to 50 percent stronger than regular structural-steel bars of the same weight. The beams could withstand loads of up to {{convert|56000|lb}} each, while the nickel-steel eyebars were intended to withstand loads of up to {{Convert|85000|lb}}.<ref name="SA p. 100" /><ref name="The New York Times 1908 p752" /> The decks themselves were designed to carry as much as {{Convert|16000|lb/ft}}.<ref name="p144906008">{{cite news |date=March 31, 1909 |title=$20,000,000 Bridge Open: Mayor and Newsboys First to Cross From Manhattan to Queens Greatest of Four Structures Spanning East River Is, With Approaches, 7,424 Feet Long. |page=5 |newspaper=The Washington Post |issn=0190-8286 |id={{ProQuest|144906008}}}}</ref>

The steel spans between the anchorages weigh a total of {{Convert|52000|ST|LT t}}<ref name="SA p. 100" /> and have a maximum grade of 3.41 percent.<ref name="The New York Times 1908 p752" /><ref name="p572216360">{{cite news |date=March 31, 1909 |title=The Queensboro Open: Thousands Fight to Be First Over Bridge Real Celebration to Be Held in June—Cost Almost Double the First Estimate |page=1 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|572216360}}}}</ref> The spans were intended to be at least {{Convert|118|ft}} above [[mean high water]];<ref name="p899683487">{{Cite magazine |date=April 29, 1904 |title=Masonry for the Blackwell's Island Bridge |magazine=Railroad Gazette |volume=36 |issue=18 |pages=319–320 |id={{ProQuest|899683487}}}}</ref> the bridge reaches a maximum height of {{Convert|135|ft}}<ref name="p144906008" /><ref name="p507939040">{{cite news |date=March 30, 1909 |title=Great Bridge Finished; Another to Be Begun |page=12 |work=The Christian Science Monitor |id={{ProQuest|507939040}}}}</ref> or {{Convert|140|ft}} above high mean water.<ref name="p278370206" /> Until it was surpassed by the [[Quebec Bridge]] in 1917, the span between Manhattan and Roosevelt Island was the longest cantilever in North America;<ref name="asce">{{cite web |title=Queensboro Bridge |url=http://www.ascemetsection.org/committees/history-and-heritage/landmarks/queensboro-bridge |access-date=November 12, 2016 |publisher=ASCE Metropolitan Section |archive-date=November 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161113122736/http://www.ascemetsection.org/committees/history-and-heritage/landmarks/queensboro-bridge |url-status=live}}</ref> it was also the second-longest worldwide, after the [[Forth Bridge]] in Scotland.<ref name="p126873067" /><ref name="n134967934">{{Cite news |date=July 14, 1904 |title=Commissioner Best's Party at the Tower on Blackwell's Island |pages=17 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-commissioner-be/134967934/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110214243/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-commissioner-be/134967934/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

====Levels====
The upper level is {{Convert|67|ft}} wide.<ref name="The New York Times 1908 p752" /><ref name="p572216360" /> The upper level originally contained two pedestrian walkways and two [[elevated railway]] tracks, which connected a spur of the [[IRT Second Avenue Line|IRT Second Avenue elevated line]] in Manhattan to the [[Queensboro Plaza station]] in Queens.<ref name="ER p. 98" /><ref name="open" /> There were also provisions for two additional tracks between the trusses (taking up the space occupied by the walkways), as well as {{Convert|13|ft|m|adj=mid|-wide}} walkways cantilevered outside the trusses.<ref name="The New York Times 1908 p752" /><ref name="p126851307" /> {{As of|2023}}, the upper level has four lanes of automobile traffic, consisting of a pair of two-lane roadways. Although both roadways end at Thomson Avenue in Queens, they diverge in Manhattan. The two northern lanes, normally used by westbound traffic, lead to 62nd and 63rd Streets. The two southern lanes, normally used by eastbound traffic, lead to 57th and 58th Streets.<ref name="NPS p. 3">{{harvnb|National Park Service|1978|ps=.|p=3}}</ref> The southern roadway is used as a westbound [[high-occupancy vehicle lane]] during morning rush hours, when all eastbound traffic uses the lower level.<ref>{{Cite web |title=HOV Lanes |url=http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/motorist/carpool.shtml |access-date=December 18, 2017 |website=www.nyc.gov |language=en |archive-date=July 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190703015414/http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/motorist/carpool.shtml |url-status=live}}</ref>

The lower level is {{Convert|86|ft}} wide<ref name="The New York Times 1908 p752" /><ref name="p572216360" /> and is divided into three sections: a northern, central, and southern roadway.<ref name="open" /> The center roadway is {{Convert|56|ft}} wide and was originally composed of a {{convert|36|ft|m|-wide|adj=mid}} general-purpose road in the middle, flanked by a pair of trolley tracks.<ref name="The New York Times 1908 p752" /><ref name="SA p. 101" /> The northern and southern lower-level roadways each had one additional trolley track, for a total of four trolley tracks.<ref name="SA p. 101" /><ref name="open" /> The central roadway originally had a wood block pavement.<ref name="ER p. 98" /><ref name="n133327304" /> {{As of|2025}}, the lower level has four vehicular lanes: two in each direction within the center roadway. The northern lower-level roadway was converted into a permanent pedestrian walk and bicycle path in September 2000;<ref>{{cite web |title=Queensboro Bridge Rehabilitation Program |url=http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/bridges/qbrehab.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080330082222/http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/bridges/qbrehab.shtml |archive-date=March 30, 2008 |access-date=March 13, 2010 |work=New York City Department of Transportation}}</ref> pedestrians were relocated to the southern lower-level roadway in 2025.<ref name="Russo-Lennon u449"/>

==== Piers ====
The five spans are supported by six piers; the westernmost and easternmost piers act as anchorages.<ref name="p899683487" /><ref name="The New York Times 2002 j597" /> Each of the piers consists of two columns supported by an [[elliptical arch]] measuring {{Convert|50|ft}} wide.<ref name="p899683487" /> The piers each measure {{convert|130|by|40|ft}} across at their bases (including the arched openings).<ref name="p571537619">{{cite news |date=April 20, 1904 |title=Structural Work to Begin Soon: Six Stone Piers of Blackwell's Island Bridge Completed |page=6 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|571537619}}}}</ref> They range from {{Convert|100|to|125|ft}} tall, with the piers on Roosevelt Island being the tallest.<ref name="n134969352">{{Cite news |date=May 27, 1904 |title=Completing Piers for East River Bridge No. 4 |pages=9 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-completing-pier/134969352/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110214238/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-completing-pier/134969352/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The foundations of the Roosevelt Island piers are shallow, since there is bedrock just below the surface of the island. By comparison, the piers in Manhattan and Queens extend over {{convert|50|ft}} deep.<ref name="SA p. 100" />

The piers are faced with Maine granite and are attached to a backing made of concrete and Mohawk Valley limestone.<ref name="p571537619" /> In total, workers used {{convert|14000|yd3}} of limestone, {{convert|17000|yd3}} of concrete, and {{convert|22800|yd3}} of granite to build the bridges.<ref name="p899683487" /> Above the piers rise the bridge's towers, which contain domed decorations and [[Art Nouveau]]-inspired spires.<ref name="The New York Times 2002 j597">{{cite web |last=Gray |first=Christopher |date=November 24, 2002 |title=Streetscapes/The Queensboro Bridge; Spanning the East River, With a Sense of Drama |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/24/realestate/streetscapes-the-queensboro-bridge-spanning-the-east-river-with-a-sense-of-drama.html |access-date=October 19, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022014709/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/24/realestate/streetscapes-the-queensboro-bridge-spanning-the-east-river-with-a-sense-of-drama.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The towers extend {{Convert|185|ft}} above the bridge's lower chords.<ref name="p144906008" /> The tops of the towers are made of 225 granite blocks, which were part of the original design but not added until 1937.<ref name="p1250464082" /> The spires were removed at some point in the 20th century after deteriorating.<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 25, 1960 |title=The 8 Million |pages=2 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-the-8-million/133243953/ |access-date=October 11, 2023 |archive-date=October 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017112837/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-the-8-million/133243953/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

The two anchorages, one each at the Manhattan and Queens ends, are about {{convert|500|ft}} inland of the shore.<ref name="n134961972" /> Each anchorage was built with spiral staircases and elevators.<ref name="n134969352" /><ref name="n134961972">{{Cite news |date=May 23, 1903 |title=Blackwell's Island Bridge's Progress |pages=19 |work=Times Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-blackwells-island-bridges/134961972/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110202610/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-blackwells-island-bridges/134961972/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The anchorage in Manhattan is between [[First Avenue (Manhattan)|First Avenue]] and [[York Avenue]], while the Queens anchorage is near Vernon Boulevard.<ref name="p571537619" /> The anchorages are topped by small rooms with arched openings.<ref name="n134965012">{{Cite news |date=April 21, 1903 |title=Natural Bridge Foundations |pages=11 |work=Times Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-natural-bridge-foundations/134965012/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110202606/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-natural-bridge-foundations/134965012/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Approaches===

==== Manhattan approach ====
The approaches on both sides of the bridge are composed of stiffened steel frames, but the Manhattan approach is the only one that is ornately decorated.<ref name="NPS p. 2" /> The Manhattan approach is supported on a series of [[Guastavino tile]] vaults.<ref name="Dunlap 1999">{{cite news |last=Dunlap |first=David W. |author-link=David W. Dunlap |date=March 7, 1999 |title=Bridgemarket Emerging, After 22 Years |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/03/07/realestate/bridgemarket-emerging-after-22-years.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101112140901/http://www.nytimes.com/1999/03/07/realestate/bridgemarket-emerging-after-22-years.html |archive-date=November 12, 2010 |access-date=February 20, 2010 |newspaper=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The vaults are composed of three layers of tiles, which support themselves and measure {{convert|4|in}} thick in total. A layer of glazing and small lights were installed in 1918.<ref>{{harvnb|National Park Service|1978|ps=.|pp=2–3}}</ref> The space under the Manhattan approach measures {{convert|120|by|270|ft}} across.<ref name="p277896828">{{cite news |last=Sax |first=Irene |date=May 27, 1987 |title=Waiting for Bridgemarket Construction Is About to Start Under the Queensborough Bridge |page=3 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|277896828}}}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1977-08-04" /> It is divided into a series of tiled vaults measuring {{convert|30|by|30|ft}} across.<ref name="NPS p. 2" /><ref name="nyt-1977-08-04" /> As the bridge ascends to the east, the floor slopes down and the ceiling slopes up; as such, the ceiling measures {{convert|60|ft}} high at its highest point.<ref name="nyt-1977-08-04">{{Cite news |date=August 4, 1977 |title=Design Notebook |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/08/04/archives/design-notebook-bringing-new-life-to-the-queensboro-bridge.html |access-date=October 12, 2023 |archive-date=October 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019200353/https://www.nytimes.com/1977/08/04/archives/design-notebook-bringing-new-life-to-the-queensboro-bridge.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The Guastavino tiles cover the steel [[superstructure]] of the approach ramp.<ref name="The New York Times 1996 i504">{{cite web |last=Gray |first=Christopher |date=May 12, 1996 |title=Streetscapes/Rafael Guastavino;An Architect Who Achieved a Vaulting Success |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/05/12/realestate/streetscapes-rafael-guastavino-an-architect-who-achieved-a-vaulting-success.html |access-date=October 19, 2023 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022014708/https://www.nytimes.com/1996/05/12/realestate/streetscapes-rafael-guastavino-an-architect-who-achieved-a-vaulting-success.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

Originally, the vaults were intended as storage space.<ref name="ER p. 99" /> From the bridge's 1909 opening, the space under the Manhattan approach was used as a food market.<ref name="p277896828" /> The food market was renovated in 1933<ref>{{cite news |date=June 17, 1933 |title=59th St. Market Reopens To Praises of O'Brien: Asparagus in Hand Mayor Bids Ryan 'God-Speed' |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=12 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1336985953}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=June 17, 1933 |title=Spruced-up Market Reopened by Mayor; Stalls Under Queens Bridge to Bring City $17,500 a Year Instead of $3,250. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1933/06/17/archives/sprucedup-market-reopened-by-mayor-stalls-under-queens-bridge-to.html |access-date=January 8, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US |archive-date=January 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108024015/https://www.nytimes.com/1933/06/17/archives/sprucedup-market-reopened-by-mayor-stalls-under-queens-bridge-to.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and was later converted to a sign shop and garage.<ref name="p277896828" /> By the 1970s, the space under the Manhattan approach was used by the Department of Highways.<ref name="nyt-1977-08-04" /> [[New York City Center]]'s Cinematheque leased space under the Queensboro Bridge in 1973,<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 2, 1973 |title=Cinematheque Gets Queensboro Site |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1973/11/02/archives/cinematheque-gets-queensboro-site.html |access-date=March 5, 2023 |archive-date=March 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305204102/https://www.nytimes.com/1973/11/02/archives/cinematheque-gets-queensboro-site.html |url-status=live |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Oster |first=Jerry |date=November 26, 1973 |title=City Provides Fine Site for Film History |pages=56 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120243045/city-provides-fine-site-for-film/ |access-date=March 5, 2023 |archive-date=March 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305204102/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120243045/city-provides-fine-site-for-film/ |url-status=live}}</ref> although the Cinematheque never opened due to a lack of money.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Prial |first=Frank J. |date=May 16, 1987 |title=Construction Date Is Set at Stalled Bridgemarket |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/05/16/nyregion/construction-date-is-set-at-stalled-bridgemarket.html |access-date=March 5, 2023 |archive-date=March 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305204338/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/05/16/nyregion/construction-date-is-set-at-stalled-bridgemarket.html |url-status=live |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=January 16, 1977 |title=Film festival from Paris |pages=107 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120243093/film-festival-from-paris/ |access-date=March 5, 2023 |archive-date=March 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305204101/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120243093/film-festival-from-paris/ |url-status=live}}</ref> A developer proposed the open-air Bridgemarket under the bridge in 1976, which local residents significantly opposed,<ref name="nyt-1976-01-19" /> and Bridgemarket was not approved until 1996.<ref>{{cite web |last=Jacobs |first=Andrew |date=October 13, 1996 |title=Bridgemarket Finally Gets Its Yes |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/10/13/nyregion/bridgemarket-finally-gets-its-yes.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022014709/https://www.nytimes.com/1996/10/13/nyregion/bridgemarket-finally-gets-its-yes.html |archive-date=October 22, 2023 |access-date=October 19, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Bridgemarket, covering {{convert|98000|ft2}},<ref name="Dunlap 1999" /><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Rowan |first=Victoria C. |date=August 1999 |title=Under the Bridge |url=https://usmodernist.org/AR/AR-1999-08.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022014710/https://usmodernist.org/AR/AR-1999-08.pdf |archive-date=October 22, 2023 |access-date=December 6, 2023 |magazine=Architectural Record |page=57 |volume=187 |issue=8}}</ref> opened in 1999 at a cost of $24 million.<ref name="Dunlap 1999" />{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1999|value=24|fmt=c|r=0}} million in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} The store operated until the end of 2015.<ref>{{cite web |last=Levitt |first=David M |date=November 20, 2015 |title=Manhattan's Most Beautiful Supermarket Is Closing |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-11-20/manhattan-architectural-gem-left-vacant-by-exit-of-food-emporium |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211203034650/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-11-20/manhattan-architectural-gem-left-vacant-by-exit-of-food-emporium |archive-date=December 3, 2021 |access-date=October 12, 2023 |website=Bloomberg.com}}</ref> In February 2020, it was announced that [[Trader Joe's]] was planning to open a [[supermarket]] in this space,<ref>{{cite web |last=Cohen |first=Michelle |date=February 26, 2020 |title=See the Approved Plans for Trader Joe's New Upper East Side Store Under the Queensboro Bridge |url=https://www.6sqft.com/see-the-approved-plans-for-trader-joes-new-upper-east-side-store-under-the-queensboro-bridge/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220812141423/https://www.6sqft.com/see-the-approved-plans-for-trader-joes-new-upper-east-side-store-under-the-queensboro-bridge/ |archive-date=August 12, 2022 |access-date=August 12, 2022 |website=6sqft}}</ref> which opened in December 2021.<ref>{{cite web |last=Rahmanan |first=Anna |date=December 1, 2021 |title=The First Trader Joe's on the Upper East Side Is Officially Opening Tomorrow! |url=https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/the-first-trader-joes-on-the-upper-east-side-is-officially-opening-tomorrow-120121 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220812141422/https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/the-first-trader-joes-on-the-upper-east-side-is-officially-opening-tomorrow-120121 |archive-date=August 12, 2022 |access-date=August 12, 2022 |website=Time Out New York}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Saraiva |first=Augusta |date=December 2, 2021 |title=Manhattan's Most Beautiful Supermarket Reopens as a Trader Joe's |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-12-02/manhattan-s-most-beautiful-supermarket-reopens-as-a-trader-joe-s |access-date=August 12, 2022 |website=Bloomberg}}</ref>

There is a massive bronze lamppost at the end of the Manhattan approach, near the intersection of Second Avenue and 59th Street.<ref name="Zimmer 2012 s486" /><ref name="CBS New York 2012 y283" /> Formerly, there was a second lamppost near 60th Street. Both lampposts consisted of thick piers, which were topped by four [[stanchion]]s (each with a globe-shaped lamp) and a larger spherical lamp in the center.<ref name="The New York Times 2001 w416">{{cite web |last=Lippincott |first=E. E. |date=July 8, 2001 |title=Neighborhood Report: Queensboro Bridge – Neighborhood Mystery; A Historic Lamp Is Lost. Fingers Are Pointed Everywhere |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/07/08/nyregion/neighborhood-report-queensboro-bridge-neighborhood-mystery-historic-lamp-lost.html |access-date=October 19, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022014709/https://www.nytimes.com/2001/07/08/nyregion/neighborhood-report-queensboro-bridge-neighborhood-mystery-historic-lamp-lost.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Each lamppost had five tiers of decorations, and the sides of each lamppost were inscribed with the names of four of the city's five boroughs.<ref name="Weaver 2015 h048" /> The lampposts were both removed in 1974 when the [[Roosevelt Island Tramway]] was developed, but the 59th Street lamppost was restored two years later.<ref name="Weaver 2015 h048" /><ref name="Jamerson 2015 y087" /> Parts of the other lamppost were found in a Queens warehouse in 2012<ref name="Zimmer 2012 s486">{{cite web |last=Zimmer |first=Amy |date=April 11, 2012 |title=Base of Historic Queensboro Bridge Lamp Rediscovered After Nearly 40 Years |url=https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20120411/upper-east-side/base-of-historic-queensboro-bridge-lamp-rediscovered-after-36-years/ |access-date=October 19, 2023 |website=DNAinfo New York |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321014909/https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20120411/upper-east-side/base-of-historic-queensboro-bridge-lamp-rediscovered-after-36-years/ |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="CBS New York 2012 y283">{{cite web |date=April 18, 2012 |title=Base Of Missing 59th Street Bridge Lamppost Found In Queens |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/base-of-missing-59th-street-bridge-lamppost-found-in-queens/ |access-date=October 19, 2023 |website=CBS New York |archive-date=October 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022014709/https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/base-of-missing-59th-street-bridge-lamppost-found-in-queens/ |url-status=live}}</ref> and rededicated on Roosevelt Island in 2015.<ref name="Weaver 2015 h048">{{cite web |last=Weaver |first=Shaye |title=Historic Queensboro Bridge Lamppost Base on Display After Years in Storage |website=DNAinfo New York |date=June 24, 2015 |url=https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20150624/roosevelt-island/historic-queensboro-bridge-lamppost-base-on-display-after-years-storage/ |access-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119210922/https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20150624/roosevelt-island/historic-queensboro-bridge-lamppost-base-on-display-after-years-storage/ |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Jamerson 2015 y087">{{cite web |last=Jamerson |first=Joshua |title=The Mystery of a Long-Missing Relic Is Solved and Returned to the Public |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |date=June 23, 2015 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/23/nyregion/the-mystery-of-a-long-missing-relic-is-solved-and-returned-to-the-public.html |access-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119210921/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/23/nyregion/the-mystery-of-a-long-missing-relic-is-solved-and-returned-to-the-public.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

====Queens approach====
The Queens approach consists of a series of elevated concrete-and-steel ramps, which were never formally decorated.<ref name="NPS p. 3" /> The LIC Ramps, a public park under one of the approach ramps, was announced in late 2024<ref>{{cite web |first=Shane |last=O'Brien | title=Plans announced for long-delayed project to transform LIC underpass into open space | website=LIC Post | date=October 10, 2024 | url=https://licpost.com/plans-announced-lic-ramps-open-space-underpass | access-date=June 19, 2025}}</ref> and began construction in June 2025.<ref>{{cite web |first=Shane |last=O'Brien | title=Officials break ground on new public park beneath Queensboro Bridge in Long Island City | website=LIC Post | date=June 18, 2025 | url=https://licpost.com/officials-break-ground-new-public-park-beneath-queensboro-bridge | access-date=June 19, 2025}}</ref> Another {{convert|370000|ft2}} of open space under the bridge, spread across 15 [[land lot]]s, was proposed for conversion into parkland in 2025.<ref>{{cite web | last=Schwach | first=Ryan | title=LIC groups join Won in call for more open space under QBB | website=Queens Daily Eagle | date=June 16, 2025 | url=https://queenseagle.com/all/2025/6/16/lic-groups-join-won-in-call-for-more-open-space-under-qbb | access-date=June 19, 2025|postscript=none}}; {{cite web | title=CM Julie Won calls on city to restore Queensbridge open space as part of OneLIC plan | website=Queens Post | date=May 20, 2025 | url=https://queenspost.com/won-calls-to-restore-queensbridge-open-space-onelic-plan | access-date=June 19, 2025}}</ref> These spaces include Baby Park, near the waterfront, which was closed in the 1980s.<ref>{{cite web | last=Chu | first=Haidee | title=How Queensbridge's 'Baby Park' Became an Orphan and a Battleground for LIC Rezoning | website=THE CITY - NYC News | date=October 7, 2025 | url=https://www.thecity.nyc/2025/10/07/baby-park-restoration-queensbridge-rezoning-open-space/ | access-date=October 10, 2025|postscript=none}}; {{cite web | last=Ford | first=James | title=Park closed off for 40 years may reopen if deal with City Hall is reached | website=PIX11 | date=October 8, 2025 | url=https://pix11.com/news/local-news/park-closed-off-for-40-years-may-reopen-if-deal-with-city-hall-is-reached/amp/ | access-date=October 10, 2025}}</ref>

<gallery mode="packed" heights="220px">
59thstbridge2007.jpg|Looking east from Manhattan toward Queens
Bridgemarket north side jeh.jpg|Bridgemarket on Manhattan side
</gallery>

=== Use during races ===
The Queensboro Bridge has been part of the [[New York City Marathon]] course since [[1976 New York City Marathon|1976]], when the marathon course traversed all five boroughs for the first time.<ref>{{cite web |last=Amdur |first=Neil |date=October 25, 1976 |title=New York's First Citywide Marathon Draws Some of World's Top Runners |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1976/10/25/archives/new-yorks-first-citywide-marathon-draws-some-of-worlds-top-runners.html |access-date=October 19, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022014711/https://www.nytimes.com/1976/10/25/archives/new-yorks-first-citywide-marathon-draws-some-of-worlds-top-runners.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Rodale, Inc. p. 77">{{cite magazine |last=Monti |first=David |date=Oct 2008 |title=Sublime Climbs |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wMgDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA77 |magazine=Runner's World |publisher=Rodale, Inc. |page=77 |issn=0897-1706 |access-date=October 19, 2023 |archive-date=October 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022014709/https://books.google.com/books?id=wMgDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA77 |url-status=live}}</ref> During the marathon, which happens every November, runners cross the Queensboro Bridge westbound toward Manhattan, then pass under the bridge at First Avenue.<ref name="Society Society 2008 p. 121">{{Harvnb|ps=.|Greater Astoria Historical Society|Roosevelt Island Historical Society|2008|page=121}}</ref> The bridge is approximately {{convert|15|mi}} from the beginning of the course on the [[Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge]]. The deck of the bridge was initially covered with carpeting for the 1976 marathon; the carpeting was not used after [[1977 New York City Marathon|1977]], when the bridge was repaved.<ref name="Rodale, Inc. p. 77" /> The bridge is also part of the course of the [[Five Boro Bike Tour]], which occurs every April; contestants traverse the bridge eastbound toward Queens.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hucCAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA78 |title=April |date=October 4, 1982 |magazine=New York Magazine |publisher=New York Media, LLC |page=78 |language=en |issn=0028-7369 |access-date=October 19, 2023 |archive-date=October 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022014709/https://books.google.com/books?id=hucCAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA78 |url-status=live}}</ref> {{as of|2022}}, the Five Boro Bike Tour uses the northern upper-level roadway.<ref>{{cite web |last=Bocanegra |first=Michelle |title=Five Boro Bike Tour Returns: What You Need to Know About Street Closures |website=Gothamist |date=May 6, 2023 |url=https://gothamist.com/news/five-boro-bike-tour-returns-what-you-need-to-know-about-street-closures |access-date=October 19, 2023 |archive-date=October 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022014710/https://gothamist.com/news/five-boro-bike-tour-returns-what-you-need-to-know-about-street-closures |url-status=live |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |last=Konig |first=Joseph |title=Street closures Sunday as Five Boro Bike Tour returns |website=Spectrum News NY1 |date=April 30, 2022 |url=https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/transit/2022/04/30/street-closures-sunday-as-five-boro-bike-tour-returns |access-date=October 19, 2023 |archive-date=October 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022014710/https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/transit/2022/04/30/street-closures-sunday-as-five-boro-bike-tour-returns |url-status=live}}</ref>

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

=== Planning ===
Prior to the construction of the Queensboro Bridge, two ferries connected modern-day Manhattan and Queens, neither of which were near the modern-day bridge. One such ferry connected Borden Avenue in [[Hunters Point, Queens]], to [[34th Street (Manhattan)|34th Street]] in [[Kips Bay, Manhattan]], while the other ferry connected [[Astoria Boulevard]] in [[Astoria, Queens]], with 92nd Street on Manhattan's [[Upper East Side]].<ref name="n133321693">{{Cite news |last=Dallas |first=Gus |date=September 27, 1981 |title=Bridge Spans Time, Sentiment |pages=254 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-bridge-spans-time-sentiment/133321693/ |access-date=October 12, 2023 |archive-date=October 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019200353/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-bridge-spans-time-sentiment/133321693/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Benjamin Henry Latrobe]] first proposed a masonry bridge between Manhattan and Queens in 1804.<ref name="STRUCTURE magazine 2015 d973">{{cite web |last=Griggs |first=Frank Jr |date=October 11, 2015 |title=Queensboro Cantilever Bridge |url=https://www.structuremag.org/?p=9206 |access-date=October 19, 2023 |website=Structure |archive-date=October 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022014710/https://www.structuremag.org/?p=9206 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''The Family Magazine'' published an article in 1833, suggesting a bridge between Manhattan and Queens over [[Roosevelt Island]] (which then was known as Blackwell's Island).<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 1, 1903 |title=An Old Plan for a Bridge at Blackwell's Island |pages=20 |work=The Standard Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-an-old-plan-for-a-bri/134960673/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110202608/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-an-old-plan-for-a-bri/134960673/ |url-status=live }}</ref> An architect named R. Graves proposed a three-span [[suspension bridge]] linking Manhattan to [[Long Island City]], Queens, in the late 1830s.<ref name="Society Society 2008 p. 13">{{Harvnb|ps=.|Greater Astoria Historical Society|Roosevelt Island Historical Society|2008|page=13}}</ref><ref name="STRUCTURE magazine 2015 d973" /> [[John A. Roebling]], who would later design the Brooklyn Bridge, proposed suspension bridges at the site in 1847 and 1856.<ref name="STRUCTURE magazine 2015 d973" />

==== Rainey attempts ====
An attempt to finance a fixed East River crossing was made in 1867 by wealthy Long Island City residents, who established the ''New-York and Long Island Bridge Company'' to erect the crossing.<ref name="Society Society 2008 p. 13"/><ref name="p278774250">{{cite news |date=March 27, 1994 |title=Queens History; How a Bridge Shaped a City Queensboro Span Key to Population Explosion |page= |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|278774250}}}}</ref> This group was led by [[Thomas Rainey]], a doctor from Astoria.<ref name="n133722053" /> The crossing would have connected 77th Street in Manhattan and 34th Avenue in Queens, passing over the center of Blackwell's Island.<ref name="Society Society 2008 p. 13"/> The New-York and Long Island Bridge Company appointed commissioners for the proposed bridge in 1875<ref>{{cite web |date=July 1, 1875 |title=The Second East River Bridge.; Election of Directors of the New-York And Long Island Bridge Company Description of the Enterprise. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1875/07/01/archives/the-second-east-river-bridge-election-of-directors-of-the-newyork.html |access-date=October 19, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022014711/https://www.nytimes.com/1875/07/01/archives/the-second-east-river-bridge-election-of-directors-of-the-newyork.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=July 1, 1875 |title=Another Proposed East River Bridge: Election of a Board of Directors—site and ... Of the Structure |page=5 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|572585390}}}}</ref> and hosted an [[architectural design competition]] for the bridge in 1876.<ref name="STRUCTURE magazine 2015 d973" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Gentilviso |first=Richard |date=March 25, 2009 |title=AIA Celebrates Queensboro Bridge Centennial |url=https://www.qgazette.com/articles/aia-celebrates-queensboro-bridge-centennial/ |access-date=October 19, 2023 |website=Queens Gazette – |archive-date=October 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022014710/https://www.qgazette.com/articles/aia-celebrates-queensboro-bridge-centennial/ |url-status=live }}</ref> A cantilever design by Charles Macdonald and the [[Delaware Bridge Company]] was selected in early 1877,<ref>{{cite news |date=April 5, 1877 |title=Spanning the East River: The Blackwell's Island Bridge Adoption of the Delaware Bridge Company's Plan—its Characteristics—features of the Whole Structure—its Probable Completion in Two Years Asserted Diagram of the Plan Adopted |page=2 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|572675015}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=March 29, 1877 |title=Blackwell's Island Bridge |pages=4 |work=Times Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-blackwells-island-bridge/133721355/ |access-date=October 19, 2023 |archive-date=October 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022014709/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-blackwells-island-bridge/133721355/ |url-status=live }}</ref> but no action had been taken by 1878, a year after the plans were approved.<ref name="n133720976">{{Cite news |date=August 27, 1878 |title=The Blackwell's Island Bridge |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-the-blackwells/133720976/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022014711/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-the-blackwells/133720976/ |archive-date=October 22, 2023 |access-date=October 19, 2023 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=4 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> Media sources reported in May 1881 that work was to commence shortly,<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 3, 1881 |title=The Blackwell's Island Bridge |pages=1 |work=The Buffalo Commercial |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-buffalo-commercial-the-blackwells-i/133842493/ |access-date=October 21, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110175242/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-buffalo-commercial-the-blackwells-i/133842493/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=May 2, 1881 |title=New York News |page=3 |work=The Hartford Courant |issn=1047-4153 |id={{ProQuest|554167211}}}}</ref> and a [[cofferdam]] for one of the bridge's piers was installed that month.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 24, 1881 |title=Blackwell's Island Bridge |pages=1 |work=The Brooklyn Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-union-blackwells-island-br/133843152/ |access-date=October 21, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110175244/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-union-blackwells-island-br/133843152/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |date=May 28, 1881 |title=The Second Bridge Between New York and Brooklyn |magazine=Scientific American |volume=XLIV |issue=22 |page=335 |id={{ProQuest|126602806}}}}</ref> By the time the [[United States Congress]] approved plans for the bridge in 1887,<ref name="n133722053">{{Cite news |date=March 3, 1887 |title=The Blackwell Island's Bridge |pages=2 |work=New-York Tribune |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-the-blackwell-islands/133722053/ |access-date=October 19, 2023 |archive-date=October 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022014711/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-the-blackwell-islands/133722053/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Rainey's bridge had been relocated southward.<ref>{{cite news |date=June 16, 1889 |title=Arguments for His Bridge: Thomas Rainey Issues a Circular About the Proposed Structure From Black Well's Island |page=14 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|573536126}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=April 23, 1887 |title=The New East River Bridge.; Property Which the Company Wants for Its Approaches. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1887/04/23/archives/the-new-east-river-bridge-property-which-the-company-wants-for-its.html |access-date=October 22, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110175247/https://www.nytimes.com/1887/04/23/archives/the-new-east-river-bridge-property-which-the-company-wants-for-its.html |url-status=live }}</ref> A state justice found in 1890 that the bridge's charter was invalid.<ref>{{cite web |date=November 8, 1889 |title=No Blackwell's Island Bridge. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1889/11/08/archives/no-blackwells-island-bridge.html |access-date=October 19, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022014711/https://www.nytimes.com/1889/11/08/archives/no-blackwells-island-bridge.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=November 8, 1889 |title=It Is Invalid |pages=6 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-it-is-invalid/133847653/ |access-date=October 22, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110175246/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-it-is-invalid/133847653/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Nonetheless, Rainey's efforts to build the bridge made his name "a household word in western Long Island".<ref name="n135292602">{{Cite news |date=April 13, 1907 |title=East River Bridge No. 4 Nearing Completion |pages=30 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-east-river-brid/135292602/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116170927/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-east-river-brid/135292602/ |url-status=live }}</ref>[[File:Queensboro Bridge 1908 LOC 3c00105u.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.2|Bridge seen from Manhattan, c. 1908]]By the 1890s, [[Long Island Rail Road]] (LIRR) president [[Austin Corbin]] had merged Rainey's plan and a competing plan.<ref name="The New York Times 2023 i117">{{cite web |date=May 24, 1896 |title=Long Island Territory; Property That Will Be a Part of Greater New-York. More Than One-Half Of the Consolidated City Will Be Across the East River – Developments That Are Now Under Way in Brooklyn and in the Cities and Towns That Adjoin It – Advantages That May Be Obtained There. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1896/05/24/archives/long-island-territory-property-that-will-be-a-part-of-greater.html |access-date=November 9, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109015807/https://www.nytimes.com/1896/05/24/archives/long-island-territory-property-that-will-be-a-part-of-greater.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Rainey resubmitted plans for the bridge in early 1890.<ref>{{cite web |title=Debating High License; A Brief Hearing Before the Senate Committee. Naive Mr. Cornell Gets a Little Setback – Another Excise Bill – a Home-Rule Discussion. |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |date=March 7, 1890 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1890/03/07/archives/debating-high-license-a-brief-hearing-before-the-senate-committee.html |access-date=October 22, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110230205/https://www.nytimes.com/1890/03/07/archives/debating-high-license-a-brief-hearing-before-the-senate-committee.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=March 15, 1890 |title=Over Blackwell's Island |pages=8 |work=Times Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-over-blackwells-island/133849324/ |access-date=October 22, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110175243/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-over-blackwells-island/133849324/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The state legislature gave Rainey a charter for the Blackwell's Island Bridge in mid-1892.<ref>{{cite news |date=August 1, 1892 |title=The Blackwell's Island Bridge |page=6 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|573750645}}}}</ref> Corbin received an option to buy out Rainey's charter,<ref name="p574687307">{{cite news |date=December 27, 1899 |title=Dr. Rainey on His Bridge Charter |page=3 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574687307}}}}</ref> and a [[groundbreaking ceremony]] for the bridge was held at 64th Street in Manhattan on August 19, 1894.<ref name="n134814941">{{Cite news |date=September 9, 1894 |title=The Blackwell's Island Bridge |pages=20 |work=The Sun |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sun-the-blackwells-island-bridge/134814941/ |access-date=November 8, 2023 |archive-date=November 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108021338/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sun-the-blackwells-island-bridge/134814941/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=August 21, 1894 |title=Blackwell's Island Bridge: Ground Broken on the Great Long Island Railway Structure. |page=5 |work=St. Louis Post – Dispatch |id={{ProQuest|579162706}}}}</ref> The span was planned as a cantilever bridge carrying four LIRR tracks, as well as roadways and footpaths.<ref name="n134814941" /><ref name="The New York Times 2023 f692">{{cite web |date=May 8, 1895 |title=The New East River Bridge Begun; Rapid Development on Long Island Expected to Follow Its Completion. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1895/05/08/archives/the-new-east-river-bridge-begun-rapid-development-on-long-island.html |access-date=November 9, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109015754/https://www.nytimes.com/1895/05/08/archives/the-new-east-river-bridge-begun-rapid-development-on-long-island.html |url-status=live }}</ref> By that November, two cofferdams were being sunk for the bridge's piers.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 25, 1894 |title=Corbin's Great Bridge; Work on a Pier on Blackwell's Soon to Be Begun |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1894/11/25/archives/corbins-great-bridge-work-on-a-pier-on-blaekwells-soon-to-be-begun.html |access-date=November 8, 2023 |archive-date=November 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108021339/https://www.nytimes.com/1894/11/25/archives/corbins-great-bridge-work-on-a-pier-on-blaekwells-soon-to-be-begun.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=November 25, 1894 |title=To Build The Bridge: It Is to Connect the Long Island Railroad With This City the Structure to Pass Over Blackwell's Island to Be Finished in 1897 |page=8 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|573993107}}}}</ref> Laborers began constructing foundations for another pier on the eastern shore of Blackwell Island in April 1895.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 25, 1895 |title=At Work on the New East River Bridge; Laborers Laying the Foundation on the Easterly Shore of Blackwell's. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1895/04/25/archives/at-work-on-the-new-east-river-bridge-laborers-laying-the-foundation.html |access-date=November 9, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109053323/https://www.nytimes.com/1895/04/25/archives/at-work-on-the-new-east-river-bridge-laborers-laying-the-foundation.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Stone and steel contracts had been awarded by the following year, and two of the piers had been built above the water line.<ref>{{cite news |date=April 5, 1896 |title=East River Bridge No. 2: That at Blackwell's Island Is in Part a Fact |page=B8 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574172215}}}}</ref> Construction was halted after the piers were built,<ref name="n134871305">{{Cite news |date=March 2, 1897 |title=Inter-Urban Transit |pages=7 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-inter-urban-tra/134871305/ |access-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109015756/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-inter-urban-tra/134871305/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=March 4, 1897 |title=Crossing the East River |pages=10 |work=Times Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-crossing-the-east-river/134870921/ |access-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109015758/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-crossing-the-east-river/134870921/ |url-status=live }}</ref> first due to lawsuits, then because of Corbin's death.<ref name="p574687307" /> 

==== Post-unification approval ====
Manhattan and Queens were merged into the [[City of Greater New York]] in 1898,<ref>{{Harvnb|ps=.|Eldredge|Horenstein|2014|p=125}}</ref> spurring alternate plans for a bridge between Manhattan and Queens.<ref name="p879753651">{{Cite magazine |date=February 12, 1897 |title=Bridge Building |magazine=Railroad Gazette |page=120 |issue=1 |id={{ProQuest|879753651}}}}</ref> New York Assembly members proposed separate bills in early 1898 to revoke Rainey's franchise for the bridge<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 6, 1898 |title=Blackwell's Island Grant |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-blackwells-isl/134900125/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109192338/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-blackwells-isl/134900125/ |archive-date=November 9, 2023 |access-date=November 9, 2023 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=30 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> and to have the city purchase Rainey's franchise.<ref>{{cite news |date=March 16, 1898 |title=Bridge Over Blackwell's Island |work=New-York Tribune |page=3 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574423687}}}}</ref> Rainey vowed not to sell his franchise,<ref name="p574687307" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=November 25, 1898 |title=Won't Sell Franchise, Declares Dr. Rainey |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-wont-sell-fran/134898210/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109192336/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-wont-sell-fran/134898210/ |archive-date=November 9, 2023 |access-date=November 9, 2023 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=1 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> but the state legislature passed a bill in March 1900 allowing the city to take over Rainey's franchise.<ref>{{cite news |date=March 30, 1900 |title=Blackwell's Island Bridge: The Charter Granted by the State May Be Bought by the City |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-blackwells-island-brid/134906823/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109203702/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-blackwells-island-brid/134906823/ |archive-date=November 9, 2023 |access-date=November 9, 2023 |work=New-York Tribune |page=1 |via=newspapers.com |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|570800173}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=March 30, 1900 |title=To Buy Raines' Franchise |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-to-buy-raines/134906310/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109203700/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-to-buy-raines/134906310/ |archive-date=November 9, 2023 |access-date=November 9, 2023 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=17 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> Although Rainey himself eventually consented to the city's takeover of his franchise,<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 16, 1900 |title=Hearing on the Rainey Bridge |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-hearing-on-the-rain/134907455/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109203657/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-hearing-on-the-rain/134907455/ |archive-date=November 9, 2023 |access-date=November 9, 2023 |work=The Brooklyn Citizen |pages=9 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> mayor [[Robert Anderson Van Wyck]] wanted to build a new bridge in a slightly different location.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 20, 1900 |title=Rainey Veto Expected |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-rainey-veto-exp/134907614/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109203700/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-rainey-veto-exp/134907614/ |archive-date=November 9, 2023 |access-date=November 9, 2023 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=20 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref>

A New York state senator introduced legislation in early 1897 to permit the development of a bridge between Manhattan and Queens;<ref>{{cite news |date=February 26, 1897 |title=Blackwell's Island Bridge Scheme |page=3 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574273400}}}}</ref> the unified city government was to pay for the bridge.<ref name="p879753651" /> At a meeting in Long Island City in February 1898, a group of men from both boroughs were appointed to consider plans for the bridge.<ref name="n135292602" /> By late 1898, Queens residents were threatening to not vote for the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]] (of which Van Wyck was part) if the construction of the bridge did not begin shortly.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 20, 1898 |title=Horak Rebuked by the Mayor |pages=10 |work=The Brooklyn Citizen |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-horak-rebuked-by-th/134898364/ |access-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109192340/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-horak-rebuked-by-th/134898364/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=October 20, 1898 |title=Van Wyck Voters Turned Down |pages=1 |work=Times Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-van-wyck-voters-turned-down/134898596/ |access-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109192339/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-van-wyck-voters-turned-down/134898596/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The city allocated $100,000{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1898|value=100000|fmt=c|r=-3}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} for preliminary surveys and borings for the Blackwell's Island Bridge, as well as the [[Williamsburg Bridge]] between Manhattan and Brooklyn, at the end of 1898.<ref>{{cite news |date=December 2, 1898 |title=Van Wyck's Bridge Schemes: Money for Preliminary Surveys for Two Given by the Board of Estimate |page=8 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574549109}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=December 1, 1898 |title=Shea Will Get Money to Begin Third Bridge |pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-shea-will-get-m/134896832/ 2] |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-shea-will-get-m/134896768/ |access-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109170935/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-shea-will-get-m/134896768/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In early 1899, R. S. Buck published plans for an asymmetrical cantilever bridge connecting Queens with Manhattan;<ref name="p278774250" /> the early plans called for a utilitarian design.<ref name="The New York Times 2002 j597" /> The New York City Bridge Department's chief engineer finalized plans for the bridge in October 1899.<ref>{{cite news |date=October 18, 1899 |title=Plans for a New Bridge: Details of the Cantilever Across Blackwell's Island Prepared |page=5 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574669841}}}}</ref> Coler drew up a plan for a tunnel between Queens and Manhattan via Blackwell's Island;<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 19, 1899 |title=Bridge and Tunnel Talk; Hearing on the Question Before an Aldermanic Committee |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1899/12/19/archives/bridge-and-tunnel-talk-hearing-on-the-question-before-an-aldermanic.html |access-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109170935/https://www.nytimes.com/1899/12/19/archives/bridge-and-tunnel-talk-hearing-on-the-question-before-an-aldermanic.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=December 20, 1899 |title=Coler's Tunnels Attacked: J. Rufus Terry Sends Circular Letters to the Board of Aldermen Opposing the Scheme |page=10 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574690070}}}}</ref> he claimed that the tunnel would cost $1.9 million, while the bridge would cost $13 million.<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 30, 1899 |title=Bridge and Tunnel Cost; Controller Tells Aldermen the Difference in Initial Outlay on Blackwell's Island Projects Is $11,100,000. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1899/12/30/archives/bridge-and-tunnel-cost-controller-tells-aldermen-the-difference-in.html |access-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109192338/https://www.nytimes.com/1899/12/30/archives/bridge-and-tunnel-cost-controller-tells-aldermen-the-difference-in.html |url-status=live }}</ref>{{efn-lr|The tunnel plan would be equal to about ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1899|value=1.9|fmt=c|r=0}} million, and the bridge plan equal to ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1899|value=13|fmt=c|r=0}} million, in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} The Board of Aldermen appropriated $1 million{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1899|value=1|fmt=c|r=0}} million in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} for the bridge at the end of 1899.<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 31, 1899 |title=Aldermen's Last Meeting; New Bridge from Pike Street to Brooklyn Provided For |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1899/12/31/archives/aldermens-last-meeting-new-bridge-from-pike-street-to-brooklyn.html |access-date=November 8, 2023 |archive-date=November 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108021340/https://www.nytimes.com/1899/12/31/archives/aldermens-last-meeting-new-bridge-from-pike-street-to-brooklyn.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=December 30, 1899 |title=Brooklyn Now Assured of Another E. R. Bridge |pages=1 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-brooklyn-now-as/134904766/ |access-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109192338/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-brooklyn-now-as/134904766/ |url-status=live }}</ref> State assemblyman [[Edward C. Brennan]] proposed a bill in January 1900 to appoint commissioners for a bridge or tunnel between Manhattan and Queens.<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 19, 1900 |title=New Routes to Brooklyn: Bill in Legislature Providing for Tunnels and Bridges |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1900/01/19/archives/new-routes-to-brooklyn-bill-in-legislature-providing-for-tunnels.html |access-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109203658/https://www.nytimes.com/1900/01/19/archives/new-routes-to-brooklyn-bill-in-legislature-providing-for-tunnels.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The city's Municipal Assembly initially failed to authorize the bridge's construction due to opposition from [[Tammany Hall]] politicians.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 26, 1900 |title=Bond Issues Authorized; The Municipal Assembly Spurred On by Mandamus Proceedings. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1900/09/26/archives/bond-issues-authorized-the-municipal-assembly-spurred-on-by.html |access-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109203658/https://www.nytimes.com/1900/09/26/archives/bond-issues-authorized-the-municipal-assembly-spurred-on-by.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=September 26, 1900 |title=City Council in Deadlock |pages=3 |work=The Standard Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-city-council-in-deadl/134907531/ |access-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109203658/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-city-council-in-deadl/134907531/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The bridge was approved that November; the bridge was relocated southward so its Manhattan end was near 60th Street.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 19, 1900 |title=Blackwell's Island Bridge |pages=9 |work=The Brooklyn Citizen |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-blackwells-island/134906944/ |access-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109203659/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-blackwells-island/134906944/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=November 20, 1900 |title=Blackwell's Island Bridge Approved |pages=14 |work=New-York Tribune |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-blackwells-island-brid/134907873/ |access-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109203701/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-blackwells-island-brid/134907873/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[United States Department of War]], which had to certify the plans for the bridge before any work could begin,<ref name="p570905934">{{cite news |date=January 29, 1901 |title=Blackwell's Island Bridge: The Federal Government Responsible for the Delay in Building It, Mr. York Says |page=5 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|570905934}}}}</ref> approved the span's construction in February 1901.<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 24, 1901 |title=Bridge Plans Approved; Secretary of War Sanctions the Blackwell's Island Structure. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1901/02/24/archives/bridge-plans-approved-secretary-of-war-sanctions-the-blackwells.html |access-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109203658/https://www.nytimes.com/1901/02/24/archives/bridge-plans-approved-secretary-of-war-sanctions-the-blackwells.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |date=March 2, 1901 |title=Bridges |magazine=The Construction News |volume=12 |issue=9 |page=136 |id={{ProQuest|128395528}}}}</ref> Initially, the crossing was referred to as East River Bridge No. 4;<ref name="n134908111">{{Cite news |date=February 26, 1901 |title=Shea Is Pushing Work on New Bridge No. 4 |pages=6 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-shea-is-pushing/134908111/ |access-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109203701/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-shea-is-pushing/134908111/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="p910589327">{{Cite magazine |date=March 29, 1901 |title=East River Bridge, No. 4, New York |magazine=Railroad Gazette |volume=33 |issue=13 |page=223 |id={{ProQuest|910589327}}}}</ref> the Board of Aldermen voted to officially rename it the Blackwell's Island Bridge in March 1902.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 19, 1902 |title=Aldermen's Lively War; New East River Bridges Named by the Board. Commissioner Woodbury Attacked and His Resolution for a Brooklyn Deputy Lost – The Chairman Denounced. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1902/03/19/archives/aldermens-lively-war-new-east-river-bridges-named-by-the-board.html |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110175022/https://www.nytimes.com/1902/03/19/archives/aldermens-lively-war-new-east-river-bridges-named-by-the-board.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Construction ===

==== Pier construction and proposed modifications ====
R. S. Buck and his assistants were directed to prepare plans for the sites of the bridge's piers, anchorages, and [[Foundation (evidence)|foundations]].<ref name="n134908111" /><ref name="p910589327" /> The Department of Bridges received bids for the foundations in June 1901, with Ryan & Parker as the low bidder.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 20, 1901 |title=Bids for Piers of Bridge No. 4 |pages=5 |work=The Standard Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-bids-for-piers-of-bri/134908453/ |access-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109203658/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-bids-for-piers-of-bri/134908453/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=June 20, 1901 |title=Dady Was a Bidder |pages=1 |work=The Brooklyn Citizen |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-dady-was-a-bidder/134908475/ |access-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109203659/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-dady-was-a-bidder/134908475/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Groundbreaking]] took place that September.<ref name="p126873067" /> After [[Seth Low]] was elected as the city's mayor in late 1901, he promised that work would continue, even though the city's new bridge commissioner, [[Gustav Lindenthal]], wanted to temporarily halt construction.<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 27, 1901 |title=Work on Bridge No. 4 Must Not Be Stopped |pages=9 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-work-on-bridge/134909474/ |access-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109203657/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-work-on-bridge/134909474/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Lindenthal narrowed the bridge from {{convert|120|to|80|ft}}.<ref name="p571246864">{{cite news |date=July 1, 1902 |title=Builders Defy Lindenthal: Refuse to Suspend Work on Blackwell's Island Bridge Pending Adoption of New Plans |page=4 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|571246864}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=July 1, 1902 |title=Width of Blackwell's Island Bridge Altered; Mr. Ladenthal Announces Reduction from 120 to 80 Feet. Refises to Discuss Changes in Plans for New Structure – Pier Contractors Decline to Suspend Work. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1902/07/01/archives/width-of-blackwells-island-bridge-altered-mr-ladenthal-announces.html |access-date=November 9, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109215109/https://www.nytimes.com/1902/07/01/archives/width-of-blackwells-island-bridge-altered-mr-ladenthal-announces.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The modifications would allow the city to save $850,000<ref name="The New York Times 1902 m831">{{cite web |date=August 23, 1902 |title=Blackwell's Island Bridge Changes; Details Explained to Delegation from Queens County. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1902/08/23/archives/blackwells-island-bridge-changes-details-explained-to-delegation.html |access-date=November 9, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109215111/https://www.nytimes.com/1902/08/23/archives/blackwells-island-bridge-changes-details-explained-to-delegation.html |url-status=live }}</ref>{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1901|value=0.85|fmt=c|r=0}} million in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} while allowing the city to build toll booths, as well as stairs and elevators to Blackwell's Island, within these piers.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 12, 1902 |title=Lindenthal Satisfied |pages=2 |work=Times Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-lindenthal-satisfied/134914160/ |access-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109215107/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-lindenthal-satisfied/134914160/ |url-status=live }}</ref> To compensate for the reduced width, a {{convert|45|ft|m|-wide|adj=mid}} upper deck would be built.<ref name="The New York Times 1902 m831" /> By January 1902, only $42,000 had been spent on the project.<ref name="p126873067" />{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1902|value=45000|fmt=c|r=-3}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}}

In June 1902, a subcommittee of the [[New York City Board of Estimate]] requested another $5 million for construction.<ref>{{cite news |date=June 14, 1902 |title=To Oust Horgan & Slattery: Controller Advises This Course-- Money for Interior Baths |page=6 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|571204384}}}}</ref>{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1902|value=5|fmt=c|r=0}} million in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} The same month, Lindenthal ordered Ryan & Parker to stop working on the bridge, but the firm refused to comply with his order,<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 28, 1902 |title=Defies Lindenthal's Order to Stop Work |pages=1 |work=Times Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-defies-lindenthals-order-to/134913600/ |access-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109215108/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-defies-lindenthals-order-to/134913600/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=June 29, 1902 |title=Contractors Disobey Lindenthal: The Commissioner Wants to Changed Plans of Blackwell's Island Bridge, It Is Said |page=9 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|571102043}}}}</ref> saying they would lose large amounts of money if work were halted.<ref name="p571246864" /> Lindenthal submitted the modified plans to the [[Municipal Art Society]] for approval but withdrew them that July,<ref>{{cite news |date=July 3, 1902 |title=Lindenthal Withdraws Plans: Those of Blackwell's Island Bridge Taken Away From Municipal Art Commission, Which Wants a New Set |page=4 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|571137129}}}}</ref> and he also allowed Ryan & Parker to continue constructing the piers.<ref>{{cite news |date=July 4, 1902 |title=Compromise on Pier Work: Lindenthal Permits the Contractors to Go Ahead Under Contract |page=4 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|571152204}}}}</ref> Lindenthal decided to significantly modify his plans.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 22, 1902 |title=No Change on Bridge No. 4 |pages=6 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-no-change-on-br/134955613/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110175022/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-no-change-on-br/134955613/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Queens residents strongly protested any design changes,<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 19, 1902 |title="No Delay on Bridge 4" Cry Queens Co. People |pages=2 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-no-delay-on-br/134955770/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |postscript=none |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110175026/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-no-delay-on-br/134955770/ |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=July 21, 1902 |title=Mayor Rebukes a Committee of Five |pages=1 |work=The Standard Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-mayor-rebukes-a-commi/134955836/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110175021/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-mayor-rebukes-a-commi/134955836/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and Lindenthal finally agreed not to change the bridge's width.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 22, 1902 |title=Mayor Low Stops Lindenthal's Plan |pages=1 |work=The Standard Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-mayor-low-stops-linde/134959359/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |postscript=none |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110202613/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-mayor-low-stops-linde/134959359/ |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=July 22, 1902 |title=Withdrawn by Lindenthal |pages=2 |work=Times Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-withdrawn-by-lindenthal/134959377/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110202611/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-withdrawn-by-lindenthal/134959377/ |url-status=live }}</ref> By mid-1902, Lindenthal was requesting an additional $3.78 million for the bridge's completion.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 18, 1902 |title=Lindenthal Requests $6,700,000 For Bridges |pages=3 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-lindenthal-requ/134958071/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110202607/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-lindenthal-requ/134958071/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1902|value=3.78|fmt=c|r=0}} million in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} In October, a special committee recommended that Lindenthal's plans be rejected, saying that it would cost the city more if construction were halted and that two other East River bridges were also about 120 feet wide.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=October 3, 1902 |title=The Blackwell's Island Bridge Plans |magazine=Railroad Gazette |volume=34 |issue=40 |page=755 |id={{ProQuest|910600723}}}}</ref> City comptroller [[Edward M. Grout]], meanwhile, wanted workers to divert their efforts to the Manhattan Bridge.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 23, 1902 |title=Is After Lindenthal |pages=4 |work=Times Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-is-after-lindenthal/134953278/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110175024/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-is-after-lindenthal/134953278/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Low appointed a group of engineering experts that November to review Lindenthal's revised plans.<ref>{{cite news |date=November 4, 1902 |title=Experts for Blackwell's Island Bridge |page=11 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|1013638329}}}}</ref> The experts concluded that neither the original proposal nor Lindenthal's revision were sufficient and suggested that the bridge instead be {{convert|91|ft}} wide.<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 14, 1902 |title=Bridge Experts' Plan; Changes Proposed for Blackwell's Island Structure. Original Plan and Commissioner Lindenthal's Plan Not Considered Satisfactory – Mayor Low's Approval. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1902/12/14/archives/bridge-experts-plan-changes-proposed-for-blackwells-island.html |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110175022/https://www.nytimes.com/1902/12/14/archives/bridge-experts-plan-changes-proposed-for-blackwells-island.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=December 14, 1902 |title=Blackwell's Island Bridge Plan: Mayor Recommends That of Commission of Experts Appointed by Him |page=3 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|571262824}}}}</ref> The approaches retained their original 120-foot width,<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 11, 1904 |title=Engineers Talk With Committee of Forty |pages=7 |work=Times Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-engineers-talk-with-committe/134969085/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110214241/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-engineers-talk-with-committe/134969085/ |url-status=live }}</ref> as did the piers themselves.<ref name="n135219221">{{Cite news |date=April 15, 1905 |title=Something Doing Now on Blackwell's Island Bridge |pages=11 |work=Times Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-something-doing-now-on-black/135219221/ |access-date=November 15, 2023 |archive-date=November 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115022126/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-something-doing-now-on-black/135219221/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Henry Hornbostel]] was directed in early 1903 to prepare drawings of the bridge's towers and roadway,<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 12, 1903 |title=Bridge Experts Named; Mayor Low Appoints Commission for Manhattan Structure. Lieut. Col. Raymond, George S. Morison, C.C. Schneider, H.W. Hodge, And Prof. Merriman to Pass on the Plans – The BlackWell's Island Bridge. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1903/02/12/archives/bridge-experts-named-mayor-low-appoints-commission-for-manhattan.html |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110202607/https://www.nytimes.com/1903/02/12/archives/bridge-experts-named-mayor-low-appoints-commission-for-manhattan.html |url-status=live }}</ref> though no architectural contract had been awarded yet.<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 9, 1903 |title=Grout Will Hold Up Hornbostel's Bills |pages=1 |work=Times Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-grout-will-hold-up-hornboste/134960631/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110202618/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-grout-will-hold-up-hornboste/134960631/ |url-status=live }}</ref> By mid-1903, the piers were two-thirds completed.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 14, 1903 |title=Salary List Increases in Bridge Department |pages=6 |work=The Brooklyn Citizen |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-salary-list-increas/134962120/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110202607/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-salary-list-increas/134962120/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The bedrock under the Queens side of the bridge was very close to the ground, so work on the piers in Queens was able to proceed more rapidly than work on the other piers.<ref name="n134965012" /> The Board of Estimate appropriated an additional $3.86 million for the bridge's construction in July 1903.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 2, 1903 |title=Board of Estimate Votes $8,000,000; City Appropriations for Many Purposes Passed. Blackweil's Island Bridge Gets $3,860,000 And Williamsburg Bridge $1,550,000 – Croton Dam Track Change Approved. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1903/07/02/archives/board-of-estimate-votes-8000000-city-appropriations-for-many.html |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110202607/https://www.nytimes.com/1903/07/02/archives/board-of-estimate-votes-8000000-city-appropriations-for-many.html |url-status=live }}</ref>{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1903|value=3.86|fmt=c|r=0}} million in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} Low rejected a plan for widening 59th Street to serve as the bridge's Manhattan approach,<ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|571301684}} |title=Too Costly, Says Mayor: Would Veto Present Fifty-Ninth-St. Widening Plan |date=July 23, 1903 |page=14 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=July 23, 1903 |title=Blocks Street Widening; Mayor Low Defeats Plan to Improve Fifty-ninth Street. Threatens Before Board of Estimate to Use Veto Power – Says Plan Would Be Too Costly. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1903/07/23/archives/blocks-street-widening-mayor-low-defeats-plan-to-improve-fiftyninth.html |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110202607/https://www.nytimes.com/1903/07/23/archives/blocks-street-widening-mayor-low-defeats-plan-to-improve-fiftyninth.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and Queens residents disagreed over plans for the Queens approach.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 22, 1903 |title=Blackwell's Island Bridge |pages=4 |work=Times Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-blackwells-island-bridge/134962534/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110202611/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-blackwells-island-bridge/134962534/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The final plans called for the Queens approach to end at Crescent Street; a new boulevard, [[Queens Plaza (Queens)|Queens Plaza]], would connect the approach to [[New York State Route 25A|Jackson Avenue]] and [[Queens Boulevard]].<ref name="n135270495">{{Cite news |date=March 12, 1906 |title=What Blackwell's Island Bridge Will Do for Queens |pages=23 |work=Times Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-what-blackwells-island-brid/135270495/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116021754/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-what-blackwells-island-brid/135270495/ |url-status=live }}</ref> All of the piers were finished by May 1904,<ref name="p571537619" /><ref name="n134969352" /> and city officials inspected the bridge's piers that July.<ref name="n134967934" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=July 14, 1904 |title=Lindenthal Objects to Wire Gable Plan; Should Not Be Used on Manhattan Bridge. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1904/07/14/archives/lindenthal-objects-to-wire-gable-plan-should-not-be-used-on.html |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110214238/https://www.nytimes.com/1904/07/14/archives/lindenthal-objects-to-wire-gable-plan-should-not-be-used-on.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Initial work on superstructure ====
The [[Pennsylvania Steel Company]] submitted a bid to construct the bridge's superstructure for $5.3 million in September 1903;{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1903|value=5.3|fmt=c|r=0}} million in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} Lindenthal rejected the bid, suspecting that the company was engaging in collusion.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 24, 1903 |title=Hornbostel Rejects Steel Company's Bid |pages=22 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-hornbostel-reje/134960825/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |postscript=none |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110202623/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-hornbostel-reje/134960825/ |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=September 24, 1903 |title=Collusion in the Bidding Charged by Lindenthal |pages=1 |work=The Standard Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-collusion-in-the-bidd/134962477/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110202615/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-collusion-in-the-bidd/134962477/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The city requested further bids for the superstructure the next month,<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 22, 1903 |title=Blackwell's Island Bridge |pages=3 |work=Times Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-blackwells-island-bridge/134962715/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110202609/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-blackwells-island-bridge/134962715/ |url-status=live }}</ref> but an injunction prevented Lindenthal from awarding a steel contract.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 7, 1903 |title=Lindenthal Tied Up |pages=5 |work=Times Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-lindenthal-tied-up/134964036/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |postscript=none |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110202609/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-lindenthal-tied-up/134964036/ |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=November 7, 1903 |title=Tiger Holdup Suspected in the Bridge Injunction |pages=20 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-tiger-holdup-su/134964490/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110202613/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-tiger-holdup-su/134964490/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Pennsylvania Steel Company received the steel contract that November,<ref name="p886559212">{{Cite magazine |date=September 10, 1909 |title=The Blackwell's Island Bridge |magazine=Railroad Age Gazette |volume=47 |issue=11 |page=441 |id={{ProQuest|886559212}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=November 10, 1903 |title=Big Contract Awarded |pages=1 |work=The Brooklyn Citizen |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-big-contract-awarde/134964564/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |postscript=none |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110202612/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-big-contract-awarde/134964564/ |url-status=live }}; {{cite news |id={{ProQuest|128840770}} |title=Bridge Contract |date=November 11, 1903 |page=2 |work=The Wall Street Journal |issn=0099-9660}}</ref> and the Art Commission approved plans for the bridge's spires the same month.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 11, 1903 |title=Art Commission Turns Down Hornbostel's Plan |pages=3 |work=Times Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-art-commission-turns-down-ho/134964951/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110202620/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-art-commission-turns-down-ho/134964951/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Just before Lindenthal left office, the city received bids for four elevator towers and two powerhouses for the bridge at the end of 1903;<ref>{{cite news |date=December 22, 1903 |title=Lindenthal Opens Bridge Bids |page=5 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|571369907}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=December 22, 1903 |title=Bids for Blackwell's Island Work. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1903/12/22/archives/bids-for-blackwells-island-work.html |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110214238/https://www.nytimes.com/1903/12/22/archives/bids-for-blackwells-island-work.html |url-status=live }}</ref> the powerhouses were to supply the elevators.<ref>{{cite news |date=October 18, 1903 |title=Bridge Towers: Different Styles for East River Viaducts |page=A1 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|571327490}}}}</ref> These elevators were to be positioned within the ends of the piers, which would make it impossible to widen the piers at a later date.<ref name="n135219221" /> City corrections commissioner [[Francis J. Lantry]] opposed the elevators because they would allow prisoners on Blackwell's Island to escape.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 28, 1904 |title=Out Goes Hornbostel, A Lindenthal Legacy |pages=1 |work=Times Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-out-goes-hornbostel-a-linde/134968611/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110214240/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-out-goes-hornbostel-a-linde/134968611/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In early 1904, Lindenthal's successor George Best canceled plans for ornamentation on the bridge.<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 15, 1904 |title=Best Throws Out All the Old Bridge Plans |pages=12 |work=The Standard Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-best-throws-out-all-t/134969624/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110214238/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-best-throws-out-all-t/134969624/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Pennsylvania Steel Company was obligated to complete the superstructure by the beginning of 1907,<ref name="n135219221" /> and it submitted drawings for the construction of the superstructure in mid-1904.<ref name="n134969352" /> Later that year, Best postponed construction of the bridge's elevators and power houses,<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 29, 1904 |title=Change in Bridge Contract Will Accelerate Work |pages=4 |work=The Standard Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-change-in-bridge-cont/134969985/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110214243/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-change-in-bridge-cont/134969985/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and the city authorized another $400,000 for the bridge's construction.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 12, 1904 |title=To Improve Court House |pages=10 |work=The Brooklyn Citizen |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-to-improve-court-ho/134970060/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110214241/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-to-improve-court-ho/134970060/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1904|value=0.4|fmt=c|r=0}} million in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} Local merchants protested the postponement of the elevators, saying it would not save money.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 16, 1904 |title=Merchants Get After Mr. Best |pages=12 |work=The Standard Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-merchants-get-after-m/134970238/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110214240/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-merchants-get-after-m/134970238/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Before work on the superstructure began, workers erected seventeen temporary {{Convert|135|ft|m|-tall|adj=mid}} bents between the two piers on Blackwell's Island.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 19, 1905 |title=Rearing Skeleton Work for $10,000,000 Bridge |pages=56 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-rearing-skeleto/135219627/ |access-date=November 15, 2023 |archive-date=November 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115031316/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-rearing-skeleto/135219627/ |url-status=live }}</ref> When the bents were almost complete, ironworkers organized a [[sympathetic strike]] in June 1905, in solidarity with striking workers at the Pennsylvania Steel Company's [[Harrisburg, Pennsylvania|Harrisburg]] factory.<ref>{{cite news |date=June 24, 1905 |title=Strike on New Bridge: Work on Blackwell's Island Structure Tied Up by Order |page=5 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|571579706}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=June 24, 1905 |title=Blackwell's Island Bridge Men on Strike |pages=9 |work=The Standard Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-blackwells-island-br/135220891/ |access-date=November 15, 2023 |archive-date=November 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115031313/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-blackwells-island-br/135220891/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The work stoppage lasted a month,<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 29, 1905 |title=Housesmith' Strike Ends; Work on Blackwell's Island Bridge Will Now Be Rushed. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1905/07/29/archives/housesmith-strike-ends-work-on-blackwells-island-bridge-will-now-be.html |access-date=November 15, 2023 |archive-date=November 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115022120/https://www.nytimes.com/1905/07/29/archives/housesmith-strike-ends-work-on-blackwells-island-bridge-will-now-be.html |url-status=live }}</ref> during which workers were not allowed to complete steel castings for the bridge.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 23, 1905 |title=Violate Strike Agreement; Blackwell's Island Bridge Builders Say Union Is to Blame. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1905/07/23/archives/violate-strike-agreement-blackwells-island-bridge-builders-say.html |access-date=November 15, 2023 |archive-date=November 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115022120/https://www.nytimes.com/1905/07/23/archives/violate-strike-agreement-blackwells-island-bridge-builders-say.html |url-status=live }}</ref> By that August, over {{convert|6000|ST|LT t}} of steel castings had been completed, and another {{convert|20000|ST|LT t}} of castings were being fabricated.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 18, 1905 |title=Two Big Castings on Pier |pages=14 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-two-big-casting/135220723/ |access-date=November 15, 2023 |archive-date=November 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115031312/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-two-big-casting/135220723/ |url-status=live }}</ref> There was not enough material to begin constructing the superstructure.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 27, 1905 |title=Further Delay on Bridge |pages=48 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-further-delay-o/135221208/ |access-date=November 15, 2023 |archive-date=November 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115031314/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-further-delay-o/135221208/ |url-status=live }}</ref> There were so few workers on site, a local group estimated that the bridge would not be completed for fifty years.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 26, 1905 |title=Bridge Work Slow; Committee Fears Blackwell's Island Structure Is 50 Years Off Completion. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1905/08/26/archives/bridge-work-slow-committee-fears-blackwells-island-structure-is-50.html |access-date=November 15, 2023 |archive-date=November 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115031311/https://www.nytimes.com/1905/08/26/archives/bridge-work-slow-committee-fears-blackwells-island-structure-is-50.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Work on the superstructure began later in 1905.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=September 8, 1905 |title=Report of the Commissioner of Bridges of New York City: Bridges Over the East River |magazine=Railroad Gazette |volume=39 |issue=10 |page=232 |id={{ProQuest|873938980}}}}</ref> By that November, workers had erected part of a steel tower atop the pier on the western side of Blackwell's Island; at the time, the media anticipated that {{convert|3000|ST|LT t}} of steel would be erected every month.<ref>{{cite news |date=November 11, 1905 |title=Rapid Work on Blackwell's Bridge |page=12 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|571634648}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=November 8, 1905 |title=Building New York's Third Bridge |pages=12 |work=The Buffalo News |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-buffalo-news-building-new-yorks-thi/135221728/ |access-date=November 15, 2023 |archive-date=November 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115031311/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-buffalo-news-building-new-yorks-thi/135221728/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The first steel span, that above Blackwell's Island, was completed at the beginning of 1906.<ref>{{cite news |date=January 1, 1906 |title=Blackwell's Island Bridge Work: Steel Work of One Span Nearly Done—the Committee of Forty's Hopes |page=3 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-blackwells-island-brid/135272131/ |access-date=November 15, 2023 |id={{ProQuest|571785964}} |postscript=none |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116021750/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-blackwells-island-brid/135272131/ |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=January 1, 1906 |title=Bridge Work Advancing; Eastern Section of Blackwell's Island Structure Nearing Completion. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1906/01/01/archives/bridge-work-advancing-eastern-section-of-blackwells-island.html |access-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116021750/https://www.nytimes.com/1906/01/01/archives/bridge-work-advancing-eastern-section-of-blackwells-island.html |url-status=live }}</ref> After the Blackwell's Island span was finished, the falsework was moved to Manhattan and Queens, and the westernmost and easternmost spans were built atop the falsework.<ref name="p126851307" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=January 19, 1906 |title=Blackwell's Island Bridge |pages=8 |work=Times Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-blackwells-island-bridge/135271953/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116021750/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-blackwells-island-bridge/135271953/ |url-status=live }}</ref> At that point, the city government had acquired much of the land for the approaches.<ref name="n135271386">{{Cite news |date=January 24, 1906 |title=Bridge Work Held Up By a Hundred Strikers |pages=10 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-bridge-work-hel/135271386/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116021752/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-bridge-work-hel/135271386/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The bridge's construction was delayed when the Housesmiths' Union went on strike that January.<ref name="n135271386" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=April 6, 1906 |title=Strike Holds Up Bridge |pages=6 |work=The Sun |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sun-strike-holds-up-bridge/135272344/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116021750/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sun-strike-holds-up-bridge/135272344/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Unions representing other trades refused to join the strike,<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 14, 1906 |title=Building Trades Refuse to Join in the Strike; Housesmiths Will Not Have Aid of Other Workmen |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1906/05/14/archives/building-trades-refuse-to-join-in-the-strike-housesmiths-will-not.html |access-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116021750/https://www.nytimes.com/1906/05/14/archives/building-trades-refuse-to-join-in-the-strike-housesmiths-will-not.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and the Pennsylvania Steel Company had replaced the striking workers by that May.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 20, 1906 |title=Engineers On Strike |pages=1 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-engineers-on-st/135272044/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116021752/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-engineers-on-st/135272044/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=May 20, 1906 |title=Brooklyn Carpenters Establish a Wage of $4.50 |pages=9 |work=The Standard Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-brooklyn-carpenters-e/135272281/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116021751/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-brooklyn-carpenters-e/135272281/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The strike delayed construction by four months.<ref name="n135290784">{{Cite news |date=January 7, 1907 |title=Mayor's Message Has "L" Loop Quite Dead |pages=2 |work=Times Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-mayors-message-has-l-loop/135290784/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116170923/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-mayors-message-has-l-loop/135290784/ |url-status=live }}</ref> City officials [[Condemned property|condemned]] a {{convert|250|ft|m|-wide|adj=mid}} strip of land for the Queens approach viaduct in October 1906.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 18, 1906 |title=Blackwell's Island Bridge |pages=8 |work=Times Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-blackwells-island-bridge/135273118/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116030949/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-blackwells-island-bridge/135273118/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Progress on superstructure and approaches ====
The city's Bridge Commission received bids for the construction of a steel approach viaduct in Queens in December 1906, and the Buckley Realty Construction Company submitted a low bid of $798,000.<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 14, 1906 |title=Bridge Approach Bids; Viaduct from Queens to Blackwell's Island Structure Lowest, $797,804. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1906/12/14/archives/bridge-approach-bids-viaduct-from-queens-to-blackwells-island.html |access-date=November 16, 2023 |postscript=none |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116021750/https://www.nytimes.com/1906/12/14/archives/bridge-approach-bids-viaduct-from-queens-to-blackwells-island.html |url-status=live }}; {{cite news |id={{ProQuest|129129899}} |title=Blackwell's Island Bridge |date=December 15, 1906 |page=3 |work=The Wall Street Journal |issn=0099-9660 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-wall-street-journal-blackwells-isla/135273227/ |access-date=November 15, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116030949/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-wall-street-journal-blackwells-isla/135273227/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1906|value=0.798|fmt=c|r=0}} million in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} Work on the Queens approach began in February 1907.<ref name="n135293066" /> By then, about {{convert|45000|ST|LT t}} of steel for the bridge, representing nine-tenths of the steel contract, had been manufactured.<ref name="n135290784" /> Workers erected 512 tons of steel each day.<ref name="The New York Times 1908 p752" /> To erect the two spans across the East River's west and east channels, they first built steel towers above each pier, then constructed the cantilever arms from each tower toward the center of the river.<ref name="p126851307" /> As such, the bridge was essentially built in three sections in Manhattan, Blackwell's Island, and Queens.<ref name="The New York Times 1908 c100">{{cite web |title=Join Island Bridge Spans; Workmen Rivet Together the $20,000,000 Structure. |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |date=March 13, 1908 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1908/03/13/archives/join-island-bridge-spans-workmen-rivet-together-the-20000000.html |access-date=November 16, 2023 |postscript=none |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116193155/https://www.nytimes.com/1908/03/13/archives/join-island-bridge-spans-workmen-rivet-together-the-20000000.html |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=March 13, 1908 |title=Bridge Cantilevers Joined |pages=2 |work=The Sun |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sun-bridge-cantilevers-joined/135299504/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116193156/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sun-bridge-cantilevers-joined/135299504/ |url-status=live }}</ref> By early 1907, the cost of acquiring land for the approaches had increased to $6 million, double the original estimate, and the cost of the entire bridge had increased to as much as $18 million.<ref>{{cite news |date=April 28, 1907 |title=Bridge Cost Grows: Approach Values Jump Blackwell's Island Structure Estimate Increased $8,000,000 |page=2 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|571989972}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=April 28, 1907 |title=A Few Millions More Added to Bridge Cost |pages=5 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-a-few-millions/135298771/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116193152/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-a-few-millions/135298771/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{efn-lr|The approaches would be equal to about ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1907|value=6|fmt=c|r=0}} million, and the entire bridge equal to ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1907|value=18|fmt=c|r=0}} million, in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} Snare & Triest submitted a low bid of $1.577 million for the construction of the Manhattan approach that May,<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 14, 1907 |title=Bids for Bridge Approach; Snare & Triest Company Lowest for Blackwell's Island Work. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1907/05/14/archives/bids-for-bridge-approach-snare-triest-company-lowest-for-blackwells.html |access-date=November 16, 2023 |postscript=none |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116030949/https://www.nytimes.com/1907/05/14/archives/bids-for-bridge-approach-snare-triest-company-lowest-for-blackwells.html |url-status=live }}; {{cite news |id={{ProQuest|129171281}} |title=Blackwell's Island Bridge.: Snare & Triest Get the Contract on a Basis of $1,576,770—Steel Tonnage 6,000. |date=May 20, 1907 |page=8 |work=The Wall Street Journal |issn=0099-9660 |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |id={{ProQuest|571807951}} |title=Blackwell's Island Approach Bids: Snare & Triest Company, With Offer of $1,576,760, Quotes Lowest Price |date=May 14, 1907 |page=10 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646}}</ref>{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1907|value=1.577|fmt=c|r=0}} million in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} and work on that approach began that July.<ref name="n135293066" />

After the collapse of the similarly designed Quebec Bridge in mid-1907, engineers said they had no concerns about the Blackwell's Island Bridge.<ref>{{cite news |date=August 31, 1907 |title=No New Methods Tried: Engineers Here Refuse to Express Opinions on Bridge's Collapse |page=3 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|571854668}} |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-no-new-methods-tried-e/135292176/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |postscript=none |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116172428/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-no-new-methods-tried-e/135292176/ |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=August 30, 1907 |title=Manhattan Bridge All Right |pages=1 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-manhattan-bridg/135290847/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116172426/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-manhattan-bridg/135290847/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The steel towers above both of the Blackwell's Island piers had been completed and were being painted.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 2, 1907 |title=Blackwell's Island Bridge Construction Advancing Rapidly |pages=13 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-blackwells-isl/135291043/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116172427/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-blackwells-isl/135291043/ |url-status=live }}</ref> That September, some beams at the eastern end of the bridge were blown into the river during a heavy windstorm.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 22, 1907 |title=Storm Wrecks Part of the New Bridge; Lightning Bolt Hits Section of Blackwell's Island Span and Wind Brings It Down |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1907/09/22/archives/storm-wrecks-part-of-the-new-bridge-lightning-bolt-hits-section-of.html |access-date=November 16, 2023 |postscript=none |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116030950/https://www.nytimes.com/1907/09/22/archives/storm-wrecks-part-of-the-new-bridge-lightning-bolt-hits-section-of.html |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=September 22, 1907 |title=Equinox Strikes Hard |pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-equinox-strikes-hard/135293951/ 2] |work=New-York Tribune |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-equinox-strikes-hard/135293891/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116170929/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-equinox-strikes-hard/135293891/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The same month, Maryland Steel Company submitted a low bid of $758,000 for a steel-and-masonry approach in Queens.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 7, 1907 |title=Bridge Bids Opened |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1907/09/07/archives/divorced-her-moorish-way-throwing-shoes-at-his-wife-leads-to-arrest.html |access-date=November 16, 2023 |postscript=none |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116030949/https://www.nytimes.com/1907/09/07/archives/divorced-her-moorish-way-throwing-shoes-at-his-wife-leads-to-arrest.html |url-status=live }}; {{cite news |id={{ProQuest|571987827}} |title=Blackwell's Island Bridge Bids |date=September 7, 1907 |page=9 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646}}</ref>{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1907|value=0.758|fmt=c|r=0}} million in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} Several buildings in Long Island City, including rowhouses and an old homestead, were demolished for the Queens approach.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 20, 1907 |title=Hunter Homestead to Go; One of Many Landmarks Removed for New Bridge Approach |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1907/10/20/archives/hunter-homestead-to-go-one-of-many-landmarks-removed-for-new-bridge.html |access-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116031343/https://www.nytimes.com/1907/10/20/archives/hunter-homestead-to-go-one-of-many-landmarks-removed-for-new-bridge.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The easternmost steel span was well underway by the end of 1907,<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 13, 1907 |title=Erecting Towers of the Manhattan and Blackwell's Island Bridge |pages=21 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-erecting-towers/135292493/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116172428/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-erecting-towers/135292493/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and work on the steel towers on the Manhattan and Queens waterfronts began that December.<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 9, 1907 |title=Hurrying New Bridge |pages=4 |work=The Brooklyn Citizen |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-hurrying-new-bridge/135294602/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116194328/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-hurrying-new-bridge/135294602/ |url-status=live }}</ref> At the time, the bridge was more than 70 percent complete.<ref name="n135293066">{{Cite news |date=September 29, 1907 |title=Say Blackwell's Island Bridge Will Be Completed Within a Year |pages=15 |work=The Standard Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-say-blackwells-islan/135293066/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116170925/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-say-blackwells-islan/135293066/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Although Manhattan residents supported widening 59th Street to serve as the bridge's Manhattan approach, the city's controller was opposed.<ref>{{cite web |date=January 9, 1908 |title=To Demand Bridge Approach; Property Owners Fight Metz's Plan to Cheapen Blackwell's Island Plans. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1908/01/09/archives/to-demand-bridge-approach-property-owners-fight-metzs-plan-to.html |access-date=November 16, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116193203/https://www.nytimes.com/1908/01/09/archives/to-demand-bridge-approach-property-owners-fight-metzs-plan-to.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The project continued to experience labor disputes, such as in early 1908, when disgruntled workers tried to destroy the Blackwell's Island span with dynamite.<ref>{{cite web |date=March 9, 1908 |title=Dynamite Under New Bridge; Foreman Scents a Plot to Blow Up Blackwell's Island Structure. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1908/03/09/archives/dynamite-under-new-bridge-foreman-scents-a-plot-to-blow-up.html |access-date=November 16, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116193225/https://www.nytimes.com/1908/03/09/archives/dynamite-under-new-bridge-foreman-scents-a-plot-to-blow-up.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Completion ====
[[File:Blackwell's Island Bridge, ca. 1907.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb|Constructing the upper level in 1907]]

The Manhattan and Blackwell's Island sections of the bridge were riveted together on March 13, 1908,<ref name="The New York Times 1908 c100" /> and the Blackwell's Island and Queens sections were linked on March 18.<ref name="p895736043">{{Cite magazine |date=March 20, 1908 |title=Blackwell's Island Bridge |magazine=Railroad Gazette |volume=44 |issue=12 |page=423 |id={{ProQuest|895736043}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Island Bridge Now Joins Us to Queens; Last Link in Blackwell's Structure Is Placed to a Shrill Salvo of Whistles |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |date=March 19, 1908 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1908/03/19/archives/island-bridge-now-joins-us-to-queens-last-link-in-blackwells.html |access-date=November 16, 2023 |postscript=none |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116193203/https://www.nytimes.com/1908/03/19/archives/island-bridge-now-joins-us-to-queens-last-link-in-blackwells.html |url-status=live }}; {{cite news |date=March 19, 1908 |title=River Spanned Again: New Bridge Connected "Little Tim" Smashes Bottle of Wine on Blackwell Island Cantilever |page=4 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|572024919}} |postscript=none}}; {{cite magazine |date=March 19, 1908 |title=Connecting Girder Put in: New York Now Joined to Long Island. Blackwell's Island Bridge Crossed for First Time. Begun in 1901, and Cost Nearly $25,000,000. |magazine=Boston Daily Globe |page=11 |id={{ProQuest|501000486}}}}</ref> The Board of Aldermen appropriated another $1.2 million for the bridge's completion shortly afterward; the project had cost $6.2 million up to that point.<ref>{{cite news |date=May 12, 1908 |title=Blackwell's Island Bridge Overloaded: Need of Inquiry Into New Weights Imposed |page= |pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-blackwells-island-brid/135299438/ 4] |work=New-York Tribune |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-blackwells-island-brid/135299394/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|572022996}} |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116193157/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-blackwells-island-brid/135299394/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{efn-lr|The additional funding is equal to about ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1908|value=1.2|fmt=c|r=0}} million, and the total cost equal to ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1908|value=6.2|fmt=c|r=0}} million, in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} The [[New York City Department of Finance]]'s chief engineer began investigating the bridge in May 1908 in response to concerns over its structural integrity,<ref>{{cite news |date=May 16, 1908 |title=Bridge Probe Started: Ordered by Mr. Metz Chandler Withington Begins Inquiry—creuzbaur Favors Test |page=1 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|572056316}}}}</ref> as the bridge was similar to the collapsed [[Quebec Bridge]], and the plans had been modified after the contract for the superstructure had been awarded.<ref>{{cite web |title=Island Bridge Scare Scouted by Experts; While Plan Is Similar to Wrecked Quebec Structure, More and Stronger Steel Used Here |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |date=May 26, 1908 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1908/05/26/archives/island-bridge-scare-scouted-by-experts-while-plan-is-similar-to.html |access-date=November 16, 2023 |postscript=none |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116193243/https://www.nytimes.com/1908/05/26/archives/island-bridge-scare-scouted-by-experts-while-plan-is-similar-to.html |url-status=live }}; {{cite news |date=May 19, 1908 |title=Still Mum Over Bridge |pages=3 |work=New-York Tribune |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-still-mum-over-bridge/135300213/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116194333/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-still-mum-over-bridge/135300213/ |url-status=live }}</ref> That June, the Board of Estimate authorized $30,000 for two investigations into the bridge's safety.<ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|572034032}} |title=Bridge Tests Ordered: Estimate Board Acts Authorizes $30,000 For Blackwell's Structure Examination |date=June 6, 1908 |page=1 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |date=June 5, 1908 |title=No Action is Taken To-day on Appropriation for Subway |pages=1 |work=The Standard Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-no-action-is-taken-to/135301011/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116194331/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-no-action-is-taken-to/135301011/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1908|value=30000|fmt=c|r=-3}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} The Pennsylvania Steel Company formally completed the superstructure on June 16, 1908, eighteen months behind schedule.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 17, 1908 |title=Finishing a Big Bridge |pages=16 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-new-york-times-finishing-a-big-bridg/135301077/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |postscript=none |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116193153/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-new-york-times-finishing-a-big-bridg/135301077/ |url-status=live }}; {{cite news |date=June 17, 1908 |title=Finish Superstructure |pages=5 |work=New-York Tribune |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-finish-superstructure/135301128/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116193152/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-finish-superstructure/135301128/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Department of Bridges began receiving bids that July for paving and electrical equipment,<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 12, 1908 |title=Final Work on New Bridge; Letting Contracts In Improvement Work on Long Island City Approach. Long Branch Property at Auction. Buying In and Near Jamaica. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1908/07/12/archives/final-work-on-new-bridge-letting-contracts-in-improvement-work-on.html |access-date=November 29, 2023}}</ref> and the approach viaducts were completed on August 17.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 18, 1908 |title=Last Span in New Bridge; One Can Walk Now from Manhattan to Long Island City. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1908/08/18/archives/last-span-in-new-bridge-one-can-walk-now-from-manhattan-to-long.html |access-date=November 29, 2023 |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |date=August 18, 1908 |title=Queens Now Connected: Blackwell's Island Bridge Continuous Structure From Manhattan |page=6 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|572128907}}}}</ref> The city refused to pay Pennsylvania Steel until 1912, when a judge forced them to do so.<ref>{{cite news |date=October 19, 1912 |title=Pennsylvania Steel Wins Suit.: Decree Signed Awarding $227,893 Against the City of New York for Queensboro Bridge Work |work=The Wall Street Journal |page=8 |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|129361597}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=October 19, 1912 |title=Queensboro Bridge Suit Lost by City; Pennsylvania Steel Co. Gets a Judgment for $227,893 in U.S. District Court. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1912/10/19/archives/queensboro-bridge-suit-lost-by-city-pennsylvania-steel-co-gets-a.html |access-date=January 6, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US |archive-date=January 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106234430/https://www.nytimes.com/1912/10/19/archives/queensboro-bridge-suit-lost-by-city-pennsylvania-steel-co-gets-a.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Businessmen proposed renaming the crossing as the Queensboro Bridge in September 1908, saying the Blackwell Island name was too closely associated with the island's hospitals and asylums.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 6, 1908 |title=Want Bridge Name Changed.; Petition to Adopt "Queensboro" Instead of "Blackwell's Island." |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1908/09/06/archives/want-bridge-name-changed-petition-to-adopt-queensboro-instead-of.html |access-date=November 29, 2023 |postscript=none }}; {{cite news |date=September 6, 1908 |title=Petition to Aldermen for Queensboro Bridge |pages=8 |work=The Brooklyn Citizen |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-petition-to-alderme/135957206/ |access-date=November 29, 2023 |postscript=none |archive-date=April 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407172644/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-petition-to-alderme/135957206/ |url-status=live }}; {{cite news |date=September 24, 1908 |title=New Bridge Name Causes Trouble: May Be Known as Blackwell's Island, Queens or Queensboro |page=8 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|572182996}} |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-new-bridge-name-causes/135957447/ |access-date=November 29, 2023 |archive-date=April 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407172648/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-new-bridge-name-causes/135957447/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite several Irish-American groups' objections that the Queensboro name resembled a British name,<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 26, 1908 |title=Bridge to Retain Name; Irish Societies Object to "Queensboro" Instead of Blackwell's Island. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1908/09/26/archives/bridge-to-retain-name-irish-societies-object-to-queensboro-instead.html |access-date=November 29, 2023 |postscript=none |archive-date=December 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224154911/https://www.nytimes.com/1908/09/26/archives/bridge-to-retain-name-irish-societies-object-to-queensboro-instead.html |url-status=live }}; {{cite news |date=September 27, 1908 |title=Change of Bridge Name Opposed by Irishmen |pages=8 |work=The Brooklyn Citizen |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-change-of-bridge-na/135957374/ |access-date=November 29, 2023 |archive-date=April 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407172648/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-change-of-bridge-na/135957374/ |url-status=live }}</ref> it stuck.<ref name="The New York Times 2002 j597" /> The structural engineers tasked with studying the bridge concluded that it was structurally sound,<ref name="p886559212" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=October 29, 1908 |title=Everything Right for Bridge Opening |pages=8 |work=Times Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-everything-right-for-bridge/135955520/ |access-date=November 29, 2023 |archive-date=April 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407172644/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-everything-right-for-bridge/135955520/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="nyt-1908-11-06">{{Cite news |date=November 6, 1908 |title=Queensboro Bridge Safe, Says Burr; Expert Engineer Finds That the Structure Conforms to the Specifications |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1908/11/06/archives/queensboro-bridge-safe-says-burr-expert-engineer-finds-that-the.html |access-date=November 29, 2023 |archive-date=April 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407172649/https://www.nytimes.com/1908/11/06/archives/queensboro-bridge-safe-says-burr-expert-engineer-finds-that-the.html |url-status=live }}</ref> although the bridge was altered to carry two elevated tracks rather than four.<ref name="nyt-1908-11-06" /><ref>{{cite news |date=October 29, 1908 |title=Blackwell's Island Bridge Overloaded: Experts' Sustain the Tribune's Charge Removal of All Elevated Tracks Suggested to Reduce Overstrain --Report Made Yesterday |page=1 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|572163377}}}}</ref> There was still skepticism over the bridge's structural integrity,<ref>{{cite news |date=November 26, 1908 |title=Queensboro Bridge Construction: An Engineering Journal Contrasts What the City Contracted for and What It Got |page=7 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|572158785}} |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |date=December 2, 1908 |title=Queensboro Error Cost Ten Millions: Wasted by Faulty Changes of Plan No Gain in Bridge Capacity, in Spite of Added Weight and Vastly Increased Outlay |page=1 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|572188214}}}}</ref> and the Bridge Department planned to remove some heavy stringers from the upper deck to reduce the bridge's dead load.<ref>{{cite news |date=January 2, 1909 |title=Big Weight on Bridge: Stringers Still Stand No Attempt Yet to Lighten Queensboro by Their Removal |page=3 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|572126938}}}}</ref> Paving of the bridge's decks was completed in January 1909.<ref>{{cite news |date=January 21, 1909 |title=Mayor Inspects Bridge: With Experts He Finds Queensboro Structure Almost Completed |page=12 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|572201339}}}}</ref> In total, the crossing had cost about $20 million, including $12.6 million for spans and over $5 million for land acquisition.<ref>{{cite news |date=April 11, 1909 |title=New Queensboro Bridge Is Already in Use; Will Be "Opened" June 12 |page=11 |work=Detroit Free Press |id={{ProQuest|564592161}}}}</ref>{{efn-lr|The total cost is equal to about ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1909|value=20|fmt=c|r=0}} million, the spans' cost is equal to about ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1909|value=12.6|fmt=c|r=0}} million, and the land cost is equal to about ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1909|value=5|fmt=c|r=0}} million in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} One newspaper had estimated that 55 workers had been killed during construction.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 12, 1908 |title=Lack: Of Proper Precautions Said to Have Cost the Lives of Fifty-Five Workmen Employed on Blackwell's Island Bridge |page=4 |work=Cincinnati Enquirer |id={{ProQuest|897441475}}}}</ref>

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

=== Opening and 1910s ===
In February 1909, the Celebration Committee set June 12 as the bridge's official opening date,<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 6, 1909 |title=Cantilever Opens in June |pages=17 |work=The Chat |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-chat-cantilever-opens-in-june/136007887/ |access-date=November 30, 2023 |postscript=none |archive-date=April 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407172644/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-chat-cantilever-opens-in-june/136007887/ |url-status=live }}; {{cite news |id={{ProQuest|555608223}} |title=How They Will Open Queensboro Bridge: Free Auto Rides for Every One June 12 |date=February 11, 1909 |page=10 |work=The Hartford Courant |issn=1047-4153}}</ref> and two grand parades were planned for the bridge's official opening.<ref>{{cite web |title=Great Jubilee Over Queensboro Bridge; Celebration Committee Plans for a Big Civic and Military Pageant |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |date=June 6, 1909 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1909/06/06/archives/great-jubilee-over-queensboro-bridge-celebration-committee-plans.html |access-date=November 30, 2023 |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |id={{ProQuest|572242581}} |title=Plan Two Big Parades: Striking Features Will Be in Line on Land and Water Celebrations Over the Formal Opening of the Queensboro Bridge Across the East River, at Blackwell |date=June 6, 1909 |page=A4 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646}}</ref> The lights on the bridge were first turned on March 28,<ref>{{cite web |date=March 29, 1909 |title=New Bridge Aglow; Queensboro Structure Ready for Traffic – Cost $12,000,000. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1909/03/29/archives/new-bridge-aglow-queensboro-structure-ready-for-traffic-cost.html |access-date=November 29, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and the bridge opened to the public two days later on March 30, 1909.<ref name="p144906008" /><ref name="open">{{cite news |author= |date=March 31, 1909 |title=Queensboro Bridge Opens to Traffic |page=2 |newspaper=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1909/03/31/101873802.pdf |access-date=February 20, 2010 |archive-date=June 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629213600/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1909/03/31/101873802.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="p572216360" /> The upper deck's tracks were not in service because engineers had deemed them unsafe for use.<ref name="p572216360" /> The Queensboro Bridge formally opened as scheduled on June 12, 1909;<ref name="The New York Times 1909 s113">{{cite web |title=300,000 See Queens Linked to Old City; New Bridge Ablaze with Red Fire and Electricity in the Evening |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |date=June 13, 1909 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1909/06/13/archives/300000-see-queens-linked-to-old-city-new-bridge-ablaze-with-red.html |access-date=November 30, 2023 |postscript=none |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612165824/https://www.nytimes.com/1909/06/13/archives/300000-see-queens-linked-to-old-city-new-bridge-ablaze-with-red.html |url-status=live }}; {{cite news |id={{ProQuest|572230589}} |title=All Queens Rejoices: Manhattan Greets Her Across New Bridge Governor Hughes Reviews 30,000 Marchers in Historic Pageant Under Blazing Skies |date=June 13, 1909 |page=3 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=June 12, 1909 |title=The Queensboro Bridge Dedicated to a New Era for Long Island |pages=1 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-the-queensboro/136012035/ |access-date=November 30, 2023 }}</ref> at the time, it was the fourth-longest bridge in the world.<ref name="open" /> The grand opening included a fireworks display, a parade lasting several hours,<ref name="The New York Times 1909 s113" /> a "Queen of the Queensboro Bridge" beauty pageant in a local newspaper,<ref name="p278774250" /> and a week of carnivals.<ref>{{cite web |date=June 20, 1909 |title=Bridge Celebration Ends; Miss Elizabeth Augente of Long Island City Chosen Queen of the Carnival. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1909/06/20/archives/bridge-celebration-ends-miss-elizabeth-augente-of-long-island-city.html |access-date=November 30, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

During late 1909, the Williams Engineering and Contracting Company sued the city for damages relating to the unbuilt elevators on Blackwell's Island,<ref>{{cite news |date=December 8, 1909 |title=That Bridge Again: Suit for $400,000 Because Plans Were Changed |page=12 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|572260933}}}}</ref> and there was another lawsuit over its safety.<ref>{{cite news |date=December 22, 1909 |title=Bridge Argument: Is Structure Safe? Main Question in Suit Over Queensboro Structure |page=5 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|572287046}}}}</ref> Tolls on the bridge were abolished in 1911.<ref name=nyt19110719a/> A bridge approach between Second and Third avenues in Manhattan was proposed in 1913,<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 9, 1913 |title=New Terminal Plan; Manhattan Approach to Queensboro Bridge to Occupy Four Blocks. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1913/11/09/archives/new-terminal-plan-manhattan-approach-to-queensboro-bridge-to-occupy.html |access-date=January 6, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US |archive-date=January 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106225244/https://www.nytimes.com/1913/11/09/archives/new-terminal-plan-manhattan-approach-to-queensboro-bridge-to-occupy.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and plans for elevated rapid transit on the upper level were approved at the same time.<ref name="n138185084">{{Cite news |date=November 10, 1913 |title=Plan Six Tracks on Queensboro Bridge |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-plan-six-tracks/138185084/ |access-date=January 6, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=4 |postscript=none |archive-date=January 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106215720/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-plan-six-tracks/138185084/ |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=November 9, 1913 |title=To Have Six Tracks |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-to-have-six-tracks/138185119/ |access-date=January 6, 2024 |work=New-York Tribune |pages=34 |archive-date=January 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106215722/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-to-have-six-tracks/138185119/ |url-status=live }}</ref> By that year, the bridge carried 29 million people a year (compared to 3.6 million during 1909).<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 1, 1914 |title=Traffic Rules for Bridge Plaza; Queens Chamber of Commerce Wants City Policemen Stationed There. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1914/02/01/archives/traffic-rules-for-bridge-plaza-queens-chamber-of-commerce-wants.html |access-date=January 6, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US |postscript=none |archive-date=January 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106234431/https://www.nytimes.com/1914/02/01/archives/traffic-rules-for-bridge-plaza-queens-chamber-of-commerce-wants.html |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=January 29, 1914 |title=Urge Mitchel to Recommend Traffic Rules |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-urge-mitchel-to-recommend-tr/138192665/ |access-date=January 6, 2024 |work=Times Union |pages=8 |archive-date=January 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106234431/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-urge-mitchel-to-recommend-tr/138192665/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Horse-drawn vehicles made up almost 30 percent of the bridge's total vehicular traffic in the early 1910s, which dropped to less than 2 percent within a decade.<ref name="p1113078518">{{cite news |date=March 30, 1924 |title=Queensboro Bridge Has Been in Use 15 Years To-Day: Aerial Highway of Steel Has Brought Wealth and Population to Queens; Assessed at $1,000,000,000 |work=The New York Herald, New York Tribune |page=B1 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1113078518}}}}</ref>

In mid-1914, engineers devised plans to add two subway tracks to the lower level and replace the existing roadway with a pair of {{convert|26|ft|m|-wide|adj=mid}} roadways on the upper and lower levels.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 27, 1914 |title=New Bridge Plan; Queensboro Bridge to Have Two Twenty-Six-Foot Roadways. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1914/09/27/archives/new-bridge-plan-queensboro-bridge-to-have-two-twentysixfoot.html |access-date=January 6, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US |postscript=none |archive-date=January 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106234431/https://www.nytimes.com/1914/09/27/archives/new-bridge-plan-queensboro-bridge-to-have-two-twentysixfoot.html |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=July 25, 1914 |title=Queens Bridge Transit to be Improved Now |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-queens-bridge-transit-to-be/125570624/ |access-date=January 6, 2024 |work=Times Union |pages=1 |archive-date=June 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604122817/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-queens-bridge-transit-to-be/125570624/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The upper roadway would have connected to Van Alst Avenue (21st Street) in Queens;<ref>{{cite web |title=Queensboro Bridge Traffic Changes |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |date=September 6, 1914 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1914/09/06/archives/queensboro-bridge-traffic-changes.html |access-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107013833/https://www.nytimes.com/1914/09/06/archives/queensboro-bridge-traffic-changes.html |url-status=live }}</ref> one company proposed constructing the deck in 18 months.<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 7, 1915 |title=Queensboro Bridge Work; Contracting Firm Offers to Do Rebuilding in Four Months. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1915/02/07/archives/queensboro-bridge-work-contracting-firm-offers-to-do-rebuilding-in.html |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107013834/https://www.nytimes.com/1915/02/07/archives/queensboro-bridge-work-contracting-firm-offers-to-do-rebuilding-in.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The subway plans were ultimately dropped in favor of the [[60th Street Tunnel]].<ref name="The Evening World 1914" /> In early 1916, the New York City government allocated $144,000 for repairs to the roadway,<ref>{{cite news |date=January 31, 1916 |title=Queens Bridge To Be Repaved |work=New-York Tribune |page=2 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|575525973}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=January 31, 1916 |title=Mayor Urges Haste on Bridge Roadway; Approves Kracke's Repavement Plan and Asks $144,000 for Queensboro Span |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1916/01/31/archives/mayor-urges-haste-on-bridge-roadway-approves-krackes-repavement.html |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107013836/https://www.nytimes.com/1916/01/31/archives/mayor-urges-haste-on-bridge-roadway-approves-krackes-repavement.html |url-status=live }}</ref>{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1916|value=144000|fmt=c|r=-3}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} as it had never been repaved and was full of holes and ruts.<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 19, 1916 |title=Queensboro Bridge a Menace to Autos; Roadway to Long Island a Continuous Series of Ruts and Hummocks |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1916/01/19/archives/queensboro-bridge-a-menace-to-autos-roadway-to-long-island-a.html |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107013836/https://www.nytimes.com/1916/01/19/archives/queensboro-bridge-a-menace-to-autos-roadway-to-long-island-a.html |url-status=live }}</ref> A new foundation was installed to slow down the decay of the wooden pavement.<ref>{{cite news |last=Scharps |first=C. E. T. |date=October 8, 1916 |title=Fine Pavement for Queensboro Bridge: City Labor Laying Surface That Will Stand Traffic |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-fine-pavement-for-queen/138201033/ |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=New-York Tribune |page=B8 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|575628936}} |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107014204/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-fine-pavement-for-queen/138201033/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Simultaneously, the city's Public Service Commission had approved the construction of connections between the bridge's upper-level tracks and the elevated lines at either end.<ref>{{cite news |date=May 7, 1916 |title=To Extend 2d Av. Tracks Over Bridge: "L" Trains May Run to Queensborough in November |work=New-York Tribune |page=A5 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|575579461}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=May 14, 1916 |title=New Transit Lines; Nov. 1 Set for Completion of Elevated Lines to Astoria and Corona. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1916/05/14/archives/new-transit-lines-nov-1-set-for-completion-of-elevated-lines-to.html |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107022044/https://www.nytimes.com/1916/05/14/archives/new-transit-lines-nov-1-set-for-completion-of-elevated-lines-to.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Elevated service across the bridge commenced in July 1917,<ref name="n138184072">{{Cite news |date=July 22, 1917 |title=New Rapid Transit Line for Queens |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-new-rapid-trans/138184072/ |access-date=January 6, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=51 |postscript=none |archive-date=January 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106215724/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-new-rapid-trans/138184072/ |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=July 23, 1917 |title=Second Ave. 'L' Trains Running to Queensboro |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-second-ave-l-trains-runni/138184132/ |access-date=January 6, 2024 |work=Times Union |pages=6 |archive-date=January 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106215723/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-second-ave-l-trains-runni/138184132/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and the entire repaving project was nearly done later that year.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 4, 1917 |title=Queens Bridge Wood-Block Road Is Rapidly Nearing Completion |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-queens-bridge-w/138200971/ |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=8 |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107014203/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-queens-bridge-w/138200971/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== 1920s to 1940s ===
By the early 1920s, one hundred thousand people a day used the span,<ref>{{cite news |date=April 23, 1922 |title=Queensboro Bridge Great Aerial Highway of Traffic: 108,652 Persons and Thousands of Motors and Cars Cross It in 24 Hours |work=New-York Tribune |page=E8 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|576588296}}}}</ref> and the Queensboro Bridge and the other East River bridges were rapidly reaching their vehicular capacity.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Young |first=James C. |date=September 6, 1925 |title=Four New Bridges Proposed for East River; With Traffic on Existing Structures Approaching Peak, Commissioner Mills Suggests Additional Spans to Link Manhattan, The Bronx and Queens |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1925/09/06/archives/four-new-bredges-proposed-for-east-river-with-traffic-on-existing.html |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107195900/https://www.nytimes.com/1925/09/06/archives/four-new-bredges-proposed-for-east-river-with-traffic-on-existing.html |url-status=live }}</ref> One count in 1920 found that an estimated 18,000 motor vehicles used the bridge daily,<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 7, 1920 |title=154,700 Cars And Trucks Link New York With Mainland |work=The Sun |page=P9P10 |id={{ProQuest|534500572}}}}</ref> while another count in 1925 found that 45,000 vehicles used the span in 24 hours.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 1, 1925 |title=Check Shows Jam in Bridge Traffic |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-check-shows-jam-in-bridge-tr/138250350/ |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=Times Union |pages=4 |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107210120/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-check-shows-jam-in-bridge-tr/138250350/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Proposals to relieve traffic on the bridge included a ferry from Manhattan to Queens;<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 9, 1925 |title=Queens Makes Appeal for Ferry to Relieve Crucial Vehicular Transportation Problem Between That Borough and Manhattan |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-queens-makes-appeal/138249069/ |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Citizen |pages=13 |postscript=none |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107210115/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-queens-makes-appeal/138249069/ |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=August 9, 1925 |title=Ferry to Manhattan Urged to Relieve Traffic Menace Crossing Queensboro Bridge |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-ferry-to-manhat/138248350/ |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=4 |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107210121/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-ferry-to-manhat/138248350/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="nyt-1925-08-21">{{Cite news |date=August 21, 1925 |title=New Queens Bridge Asked by Connolly; Requests Action by Board of Estimate on $50,000 Appropriation for Boring |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1925/08/21/archives/new-queens-bridge-asked-by-connolly-requests-action-by-board-of.html |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US |postscript=none |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107214242/https://www.nytimes.com/1925/08/21/archives/new-queens-bridge-asked-by-connolly-requests-action-by-board-of.html |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=July 29, 1925 |title=Queensboro Jam Makes Connolly Ask New Bridge |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-queensboro-jam-makes-connoll/138251849/ |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=Times Union |pages=9 |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107215204/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-queensboro-jam-makes-connoll/138251849/ |url-status=live }}</ref> larger signs pointing to existing ferries;<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 13, 1925 |title='Sign Up' Roads Is Queens Plans to Aid Traffic |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-sign-up-roads-is-queens-pl/138250162/ |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=Times Union |pages=9 |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107210118/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-sign-up-roads-is-queens-pl/138250162/ |url-status=live }}</ref> a parallel bridge;<ref name="nyt-1925-08-21" /> and a parallel tunnel (later the [[Queens–Midtown Tunnel]]).<ref>{{cite news |date=May 23, 1927 |title=Tunnel Advocated for Queens Borough |work=The Christian Science Monitor |page=14 |issn=0882-7729 |id={{ProQuest|512200887}} |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |date=February 1, 1926 |title=Borough Heads Ask Vehicular Tunnel, 38th St. To Queens; Miller and Connolly Submit Plan for Twin Tube to Estimate Board |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1926/02/01/archives/borough-heads-ask-vehicular-tunnel-38th-st-to-queens-miller-and.html |access-date=January 7, 2024 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101120715/https://www.nytimes.com/1926/02/01/archives/borough-heads-ask-vehicular-tunnel-38th-st-to-queens-miller-and.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Traffic on the bridge more than doubled from 1924 to 1932, though the opening of new vehicular crossings caused congestion to increase less rapidly after 1932.<ref>{{cite news |date=May 25, 1941 |title=Traffic Gains Below 61st St. Moving Slower: Regional Plan Report on Conditions and Stabilizing of Volume Seen |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=A8 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1265927736}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=May 25, 1941 |title=Rate of Increase in Traffic Drops; Number of Autos Entering City Below 61st St. Not Rising So Rapidly, Survey Shows |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1941/05/25/archives/rate-of-ihcrease-n-traffic-drops-number-of-autos-entering-city.html |access-date=January 17, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US |archive-date=January 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117003549/https://www.nytimes.com/1941/05/25/archives/rate-of-ihcrease-n-traffic-drops-number-of-autos-entering-city.html |url-status=live }}</ref> By the mid-1930s, the bridge handled an average of 110,000 vehicles daily.<ref>{{cite news |last=Pierce |first=Bert |date=May 10, 1936 |title=Rail Removal and Resurfacing Streets Transforming New York Into City of Broad Boulevards |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=B3 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1330786511}}}}</ref> When the Queens–Midtown Tunnel opened in 1940, ''The New York Times'' predicted it would relieve congestion on the Queensboro Bridge.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Markland |first=John |date=November 10, 1940 |title=Queens Midtown Tube to Open; Vehicular Tunnel, Ready for Public on Friday, Links Manhattan To Long Island and Will Relieve Traffic on City's Bridges |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/11/10/archives/queens-midtown-tube-to-open-vehicular-tunnel-ready-for-public-on.html |access-date=January 17, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US |archive-date=April 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420010735/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/11/10/archives/queens-midtown-tube-to-open-vehicular-tunnel-ready-for-public-on.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== 1920s modifications and new roadway ====
The Manhattan approach viaduct was repaired in 1920,<ref>{{cite news |date=September 28, 1920 |title=Manhattan Bridge Road Being Repaired: Motorists From Long Island Instructed to Follow Car Tracks to Right Motorists Light Lamps |work=New-York Tribune |page=7 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|576280384}}}}</ref> and city officials began adding a concrete pavement to the bridge in mid-1924.<ref>{{cite news |date=April 27, 1924 |title=Avoid Queensboro Bridge To Relieve Congestion: Resurfacing of Structure Will Take From Four to Six Months |work=The New York Herald, New York Tribune |page=A14 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1113028349}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=April 27, 1924 |title=Resurfacing Queensboro Bridge Under Way |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-resurfacing-queensbor/138249405/ |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=The Standard Union |pages=17 |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107210114/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-resurfacing-queensbor/138249405/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Engineers determined at the time that a hard-surfaced roadway would be too heavy for the bridge.<ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1221584948}} |title=Stretch of Safety Pavement Will Be Installed This Week On Queensboro Bridge Roadway |date=April 21, 1935 |page=A6 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646}}</ref> Queens borough president [[Maurice E. Connolly]] said the weight of trucks had caused the steel [[buckle plate]]s under the pavement to break,<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 8, 1925 |title=Trucks Weakened Queensboro Bridge; Connolly Declares Congestion Is Due to Replacing of Supports Crushed by Heavy Loads. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1925/10/08/archives/trucks-weakened-queensboro-bridge-connolly-declares-congestion-is.html |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US |postscript=none |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107204905/https://www.nytimes.com/1925/10/08/archives/trucks-weakened-queensboro-bridge-connolly-declares-congestion-is.html |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=October 8, 1925 |title=Heavy Traffic Wrecks Bridge Buckle Plates |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-heavy-traffic-wrecks/138250813/ |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=The Standard Union |pages=24 |postscript=none |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107210117/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-heavy-traffic-wrecks/138250813/ |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=October 8, 1925 |title=Queens Bridge, Bent Under Heavy Loads, Unsafe for Traffic |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-queens-bridge/138250884/ |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=23 |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107210113/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-queens-bridge/138250884/ |url-status=live }}</ref> though the commissioner of the city's Plant and Structure Department said the bridge was still safe and that stronger plates were being installed.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 10, 1925 |title=Queens Bridge Is Safe—Mills |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-queens-bridge-i/138253088/ |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=24 |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107215206/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-queens-bridge-i/138253088/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In addition, Manhattan borough president [[Julius Miller]] proposed a plaza and a new approach road at the Manhattan end in 1924,<ref>{{cite news |date=May 19, 1924 |title=New Street Planned To Abate Crush at Queensboro Bridge: Project Submitted to Board of Estimate Calls for Expenditure of $1,080,000 For Property Acquisition |work=The New York Herald, New York Tribune |page=20 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1112973057}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=May 19, 1924 |title=Wants New Street for Bridge Traffic; Miller Offers Plan to Relieve Congestion at the Manhattan End of Queensboro. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1924/05/19/archives/wants-new-street-for-bridge-traffic-miller-offers-plan-to-relieve.html |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107195901/https://www.nytimes.com/1924/05/19/archives/wants-new-street-for-bridge-traffic-miller-offers-plan-to-relieve.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and he submitted plans to acquire property for the plaza and road later the same year.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 9, 1924 |title=Asks City to Help Queensboro Bridge; Commissioner Mills Submits Plan to Acquire $528,000 In Property for New Approach. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1924/10/09/archives/asks-city-to-help-queensboro-bridge-commissioner-mills-submits-plan.html |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US |postscript=none |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107204906/https://www.nytimes.com/1924/10/09/archives/asks-city-to-help-queensboro-bridge-commissioner-mills-submits-plan.html |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=October 8, 1924 |title=Mills Has Plan to End Congestion on Queensboro Bridge |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-mills-has-plan-to-end/138247898/ |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=The Standard Union |pages=1 |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107210112/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-mills-has-plan-to-end/138247898/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Miller revised his plans in 1925, calling for a tunnel under Second Avenue and a new street east of the avenue between 57th and 63rd streets.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 29, 1925 |title=Miller Plan for Tube to Bridge Plaza Wins; Estimate Board Committee Authorizes Tunnel Under Second Av. To Queensboro Span. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1925/10/29/archives/miller-plan-for-tube-to-bridge-plaza-wins-estimate-board-committee.html |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US |postscript=none |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107204904/https://www.nytimes.com/1925/10/29/archives/miller-plan-for-tube-to-bridge-plaza-wins-estimate-board-committee.html |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=November 1, 1925 |title=Queensboro Bridge Relief Seen by May |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-queensboro-bridge-relief-seen/138251270/ |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=77 |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107210116/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-queensboro-bridge-relief-seen/138251270/ |url-status=live }}</ref> To alleviate congestion, one of the bridge's lanes was used as a [[reversible lane]] during peak hours.<ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|180843509}} |title=New York Tries Four Lane Plan on Its Bridges: Three-Quarter Idea for Rush Hours |date=March 15, 1927 |page=15 |work=Chicago Daily Tribune |issn=1085-6706}}</ref>

In late 1926, Plant and Structure commissioner Albert Goldman proposed adding three vehicular lanes and removing the bridge's footpaths;<ref>{{cite web |title=Has Plan to Ease Queens Bridge Jam; Goldman Proposes to Do Away With Footpaths and to Add Three Vehicular Lanes. |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |date=December 3, 1926 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1926/12/03/archives/has-plan-to-ease-queens-bridge-jam-goldman-proposes-to-do-away-with.html |access-date=January 7, 2024 |postscript=none |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107214243/https://www.nytimes.com/1926/12/03/archives/has-plan-to-ease-queens-bridge-jam-goldman-proposes-to-do-away-with.html |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=December 12, 1926 |title=Three New Lanes Urged to Ease Bridge Jams |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-three-new-lanes-urged-to-ease/138253712/ |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=102 |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107215204/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-three-new-lanes-urged-to-ease/138253712/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="n138259820" /> the proposal also called for new approaches at either end and relocation of the elevated tracks.<ref name="n138259820">{{Cite news |date=December 2, 1926 |title=Plans to Revise Queensboro Span |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-plans-to-revise-queensboro-s/138259820/ |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=Times Union |pages=44 |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107232926/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-plans-to-revise-queensboro-s/138259820/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Merchants Association<ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|512104318}} |title=Added Traffic Lanes on Bridge Proposed |date=February 7, 1927 |page=5A |work=The Christian Science Monitor |issn=0882-7729}}</ref> and the Fifth Avenue Association endorsed this plan.<ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|104224701}} |title=Urges Adding Lanes on Queensboro Bridge: Fifth Avenue Association Also Wants More Approaches as Proposed by Goldman. |date=April 5, 1927 |page=46 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The Board of Estimate allocated $150,000 for improvements to the bridge in April 1927,<ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1113699095}} |title=Queens Bridge Alteration Work Gets $150,000: Estimate Board Appropriates Sum to Finish Plans and Pay for Other Preliminary Work on Traffic Aid Plan May Cost $10,000,000 Appeal for East River Vehicle Tunnel Made by Fifth Ave. Association at Meeting |date=April 26, 1927 |page=23 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |title=City Acts to Ease Queens Bridge Jam; Votes $150,000 to Finish Plans and to Reconstruct Roads and Entrances |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |date=April 26, 1927 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1927/04/26/archives/city-acts-to-ease-queens-bridge-jam-votes-150000-to-finish-plans-an.html |access-date=January 7, 2024 |postscript=none |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107214242/https://www.nytimes.com/1927/04/26/archives/city-acts-to-ease-queens-bridge-jam-votes-150000-to-finish-plans-an.html |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=April 25, 1927 |title=City to Enlarge Queensboro Bridge |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-city-to-enlarge-queensboro-b/138254983/ |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=Times Union |pages=48 |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107215207/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-city-to-enlarge-queensboro-b/138254983/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1927|value=0.15|fmt=c|r=0}} million in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} and the board approved the $3 million plan that June.<ref>{{cite web |title=New Bridge Roadways Approved by Board; $3,000,000 Improvement Plan Means Three More Lanes on Queensboro Span. |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |date=June 15, 1927 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1927/06/15/archives/new-bridge-roadways-approved-by-board-3000000-improvement-plan.html |access-date=January 7, 2024 |postscript=none |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107214244/https://www.nytimes.com/1927/06/15/archives/new-bridge-roadways-approved-by-board-3000000-improvement-plan.html |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=June 15, 1927 |title=Queens Bridge Enlargement Is Given Approval |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-queens-bridge-e/138255557/ |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=20 |postscript=none |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107215208/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-queens-bridge-e/138255557/ |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=June 15, 1927 |title=New Roadways for Queensboro Bridge |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-statesman-new-roadways-for-qu/138255782/ |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=The Herald Statesman |pages=2 |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107215202/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-statesman-new-roadways-for-qu/138255782/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1927|value=3|fmt=c|r=0}} million in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} The project was delayed due to difficulties in acquiring property,<ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1113496872}} |title=Queensboro Bridge Approaches Again Delayed |date=September 28, 1928 |page=19 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |title=Asks City to Halt Queens Bridge Plan; Berry Charges Property Owners Demand Excessive Prices for Site of Approaches |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |date=May 4, 1928 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1928/05/04/archives/asks-city-to-halt-queens-bridge-plan-berry-charges-property-owners.html |access-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107232929/https://www.nytimes.com/1928/05/04/archives/asks-city-to-halt-queens-bridge-plan-berry-charges-property-owners.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and the city controller's office contemplated abandoning plans for the new approaches.<ref>{{cite web |title=Protests Dropping Queens Bridge Plan; Commerce Chamber Says Loss of Plants Would Be Costly to the City. |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |date=May 7, 1928 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1928/05/07/archives/protests-dropping-queens-bridge-plan-commerce-chamber-says-loss-of.html |access-date=January 7, 2024}}</ref> In late 1928, the Board of Estimate allowed construction to commence on both the new lanes and the approach viaducts at either end.<ref>{{cite web |title=$6,000,000 To Rebuild Bridge to Queens; Board of Estimate Approves Plan to Increase Traffic Capacity 50 Per Cent |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |date=November 2, 1928 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1928/11/02/archives/6000000-to-rebuild-bridge-to-queens-board-of-estimate-approves-plan.html |access-date=January 7, 2024 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=November 11, 1928 |title=City Pushes Work on Upper Deck of Queens Bridge |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-city-pushes-wor/138261737/ |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=20 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=November 1, 1928 |title=Work to Start Upon New Lanes on Queens Span |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-work-to-start-upon/138263599/ |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Citizen |pages=1}}</ref> To reduce congestion, the Manhattan ends of the upper and lower roadways were {{convert|700|ft}} apart, while the Queens ends of these roadways were about {{convert|0.5|mi}} apart.<ref>{{cite web |date=June 22, 1931 |title=Queens Bridge Road to Open Thursday; Approaches to New Queensboro Bridge Roadway |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1931/06/22/archives/queens-bridge-road-to-open-thursday-approaches-to-new-queensboro.html |access-date=January 8, 2024 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Real-estate developers supported the project because it would encourage real-estate and business activity in Queens.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bridge Remodeling Will Benefit Queens; Will Stimulate Business Growth and Create Realty Demand |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |date=November 11, 1928 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1928/11/11/archives/bridge-remodeling-will-benefit-queens-will-stimulate-business.html |access-date=January 7, 2024}}</ref> Fire extinguishers and chemical carts, for fighting small fires, were also installed on the bridge in 1928.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 15, 1928 |title=Queensboro Bridge to Have Fire Guard |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-queensboro-bridge-to-have-fir/138266790/ |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=103}}</ref>

Goldman publicized his plans for the southern upper roadway in April 1929,<ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1111968616}} |title=City Prepares To Reconstruct Queens Bridge: Plans for East River Span Call for New Ramp Approaches and Exits on Each End Wide Lane for Motor Cars Road To Be Built at Once at Cost of $2,750,000 |date=April 28, 1929 |page=2 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |title=Queens Bridge Road to Ease Auto Jam; Goldman Reports Progress on Building of New Motorway Is Satisfactory |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |date=April 28, 1929 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/04/28/archives/queens-bridge-road-to-ease-auto-jam-goldman-reports-progress-on.html |access-date=January 8, 2024}}</ref> and the T. H. Reynolds Company had been hired to move the elevated tracks by the next month.<ref>{{cite web |date=May 12, 1929 |title=Queensboro Bridge Roadway Project: Contract for Upper Deck to Be Let This Month—acquiring Land for Approaches. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/05/12/archives/queensboro-bridge-roadway-project-contract-for-upper-deck-to-be-let.html |access-date=October 18, 2023 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The Bersin Construction Company received a contract for the new roadway in August 1929<ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1111998616}} |title=Building Road on Bridge To Be Started This Month: Contracts Let for Queensboro Bridge Improvement |date=August 11, 1929 |page=D2 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |title=New Drive is Begun Over Queens Bridge; Work Starts on Foundations for Three-Lane Roadway at East End of Structure. |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |date=August 16, 1929 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/08/16/archives/new-drive-is-begun-over-queens-bridge-work-starts-on-foundations.html |access-date=January 7, 2024 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=August 16, 1929 |title=New Driveway Started Over Queens Bridge |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-new-driveway-started/138267464/ |access-date=January 8, 2024 |work=The Standard Union |pages=5}}</ref> and started construction the same month.<ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|104718872}} |title=Work at Bridge Starts.: Contract Let on New Roadway of Queensboro Span |date=September 1, 1929 |page=RE6 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=August 16, 1929 |title=Commence New Drive in Queens Bridge Project |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-commence-new-dr/138267332/ |access-date=January 8, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=8}}</ref> A contract for the Queens approach viaduct was awarded to Bersin-Ronn Engineering Corporation in April 1930.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 15, 1930 |title=Viaduct Contract Let.; Work to Start at Once on Two-Way Queensboro Bridge Project. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1930/04/15/archives/viaduct-contract-let-work-to-start-at-once-on-twoway-queensboro.html |access-date=January 8, 2024 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=April 12, 1930 |title=Low Bid on Queens Bridge Viaduct |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-low-bid-on-queens-bridge-viad/138269973/ |access-date=January 8, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=208}}</ref> The upper roadway was substantially completed by early 1931;<ref>{{cite web |title=New Roadway to Increase Capacity of Queensboro Bridge |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |date=February 22, 1931 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1931/02/22/archives/new-roadway-to-increase-capacity-of-queensboro-bridge.html |access-date=January 8, 2024}}</ref> it opened that June and carried only eastbound cars.<ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1114173151}} |title=New Upper Lane Of Queensboro Bridge Opened: Mayor Walker, Harvey and Other Officials Participate in Double Ceremony 2d Improvement in Week Police Announce Rules for Use of Approaches |date=June 26, 1931 |page=40 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=June 26, 1931 |title=Mayor Opens Deck on Queens Bridge; the Mayor Opens Another Bridge Remodeled for Traffic Needs. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1931/06/26/102246195.pdf |access-date=December 18, 2017}}</ref> By then, the bridge was carrying almost 100,000 vehicles a day.<ref name="p1114185333" /> A new footpath was also constructed on the south side of the upper level<ref name="p1114185333">{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1114185333}} |title=Bridge Roadway To Long Island Opens Thursday: Passenger Car Lane on Queensboro Link to Add 50 Per Cent to Facilities New Vehicular Lane to Queens Opens Thursday |date=June 22, 1931 |page=13 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |title=Queens Bridge Road to Open Thursday; Approaches to New Queensboro Bridge Roadway |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |date=June 22, 1931 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1931/06/22/archives/queens-bridge-road-to-open-thursday-approaches-to-new-queensboro.html |access-date=January 8, 2024}}</ref> but was not opened with the upper roadway.<ref>{{cite news |date=July 27, 1931 |title=Police Bar Use Of Queensboro Bridge Footpath: New Upper Deck Opened to Motorists for Month Hut Police Block Pedestrians |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=15 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1114249340}}}}</ref> Initially, the upper deck had a wood, granite, and asphalt pavement.<ref>{{cite news |date=December 18, 1938 |title=Upper Roadway Of Queensboro Bridge Ready: Traffic Starts Tomorrow, 5 Months Ahead of Time With LaGuardia to Lead Cavalcade Across Span |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=28 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1243107063}}}}</ref> It contained grooves for motorists' tires, preventing them from changing lanes; after drivers complained about damaged tires, the grooves were first widened,<ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1114134437}} |title=City Eliminates Danger to Tires On Queens Span: Workmen Busy All Night Widening Traffic Lanes, Bevel Off Edges of Guides Motorists Are Still Wary Mulrooney Issues Assurance Widest Cars Are Safe Now |date=June 28, 1931 |page=6 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |title=New Bridge Lanes Widened for Autos; Edges of Two Safety Grooves That Ruined Tires on Queens Span, Are Beveled Down. |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |date=June 28, 1931 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1931/06/28/archives/new-bridge-lanes-widened-for-autos-edges-of-two-safety-grooves-that.html |access-date=January 8, 2024}}</ref> then infilled by September.<ref>{{cite web |date=September 12, 1931 |title=Upper Deck Reopened on Queensboro Bridge; Repaved With Asphalt to Fill Safety Groves That Were Source of Constant Complaint. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1931/09/12/archives/upper-deck-reopened-on-queensboro-bridge-repaved-with-asphalt-to.html |access-date=January 8, 2024 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=September 5, 1931 |title=Tar Blocks Trumps on This Bridge |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-tar-blocks-trumps-on-this-bri/138269728/ |access-date=January 8, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=177}}</ref>

====1930s and 1940s modifications====
To reduce congestion, one civic group suggested a plaza at the bridge's Manhattan end in the early 1930s,<ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1114281184}} |title=West End Plaza On Queensboro Bridge Advised: First Av, Association Head Suggests Means of Ending Congestion in Manhattan Tunnel Also Is Proposed Depressed Railway Tracks North and South Favored |date=August 30, 1931 |page=E12 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=August 30, 1931 |title=Traffic Problem at Queens Bridge; Plaza at Manhattan Entrance of Span Urged by First Avenue Association. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1931/08/30/archives/traffic-problem-at-queens-bridge-plaza-at-manhattan-entrance-of.html |access-date=January 8, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US}}</ref> while Manhattan's borough president [[Samuel Levy (politician)|Samuel Levy]] proposed building an underpass to carry traffic on [[Second Avenue (Manhattan)|Second Avenue]] beneath the Manhattan end of the bridge.<ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|101778533}} |title=Levy Plans Tunnel for 2d Av. Traffic: Proposes 10-Block Underpass Near the Queensboro Bridge to Ease Congestion |date=August 6, 1936 |page=21 |access-date=January 8, 2024 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/08/06/archives/levy-plans-tunnel-for-2d-av-traffic-proposes-10block-underpass-near.html |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Precipitation had begun to corrode the bridge's steel supports, as the masonry work had never been completed;<ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1221799640}} |title=Busy City Span Still Unfinished After 25 Years: Huge Piles of Hewn Granite Found Lying Unused Under Queensboro Bridge Seepage Damaging Piers Retired Contractor Tells of Vain Pleas to Mayors |date=May 7, 1933 |page=16 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646}}</ref> this prompted a [[grand jury]] investigation into the bridge's safety in 1934.<ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|100931933}} |title=Bridge Held Unfinished.: Grand Jury Found Peril in Granite on Queensborough Span. |date=June 9, 1934 |page=16 |access-date=January 8, 2024 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/06/09/archives/bridge-held-unfinished-grand-jury-found-peril-in-granite-on.html |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Additionally, in mid-December of that year, the roadway was designated as part of [[New York State Route 25]] and  [[New York State Route 24]]  when those designations were extended.<ref>{{Cite news|date=1934-12-16|title=Mark Ways in the City; Directional Signs Show Routes Through New York -- Other News|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/12/16/archives/mark-ways-in-the-city-directional-signs-show-routes-through-new.html|access-date=2025-02-02|work=The New York Times|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> In 1934, westbound motorists began using the upper southern roadway during weekday mornings, Sundays, and holiday evenings; the upper roadway continued to carry eastbound traffic at all other times.<ref>{{cite news |date=June 7, 1934 |title=O'Ryan Changes Rules For Queensboro Bridge: West-Bound Cars Use Upper Road 5 to 11 A. M. Weekdays |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=21 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1114832420}} |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |date=June 7, 1934 |title=Schedule Revised on Queens Bridge: Upper Level Will Be Used for Manhattan-bound Cars Only Between 5 and 11 a.m. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/06/07/archives/schedule-revised-on-queens-bridge-upper-level-will-be-used-for.html |access-date=January 8, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |page=25 |id={{ProQuest|100941811}}}}</ref> To reduce congestion, [[traffic agent]]s began controlling traffic at each end of the bridge in July 1935,<ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|101400626}} |title=New Rule Speeds Traffic On Queensboro Bridge |date=July 29, 1935 |page=3 |access-date=January 8, 2024 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/07/29/archives/new-rule-speeds-traffic-on-queensboro-bridge.html |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and [[lane control lights]] for the lower level's reversible lanes were installed later the same year.<ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|101345904}} |title=New Lights to Control Queens Bridge Traffic |date=October 9, 1935 |page=20 |access-date=January 8, 2024 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/10/09/archives/new-lights-to-control-queens-bridge-traffic.html |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=September 27, 1935 |title=New Traffic Light System to End Queensboro Bridge Congestion to Be Tested |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-new-traffic-light-s/138309567/ |access-date=January 8, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Citizen |pages=3}}</ref>

The bridge's wooden pavement also posed a hazard during rainy weather<ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1329262709}} |title=Auto Injuries On Queensboro Bridge Up 45: Motorists Demand the City Replace Wooden Paving With Skid-Proof Surface Kracke Promises Relief Says 'Solution Is Near,' Laying Blame on 'Chiselers' |date=August 30, 1934 |page=17 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646}}</ref> and made the bridge one of the city's most dangerous roadways by the mid-1930s.<ref name="n133327304">{{Cite news |last=Dallas |first=Gus |date=June 19, 1983 |title=Closing of Footpath Provides a Footnote |pages=409 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-closing-of-footpath-provides/133327304/ |access-date=October 12, 2023}}</ref> This prompted local groups to call for the installation of a non-skid pavement.<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 30, 1935 |title=Failure to End Queensboro Span Skidding Scored |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-failure-to-end-queensboro-sp/138308763/ |access-date=January 8, 2024 |work=Times Union |pages=8 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=February 6, 1934 |title=Harvey Would Prevent Queensboro Bridge Skids |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-harvey-would-prevent-queensbo/138308795/ |access-date=January 8, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=225}}</ref> Workers repaved the upper level in early 1935<ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1221576310}} |title=Paving Finished in May On Queensboro Bridge |date=March 24, 1935 |page=26C |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646}}</ref> and began installing an experimental concrete-and-steel pavement on the lower level that April.<ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1221958840}} |title=Paving Queensboro Bridge: Non-Skid Surface Being Laid at East End |date=April 23, 1935 |page=20 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=April 22, 1935 |title=Queensboro Bridge Skids Combatted |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-queensboro-bridge-skids-comba/138308957/ |access-date=January 8, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=320}}</ref> City officials also contemplated adding an [[asphalt concrete|asphalt]]-plank pavement to the bridge.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 19, 1935 |title=Debate Pavement for Queens Span |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-debate-pavement-for-queens-sp/138310134/ |access-date=January 8, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=302}}</ref> [[Works Progress Administration]] (WPA) laborers began repaving the lower level in March 1936;<ref name="p1330813117" /><ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|101904771}} |title=Begin Repaving Bridge Lane |date=March 3, 1936 |page=29 |access-date=January 8, 2024 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/03/03/archives/begin-repaving-bridge-lane.html |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The city government also planned to add lane markings to the lower roadway and convert the upper roadway permanently into a one-way road.<ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|101765799}} |title=Speeds Queens Span Job: Kracke Orders Double Shift to Work on Repairing. |date=July 21, 1936 |page=19 |access-date=January 8, 2024 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/07/21/archives/speeds-queens-span-job-kracke-orders-double-shift-to-work-on.html |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1237408577}} |title=Repaying Work On Queensboro Bridge Speeded: Third Lane Finished, Other 2 To Be Ready by Labor Day, Kracke Announces 2 Labor Shifts Assigned One-Direction Traffic Is Urged on Upper Roadway Speeds Bridge Repaving |date=July 21, 1936 |page=16 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646}}</ref> After delays caused by material and labor shortages,<ref name="p1330813117">{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1330813117}} |title=Delays in Repairing Project On Queensboro Bridge Bring Demand to End Car Congestion |date=June 21, 1936 |page=B6 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|101595413}} |title=Queens Bridge Paving Faces a New Delay: Materials Running Short, But Kracke Says Job Can Be Done Before Cold Weather. |date=October 8, 1936 |page=25 |access-date=January 8, 2024 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/10/08/archives/queens-bridge-paving-faces-a-new-delay-materials-running-short-but.html |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> the repaving of the lower level was completed in June 1937.<ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1249370882}} |title=Delays in Repairing Project On Queensboro Bridge Bring Demand to End Car Congestion |date=June 18, 1937 |page=11 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |id={{ProQuest|101998681}} |title=Mayor Dedicates New Bridge Road: $1,000,000 Five-lane Way on Queensboro Span is Termed Monument to WPA |date=June 18, 1937 |page=23 |access-date=January 8, 2024 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1937/06/18/archives/mayor-dedicates-new-bridge-road-1000000-fivelane-way-on-queensboro.html |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> WPA laborers also completed the tops of the bridge's towers.<ref name="p1250464082">{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1250464082}} |title=Work Finished On Queensboro Bridge at Last: Opened in 1909, It Took W.P.A. To Complete Job Stopped 27 Years Ago Money Never Available Granite Attics Put, On and Girders Installed |date=August 8, 1937 |page=17 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646}}</ref> WPA workers began rebuilding the upper level pavement in July 1938,<ref>{{cite news |date=July 9, 1938 |title=Bridge Repaving Begins: 100 Men Start on Ten-Month Job on Queensboro Span |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1938/07/09/archives/bridge-repaving-begins-100-men-start-on-tenmonth-job-on-queensboro.html |access-date=January 8, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |page=15 |id={{ProQuest|102548891}}}}</ref> and the upper roadway closed that October,<ref>{{cite news |date=October 4, 1938 |title=Queens Bridge Repairs Snarl Traffic 5 Hours: Queensboro Span's Upper Level Is Shut and Cars Jam Up 31 Blocks, Westward to Madison Avenue |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=21 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1258501728}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=October 1, 1938 |title=Queensboro Bridge Deck to Be Repaved |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-queensboro-brid/138315587/ |access-date=January 8, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=2}}</ref> reopening two months later.<ref>{{cite news |date=December 20, 1938 |title=Mayor Reopens Queens Bridge Upper Highway: Assails His and W. P. A.'s Critics in Ceremonies on Repaved 'Bellyache Lane' |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=3A |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1244785081}} |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |date=December 20, 1938 |title=Mayor Reopens Queensboro Lane: Further Projects Promised to Borough as Traffic Resumes on Resurfaced Deck |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1938/12/20/archives/mayor-reopens-queensboro-lane-further-projects-promised-to-borough.html |access-date=January 8, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |page=52 |id={{ProQuest|102469900}}}}</ref>[[File:QBB pinacle 5BBT jeh.JPG|thumb|upright=1.2|During the [[Five Boro Bike Tour]] in 2008]]

By 1942, the city government was planning to shutter and dismantle the Second Avenue Elevated tracks across the Queensboro Bridge;<ref>{{cite news |date=April 23, 1942 |title=City Preparing To Raze Rest Of 2d Ave. 'El': Will Discontinue Service Between Chatham Square and Queensboro Bridge |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=1A |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1265933708}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=April 22, 1942 |title=Move to Raze 'El' on 2d Avenue Gains; Assembly Committee Reports Bill After WPB Pleas That Scrap Is Vital to War |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1942/04/22/archives/move-to-raze-el-on-2d-avenue-gains-assembly-committee-reports-bill.html |access-date=January 17, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US}}</ref> the line closed in June 1942,<ref name="p1266856712">{{cite news |date=July 8, 1942 |title=LaGuardia Draws First Spike Starting 2d Ave. El Demolition |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=17 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1266856712}}}}</ref> and it was demolished by the end of the year.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 1, 1942 |title=2d Ave. 'El' Now Just 27,100 Tons of Scrap; Razing of 54th St. Pillar Ends an Eyesore |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1942/10/01/archives/2d-ave-el-now-just-27100-tons-of-scrap-razing-of-54th-st-pillar.html |access-date=January 17, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US}}</ref> There were also plans in the mid-1940s to connect the bridge's Queens terminal with an expressway running to the [[John F. Kennedy International Airport]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Irwin |first=Don |date=August 8, 1944 |title=Moses Planning Highway Link With Idlewild: $7,100,000 Project to Cover 11 Miles in Queens May Get Under Way in Year Route of Proposed Road Linking Manhattan and Idlewild |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=26A |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1282951205}}}}</ref> The City Planning Commission proposed rebuilding the Manhattan end of the bridge in late 1946<ref name="nyt-1946-12-05">{{Cite news |date=December 5, 1946 |title=Chances in Budget Adopted by Board; $239,911,239 Total Exceeds by $282,035 The Program of Planning Commission |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1946/12/05/archives/chances-in-budget-adopted-by-board-239911239-total-exceeds-by.html |access-date=January 17, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=December 2, 1946 |title=Board to Drop Traffic Plans for Schools |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-board-to-drop-t/138914933/ |access-date=January 17, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=2}}</ref> and adding an eight-story parking garage above the approach viaduct.<ref name="nyt-1949-05-18">{{Cite news |last=Bennett |first=Charles G. |date=May 18, 1949 |title=Bridge Plaza Plan Drops Big Garage; New Designs for Queensboro's Manhattan Approaches Omit $3,210,000 Structure |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1949/05/18/archives/bridge-plaza-plan-drops-big-garage-new-designs-for-queensboros.html |access-date=January 17, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US}}</ref> This proposal was postponed due to a lack of money.<ref name="nyt-1946-12-05" /><ref name="n138916180">{{Cite news |date=July 11, 1948 |title=Queensboro Bridge Gets New Paint Job—First in 8 Years |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-queensboro-bridge-gets-new-pa/138916180/ |access-date=January 17, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=78}}</ref> The bridge was repainted in 1948,<ref name="n138916180" /> and a $12 million renovation of the bridge was announced the next year.<ref name="p1327492208">{{cite news |last=Price |first=Ben |date=July 4, 1949 |title=Queensboro Bridge Scheduled For $11,995,000 Improvements: Two New Lanes for Upper Deck, A Bus Terminal and Better Approaches Included in Plans |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=1 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1327492208}}}}</ref>{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1949|value=12|fmt=c|r=0}} million in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} The plan included two extra lanes on the upper level, new pavement, a bus terminal in Manhattan,<ref name="nyt-1949-05-18" /><ref name="p1327492208" /> and cloverleaf ramps at the Manhattan approach.<ref>{{cite web |title=Work Begins Soon on Bridge Plazas; First to Have Its Approaches Widened and Improved Will Be Williamsburg Span |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |date=May 1, 1949 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1949/05/01/archives/work-begins-soon-on-bridge-plazas-first-to-have-its-approaches.html |access-date=January 17, 2024}}</ref> The city government was concurrently planning the [[Roosevelt Island Bridge|Welfare Island Bridge]], which would allow people to access Welfare Island without needing to use the Queensboro Bridge's elevator.<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 11, 1949 |title=City Urges Bridge to Welfare Island; $3,000,000 Project Advanced as Best Aid to Traffic on Queensboro Span |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1949/02/11/archives/city-urges-bridge-to-welfare-island-3000000-project-advanced-as.html |access-date=January 18, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Dwyer |first=Robert |date=June 15, 1950 |title=Welfare I. Builds Aged Sick Haven |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-welfare-i-builds-aged-sick-h/138985486/ |access-date=January 18, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=326}}</ref>

=== 1950s and 1960s ===
Officials installed fences in 1951 to prevent [[jaywalking]] at the Manhattan approach,<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 8, 1951 |title=A Barrier to Prevent Jaywalking; Jaywalkers at Queensboro Bridge Curbed by New Fences on 2d Ave. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1951/09/08/archives/a-barrier-to-prevent-jaywalking-jaywalkers-at-queensboro-bridge.html |access-date=January 18, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=September 8, 1951 |title=Bridge Fences Bar Jaywalks |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-bridge-fences-bar-jaywalks/138985853/ |access-date=January 18, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=246}}</ref> and the city's parking authority contemplated erecting a parking garage west of the bridge's Manhattan terminus the same year.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 15, 1951 |title=$3,500,000 Garage at Queensboro Bridge Awaits Financing From City Parking Meters |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1951/03/15/archives/3500000-garage-at-queensboro-bridge-awaits-financing-from-city.html |access-date=January 18, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US}}</ref> Public Works commissioner Frederick H. Zurmuhlen announced that October that his office was preparing plans for the northern upper roadway,<ref>{{cite news |date=October 2, 1951 |title=New Viaducts, To Queensboro Bridge Planned: More Queens Approaches to Upper Level To Be Step Toward 4 Lanes There |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=21 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1318539646}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=October 2, 1951 |title=Queensboro Span to Be Renovated; $6,964,000 Program Includes Another Two-Lane Roadway, Ending One-Way System |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1951/10/02/archives/queensboro-span-to-be-renovated-6964000-program-includes-another.html |access-date=January 18, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US}}</ref> and he petitioned the city government for $6.5 million for the new roadway.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Moberley |first=Leeds |date=August 19, 1952 |title=Urges Prompt Face-Lifting For City Hall |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-urges-prompt-face-lifting-for/138991105/ |access-date=January 18, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=281}}</ref>{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1951|value=6.5|fmt=c|r=0}} million in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} By the next year, plans for the roadway and its Manhattan approach were complete,<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 12, 1952 |title=Harlem Bridge Job Will Take 4 Years; Third Ave. Span to Be Closed for Repairs After Willis Link Is Reopened This Year |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1952/05/12/archives/harlem-bridge-job-will-take-4-years-third-ave-span-to-be-closed-for.html |access-date=January 18, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US}}</ref> and workers were demolishing buildings to make way for the roadway's Manhattan approach.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 14, 1952 |title=City's Plan Ready to Rebuild Bridge; Four Tenements at Manhattan End of Queensboro Span to Come Down This Fall |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1952/09/14/archives/citys-plan-ready-to-rebuild-bridge-four-tenements-at-manhattan-end.html |access-date=January 18, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US}}</ref> Zurmuhlen requested $8.2 million from the city in 1953 for the construction of the roadway;{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1953|value=8.2|fmt=c|r=0}} million in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} in exchange, he dropped plans for a bus terminal at the Manhattan end of the bridge.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 14, 1953 |title=85 Million Sought for City Projects; $8,221,531 Would Be Used to Start Work on New Roadway for the Queensboro Bridge |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1953/08/14/archives/85-million-sought-for-city-projects-8221531-would-be-used-to-start.html |access-date=January 18, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US}}</ref> The bridge's approaches were repaved in 1954.<ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1322551658}} |title=Queensboro Repaying to Start |date=August 30, 1954 |page=8 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=August 30, 1954 |title=Repaving to Start on Queensboro Span |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1954/08/30/archives/repaving-to-start-on-queensboro-span.html |access-date=January 18, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US}}</ref>

The Board of Estimate allocated $7.7 million in June 1955 for the construction of the northern upper roadway and approach ramps.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 11, 1955 |title=$7,697,650 Voted Queensboro Span; Contracts to Be Let at Once for Upper-Deck Roadway and Two Approaches |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1955/06/11/archives/7697650-voted-queensboro-span-contracts-to-be-let-at-once-for.html |access-date=January 18, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US}}</ref>{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1955|value=7.7|fmt=c|r=0}} million in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} With the opening of the Welfare Island Bridge that year,<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 19, 1955 |title=Welfare Island Gets Own Bridge; $6,500,000 Link With Long Island City Is Opened by Jack and Lundy |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1955/05/19/archives/welfare-island-gets-own-bridge-6500000-link-with-long-island-city.html |access-date=January 18, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US}}</ref> the city shuttered the trolley lanes, mid-bridge station, and stairs to Roosevelt Island,<ref name="concrete126">{{Harvnb|ps=.|Eldredge|Horenstein|2014|p=126}}</ref> and it also planned to close down the bridge's elevators.<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 8, 1952 |title=$6,502,900 Approved for East River Span |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1952/02/08/archives/6502900-approved-for-east-river-span.html |access-date=January 18, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=September 28, 1954 |title=Welfare Island Span Put Safely in Place |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-welfare-island-span-put-safel/138991706/ |access-date=January 18, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=63}}</ref> The last trolley traversed the bridge in April 1957,<ref name=":0">{{cite news |last=Phillips |first=McCandlish |date=April 7, 1957 |title=City's Last Trolley at End of Line; Buses Will Replace 49-Year Route on Queensboro Span |page=1 |newspaper=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1957/04/07/90791332.pdf |access-date=August 17, 2008 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=April 7, 1957 |title=Trolley Ends New York Run |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-gazette-trolley-ends-new-york-run/138993889/ |access-date=January 18, 2024 |work=Star-Gazette |pages=4}}</ref> and the elevators and stairs on the Queens side of the bridge were closed the same month,<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 14, 1957 |title=Bridge Elevators Shut |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1957/04/14/archives/bridge-elevators-shut.html |access-date=January 18, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=April 9, 1957 |title=Bridge Lifts Go Out With Trolley |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-bridge-lifts-go-out-with-trol/138993122/ |access-date=January 18, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=19}}</ref> although the elevator in Roosevelt Island would not be demolished for 13 years.<ref name="U.S. Government Printing Office 1998 p. 95" /> The Queens approach ramps were also rebuilt, accounting for over two-thirds of the project's cost.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Feron |first=James |date=January 22, 1958 |title=Queens Span Job Near Completion; 2 Lanes and New Ramps on Queensboro Bridge Due to Be Finished in May |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1958/01/22/91382593.pdf |access-date=December 18, 2017}}</ref> The Thomson Avenue ramp was completed first, followed by the ramp to 21st Street in late 1957.<ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1327627229}} |title=Detours Set On Queens Bridges |date=October 18, 1957 |page=13 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=October 20, 1957 |title=Traffic Rerouting Set; Three Changes in Queens Take Effect Tomorrow |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1957/10/20/archives/traffic-rerouting-set-three-changes-in-queens-take-effect-tomorrow.html |access-date=January 18, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US}}</ref> The northern upper roadway opened in September 1958,<ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1327019243}} |title=New Queensboro Bridge Roadways Opening Today |date=September 11, 1958 |page=1 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Stengren |first=Bernard |date=September 11, 1958 |title=New Roads Ready on 2 Bridges Here; Queensboro and Brooklyn Spans' Facilities to Open Today and Monday |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1958/09/11/archives/new-roads-ready-on-2-bridges-here-queensboro-and-brooklyn-spans.html |access-date=January 18, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US}}</ref> and the bridge was formally rededicated in April 1959 for its 50th anniversary.<ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1323960299}} |title=Queensboro Bridge Marks 50th Year |date=April 7, 1959 |page=13 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=April 7, 1959 |title=Queensboro Bridge is Dedicated Anew |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1959/04/07/archives/queensboro-bridge-is-dedicated-anew.html |access-date=January 18, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 1958, [[Consolidated Edison]] proposed converting the lower-level trolley tracks into vehicular lanes in exchange for permission to install power cables under the bridge.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 25, 1958 |title=Bridge Power Deal Would Add 2 Lanes |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1958/06/25/archives/bridge-power-deal-would-add-2-lanes.html |access-date=January 18, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US}}</ref> Consolidated Edison spent $4 million in 1960{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1960|value=4|fmt=c|r=0}} million in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} to install power cables, convert the trolley tracks, and construct slip roads between the lower-level roadways.<ref>{{cite news |date=August 10, 1960 |title=Queensboro Bridge Used by Con Ed for New Cables |page=8 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1327212169}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Ingraham |first=Joseph C. |date=August 10, 1960 |title=Con Ed Giving City Two Bridge Roads; Utility, In Paying $4,000,000 For Queensboro Lanes, Gets Route for Power Lines |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/08/10/archives/con-ed-giving-city-two-bridge-roads-utility-in-paying-4000000-for.html |access-date=October 11, 2023}}</ref> The new lanes, on the northern and southern sides of the bridge, opened on September 15, 1960.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 16, 1960 |title=2 Bridge Lanes Added; Opened on Queensborough Span for Autos Only |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/09/16/archives/2-bridge-lanes-added-opened-on-queensborough-span-for-autos-only.html |access-date=October 11, 2023}}</ref> The same year, Manhattan borough president [[Louis A. Cioffi]] proposed a $2.06 million ramp at the Manhattan end of the bridge.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bennett |first=Charles G. |date=May 19, 1960 |title=25 Million in Roads Approved for City |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/05/19/archives/25-million-in-roads-approved-for-city-big-road-jobs-get-approval-by.html |access-date=October 11, 2023}}</ref>{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1960|value=2.06|fmt=c|r=0}} million in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} Also during the early 1960s, the city's Department of Public Works requested funding for a feasibility study of additional roadways,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Illson |first=Murray |date=August 23, 1961 |title=City Builds Colleges Too Slowly, Dr. Everett Tells Plan Board; Delay and Inefficiency Block Much-Needed Construction, Chancellor Declares |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/08/23/archives/city-builds-colleges-too-slowly-dr-everett-tells-plan-board-delay.html |access-date=October 11, 2023}}</ref> and the city's traffic commissioner [[Henry Barnes (traffic engineer)|Henry Barnes]] studied the feasibility of a computer-controlled traffic monitoring system for the bridge.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Stengren |first=Bernard |date=February 9, 1962 |title=Bridge Computer for Cars Studied; Plan to Cut Queensboro Jam Is Costly, Barnes Says |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1962/02/09/archives/bridge-computer-for-cars-studied-plan-to-cut-queensboro-jam-is.html |access-date=October 11, 2023}}</ref>

In 1964, the NY&nbsp;24 designation was removed from the road deck, leaving a solo NY&nbsp;25 to do so.<ref>{{cite map |title=New York and Metropolitan New York |publisher=[[Sinclair Oil Corporation]] |year=1964 |cartography=Rand McNally and Company}}</ref><ref>{{cite map |title=Gousha Road Atlas |publisher=H.M. Gousha Company |year=1967 |cartography=H.M. Gousha Company |page=56 |url=http://www.broermapsonline.org/members/NorthAmerica/UnitedStates/Midatlantic/NewYork/NewYorkCity/gousha_ra_1967_038.html |access-date=January 28, 2010 |archive-date=July 25, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725194437/http://www.broermapsonline.org/members/NorthAmerica/UnitedStates/Midatlantic/NewYork/NewYorkCity/gousha_ra_1967_038.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> That same year, mayor [[Robert F. Wagner Jr.]] approved the demolition of several buildings for a proposed underpass connecting the bridge's westbound lanes with Second Avenue in Manhattan.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 8, 1964 |title=Mayor Approves Razing on 2d Ave.; 11 Buildings Face Demolition for Bridge Underpass |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/11/08/archives/mayor-approves-razing-on-2d-ave-11-buildings-face-demolition-for.html |access-date=October 11, 2023}}</ref> Had the underpass been built, a bus terminal and landscaped plaza would also have been erected at the Manhattan end of the bridge.<ref>{{Cite news |last=O'Kane |first=Lawrence |date=March 13, 1965 |title=City Benefactor to Improve Plaza; Plans to Landscape Area off Queensboro Bridge |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/03/13/archives/city-benefactor-to-improve-plaza-plans-to-landscape-area-off.html |access-date=October 11, 2023}}</ref> These plans were scrapped due to a lack of funding.<ref name="nyt-1976-01-19">{{Cite news |date=January 19, 1976 |title=Residents Battling a Shopping Complex At Queensboro Bridge as Problem-Prone |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1976/01/19/archives/residents-battling-a-shopping-complex-at-queensboro-bridge-as.html |access-date=October 12, 2023}}</ref> City planner [[Robert Moses]] proposed a 1,000-space parking garage at the bridge's Manhattan end in 1965, though Barnes objected to the plan.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kihss |first=Peter |date=March 8, 1965 |title=Moses Asks Garage At 59th St. Bridge; Plan Angers Barnes; Moses Proposes a Garage at Queensboro Bridge |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/03/08/archives/moses-asks-garage-at-59th-st-bridge-plan-angers-barnes-moses.html |access-date=October 10, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=March 8, 1965 |title=Moses Asks Garage & Barnes Burns Up |pages=5 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-moses-asks-garage-barnes-bu/133245982/ |access-date=October 11, 2023}}</ref> Instead, Barnes proposed a 1,100-spot garage on the Queens side,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Devlin |first=John C. |date=January 25, 1966 |title=Barnes Urges Queens Garage To Relieve Traffic in Manhattan |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/01/25/archives/barnes-urges-queens-garage-to-relieve-traffic-in-manhattan.html |access-date=October 11, 2023}}</ref> which was approved in June 1966.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 25, 1966 |title=Parking Garage in Queens Voted; 1,100-Car Facility Scheduled for Long Island City |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/06/25/archives/parking-garage-in-queens-voted-1100car-facility-scheduled-for-long.html |access-date=October 11, 2023}}</ref> The bridge was repainted for seven months starting in November 1966 at a cost of $240,000.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 22, 1966 |title=Painting Job Is Started On Queensboro Bridge |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/11/22/archives/painting-job-is-started-on-queensboro-bridge.html |access-date=March 15, 2022}}</ref>{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1966|value=0.24|fmt=c|r=2}} million in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} Between 1968 and 1970, officials commissioned five studies of Queensboro Bridge traffic, but no changes were made as a result.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tolchin |first=Martin |date=July 14, 1970 |title=Consultants Did 10 Bridge Studies: And None Was Implemented on Queensboro Since '48 |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1970/07/14/archives/consultants-did-10-bridge-studies-and-none-was-implemented-on.html |access-date=October 12, 2023}}</ref>

=== 1970s to 1990s ===

==== Landmark status and deterioration ====
During the early 1970s, a small terminal for [[List of express bus routes in New York City|express buses]] was also proposed for the Manhattan end of the bridge, but it was not built.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Prial |first=Frank J. |date=December 8, 1971 |title=Network of Malls Urged By City for Midtown Area |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1971/12/08/archives/network-of-malls-urged-by-city-for-midtown-area.html |access-date=October 12, 2023}}</ref> On November 23, 1973, the [[New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission]] (LPC) designated the Queensboro Bridge as a city landmark, preventing any modifications without the LPC's approval.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 24, 1973 |title=Landmark Status Given To Queensboro Bridge |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1973/11/24/archives/landmark-status-given-to-queensboro-bridge.html |access-date=March 29, 2022}}</ref><ref name="n98607720">{{Cite news |date=November 24, 1973 |title=This Bridge to Wear A New Gold Plate |pages=5 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98607720/this-bridge-to-wear-a-new-gold-plate/ |access-date=March 29, 2022}}</ref> It was the second East River bridge to be so designated, after the Brooklyn Bridge.<ref name="n98607720" /> The Board of Estimate delayed ratification of the landmark designation because some space under the bridge's approaches was used for commercial purposes.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Fowler |first=Glenn |date=February 10, 1974 |title=City Cites Boerum Hill |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1974/02/10/archives/city-cites-boerum-hill-boerum-hill-a-landmark.html |access-date=October 12, 2023}}</ref> The northern lower-level roadway was closed in 1976 while the wires underneath the deck were being replaced.<ref>{{Cite news |first=Arthur |last=Mulligan |date=April 21, 1976 |title=Queensboro Bridge Lane Closing |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-queensboro-bridge-lane-closin/139013996/ |access-date=January 18, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |pages=25}}</ref>

By the mid-1970s, as the city government considered an open-air market under the bridge,<ref>See: {{Cite news |last=Kaiser |first=Charles |date=July 8, 1977 |title=Plans for $2 Million Open-Air Market Under Queensboro Bridge Are Approved |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/07/08/archives/plans-for-2-million-openair-market-under-queensboro-bridge-are.html |access-date=October 12, 2023 |archive-date=October 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019205041/https://www.nytimes.com/1977/07/08/archives/plans-for-2-million-openair-market-under-queensboro-bridge-are.html |url-status=live |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=December 23, 1977 |title=Board of Estimate Votes a New Lease For Bridgemarket |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/12/23/archives/board-of-estimate-votes-a-new-lease-for-bridgemarket.html |access-date=October 12, 2023 |archive-date=October 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019200357/https://www.nytimes.com/1977/12/23/archives/board-of-estimate-votes-a-new-lease-for-bridgemarket.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="n133319392">{{Cite news |last=Geline |first=Robert |date=July 14, 1977 |title=Warn Queensboro Bridge May Be Like the London |pages=18 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-warn-queensboro-bridge-may-be/133319392/ |access-date=October 12, 2023}}</ref> a city engineer described the bridge as severely deteriorated.<ref name="n133319392" /><ref name="p923100586">{{cite news |last=Treen |first=Joseph M. |date=February 27, 1978 |title=Queensborough Bridge: Safe, But Awfully Seedy: Queensborough Bridge Decaying |page=1 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|923100586}}}}</ref> Among the issues cited were extensive rusting, faulty [[expansion joint]]s, clogged drains, potholes, and dirt.<ref name="p923100586" /> [[New York State Department of Transportation]] (NYSDOT) engineering director George Zaimes described the bridge's frame as being rusty, with some holes that were as large as a person's head. According to Zaimes, the upper roadway was only attached to the bridge "by its own weight and memory".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Larkin |first=Kathy |date=November 16, 1982 |title=Bridge Masters |pages=194 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-bridge-masters/133325412/ |access-date=October 12, 2023}}</ref>

==== 1970s and 1980s renovations ====
[[File:Queensboro Bridge from above.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.2|The bridge as seen from the 56th floor of the [[Citigroup Center]]]]
The state government started inspecting the Queensboro Bridge and five others in 1978,<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 26, 1978 |title=Extensive Inspection of 6 New York City Bridges Scheduled by State |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1978/03/26/archives/extensive-inspection-of-6-new-york-city-bridges-scheduled-by-state.html |access-date=October 12, 2023 |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |id={{ProQuest|964216095}} |title=City Bridges To Be Repaired, Governor Says |date=March 26, 1978 |page=19Q |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298}}</ref> allocating $1.1 million for a study.<ref>{{cite news |last=Treen |first=Joseph M. |date=March 30, 1978 |title=Repairs in the Works For 59th Street Bridge |page=18Q |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|964676127}}}}</ref> That year, the city government also repainted the bridge<ref>{{cite news |date=September 7, 1978 |title=Queensboro Bridge, Under the Brush |page=19Q |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|964688974}}}}</ref> in a brown and tan color scheme.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rabin |first=Bernard |date=December 30, 1977 |title=Paint Job in Spring for Queensboro Bridge |pages=416 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-paint-job-in-spring-for-queen/133319558/ |access-date=October 12, 2023}}</ref> To reduce congestion, a [[contraflow lane]] for express buses was installed at the Manhattan end of the bridge in 1979.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Fried |first=Joseph P. |date=January 30, 1979 |title=Reverse-Traffic Lane Speeding Buses to Queens |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1979/01/30/archives/reversetraffic-lane-speeding-buses-to-queens-reverse-lane-is.html |access-date=October 12, 2023}}</ref> That year, the lower deck's outer lanes were closed to vehicles;<ref>{{cite news |date=August 7, 1979 |title=2 Lanes Closed on Queensboro |page=1Q |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|965307340}}}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1979-08-07">{{Cite news |date=August 7, 1979 |title=The City |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1979/08/07/archives/the-city-2-bronx-women-die-in-fire-called-arson.html |access-date=October 12, 2023}}</ref> parts of the outer roadways had weakened to the point that they could barely carry the weight of a passenger car.<ref name="n133320572">{{Cite news |last=Miele |first=Alfred |date=August 7, 1979 |title=Two Queensboro Lanes Rotting; Shut for 3 Yrs. |pages=70 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-two-queensboro-lanes-rotting/133320572/ |access-date=October 12, 2023}}</ref> Repairs to the outer lanes were expected to last for three years<ref name="n133320572" /> and cost $50 million.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Barbanel |first=Josh |date=November 28, 1982 |title=Shaky Bridges In New York |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/11/28/weekinreview/shaky-bridges-in-new-york.html |access-date=October 12, 2023}}</ref> The southern outer roadway was converted into a pedestrian and bicycle path,<ref name="nyt-1979-08-07" /><ref name="n133320572" /> which opened in July 1979.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 5, 1979 |title=Bike Lane Opens on Queensboro |pages=98 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-bike-lane-opens-on-queensboro/133320761/ |access-date=October 12, 2023}}</ref> The city received $18.6 million in federal funds for the Queensboro Bridge's restoration in 1980.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Thomas |first=Robert McG Jr. |date=October 28, 1980 |title=New York City Gets $96.7 Million In Federal Transportation Funds |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1980/10/28/archives/new-york-city-gets-967-million-in-federal-transportation-funds.html |access-date=October 12, 2023}}</ref> By then, an estimated 175,000 vehicles daily used the bridge.<ref name="n133321693" />

An extensive renovation commenced on February 25, 1981,<ref name="p1469993383">{{cite news |last=Calderone |first=Joe |date=January 2, 1985 |title=Detours Through 1992 On Queensboro Bridge |page=25 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|1469993383}}}}</ref> and was completed in six phases.<ref name="Society Society 2008 p. 68"/> That December, the [[United States Department of Transportation]] gave $28.8 million for the bridge's renovation.<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 3, 1981 |title=Funds for Bridge Repairs |pages=23 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday/129137884/ |access-date=October 12, 2023}}</ref> The pedestrian and bike path closed in May 1983.<ref name="n133327304" /> The NYSDOT announced that July that the southern upper roadway, which carried eastbound traffic, would be closed for repairs, which were expected to take 18 months.<ref name="nyt-1983-07-07" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=July 7, 1983 |title=Repairs Set for 3D Ave. Bridge |pages=257 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-repairs-set-for-3d-ave-bridg/133327878/ |access-date=October 12, 2023}}</ref> The northern upper roadway, normally used by westbound traffic. was converted to eastbound-only operation, except during weekday mornings when it carried westbound traffic.<ref name="nyt-1983-07-07">{{Cite news |date=July 7, 1983 |title=Queensboro Bridge Lanes to Close |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/07/07/nyregion/queensboro-bridge-lanes-to-close.html |access-date=October 12, 2023}}</ref> The ramp leading from 57th and 58th streets to the southern upper roadway was temporarily closed for reconstruction in early 1984.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 9, 1984 |title=Queensboro Bridge Ramp Will Close |pages=190 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-queensboro-bridge-ramp-will-c/133327191/ |access-date=October 12, 2023}}</ref> By the beginning of 1985, the southern upper roadway had reopened<ref name="p1469993383" /> after being rebuilt for $31 million.<ref name="The New York Times 1988" /> The outer lanes of the lower level had also reopened, but state officials estimated that the project would not be complete until 1992.<ref name="p1469993383" />

The Queensboro Bridge's pedestrian path reopened in July 1985;<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dunlap |first=David W. |date=August 16, 1985 |title=It's Time to Cross Some Bridges: A Guide to 4 Prominent Promenades |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/08/16/arts/it-s-time-to-cross-some-bridges-a-guide-to-4-prominent-promenades.html |access-date=October 12, 2023}}</ref> the same year, the city received another $60 million in federal funds for the renovations of the Queensboro, Manhattan, and Brooklyn bridges.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 7, 1985 |title=The City; $60 Million Given For Bridge Repairs |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/10/07/nyregion/the-city-60-million-given-for-bridge-repairs.html |access-date=October 12, 2023}}</ref> In February 1987, the [[New York City Department of Transportation]] (NYCDOT) announced that parts of the northern upper roadway would be closed for two years.<ref name="Hevesi 1987" /> As part of the $42 million project, a new concrete deck would be installed, and the steel structure would be restored.<ref name="Hevesi 1987">{{Cite news |last=Hevesi |first=Dennis |date=February 7, 1987 |title=Queensboro Bridge Plan to Add to Traffic Woes |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/02/07/nyregion/queensboro-bridge-plan-to-add-to-traffic-woes.html |access-date=March 15, 2022}}</ref> The ramps to 62nd and 63rd streets closed in October 1987<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 4, 1987 |title=2 Queensboro Bridge Ramps to Close for a Year |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/10/04/nyregion/2-queensboro-bridge-ramps-to-close-for-a-year.html |access-date=October 12, 2023}}</ref> and reopened twelve months later.<ref name="The New York Times 1988">{{Cite news |date=October 6, 1988 |title=Metro Datelines; Queensboro Ramp Reopened to Traffic |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/10/06/nyregion/metro-datelines-queensboro-ramp-reopened-to-traffic.html |access-date=March 15, 2022}}</ref> This closure coincided with the renovations of other East River bridges.<ref name="n133332273">{{Cite news |date=September 29, 1988 |title=Severe Corrosion Found on Queensboro Bridge |pages=8 |work=The Reporter Dispatch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-reporter-dispatch-severe-corrosion-f/133332273/ |access-date=October 12, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Kandel |first=Bethany |date=April 13, 1988 |title=New York's Troubled Bridges; NYC Span Closed; Traffic Snarl Certain |page=3A |work=USA Today |id={{ProQuest|306018539}}}}</ref> The lower-level bike path was opened to vehicular traffic at peak times,<ref name="n133332273" /> and flatbed trucks carried bicycles across the bridge.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dallas |first=Gus |date=April 12, 1987 |title=Why Gridlock Will Span City |pages=635, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-why-gridlock-will-span-city/133332499/ 636], [https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-why-gridlock-will-span-city/133332527/ 637] |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-why-gridlock-will-span-city/133332445/ |access-date=October 12, 2023}}</ref> The lower deck's southern outer roadway was closed for emergency repairs in 1988 after workers discovered severe corrosion.<ref name="n133332273" /> The reconstruction of the upper deck was completed in 1989 for $100 million.<ref>{{cite news |last=Polsky |first=Carol |date=October 28, 1989 |title=Queensboro Bridge to Open Lanes |page=10 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|278172922}}}}</ref> The bridge was still in poor condition: during a tour of the bridge in 1988, transportation engineer [[Sam Schwartz]] peeled off part of one of the bridge's beams with one hand.<ref>{{cite news |last=Rist |first=Curtis |date=December 3, 1989 |title=Manhattan a Bridge Too Far Commuters Hit Where They Live |page=4 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|278162543}}}}</ref>

==== 1990s renovations ====
[[File:Queensboro Bridge from East River Greenway.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.2|Queensboro Bridge at dusk, as seen from [[East River Greenway]] in [[Manhattan]], 2020]]The [[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]] (MTA) proposed a rail link to [[LaGuardia Airport|LaGuardia]] and JFK airports in 1990;<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sims |first=Calvin |date=March 18, 1990 |title=M.T.A. Proposes Rail Line to Link Major Airports |newspaper=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/03/18/nyregion/mta-proposes-rail-line-to-link-major-airports.html |url-status=live |access-date=July 24, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309040906/http://www.nytimes.com/1990/03/18/nyregion/mta-proposes-rail-line-to-link-major-airports.html |archive-date=March 9, 2016}}</ref> the line, which would have used the Queensboro Bridge, was canceled in 1995.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Levy |first=Clifford J. |date=February 1, 1995 |title=Port Authority May Scale Back Airport Rail Line |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/02/01/nyregion/port-authority-may-scale-back-airport-rail-line.html |url-status=live |access-date=September 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901210405/http://www.nytimes.com/1995/02/01/nyregion/port-authority-may-scale-back-airport-rail-line.html |archive-date=September 1, 2017}}</ref> A renovation of the Queensboro Bridge's lower level began in June 1990, when two Manhattan-bound lanes were closed.<ref>{{cite web |date=June 12, 1990 |title=Time for Bridge Traffic Jams |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/06/12/nyregion/time-for-bridge-traffic-jams.html |access-date=October 17, 2023 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Carper |first=Alison |date=June 12, 1990 |title=Bridge Work Delays Drivers |page=19 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|278327390}}}}</ref> This phase of construction was supposed to cost $120 million.<ref name="p278370206" /> The lower deck's partial closure caused severe congestion in Queens, since part of the nearby [[Long Island Expressway]] was also closed for renovation.<ref>{{cite news |last=Perez-Rivas |first=Manuel |date=June 14, 1990 |title=Bridge Snarls Anger Queens Residents Want DOT to Speed Queensboro Repairs |page= |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|278199121}}}}</ref> By 1993, the renovation was slated to be completed the next year.<ref>{{cite news |date=October 15, 1993 |title=Paved With Intentions |page=43 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|278688150}}}}</ref> At that time, officials announced plans for a Manhattan-bound high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane on the bridge during morning rush hours. A Queens-bound HOV lane during the afternoon was deemed infeasible due to heavy congestion in Manhattan.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sachar |first=Emily |date=July 12, 1993 |title=Span to Get Carpool Lane |pages=12 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-span-to-get-carpool-lane/133631512/ |access-date=October 18, 2023}}</ref> The Manhattan-bound HOV lane opened in April 1994,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wald |first=Matthew L. |date=April 4, 1994 |title=Part of a Bridge Over East River Is Marked Out For Car Pools |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/04/04/nyregion/part-of-a-bridge-over-east-river-is-marked-out-for-car-pools.html |access-date=March 15, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Rist |first=Curtis |date=April 18, 1994 |title=Bridge Carpool Lanes |pages=4 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-bridge-carpool-lanes/133631617/ |access-date=October 18, 2023}}</ref> and all lower-level lanes had reopened by that October.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sachar |first=Emily |date=October 2, 1994 |title=City on the Go Slow Lane Blues a Repairman With a Touch for Glass |page=A68 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|278881930}}}}</ref>

The NYCDOT announced in 1995 that it would spend another $161 million to renovate the outer lower-level roadways starting the following year.<ref>{{cite news |last=Manns |first=Lisa |date=July 6, 1995 |title=Queensboro Bridge Slated For Repairs Once Again This Time, It's a $161M Project That Could Last 42 Months |page=B07 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|278889776}}}}</ref> Two lanes were again closed for maintenance from April to September 1996, causing severe congestion.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ramirez |first=Anthony |date=October 20, 1996 |title=In Land of Shattered Nerves, Bridge Traffic Worsens |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/10/20/nyregion/in-land-of-shattered-nerves-bridge-traffic-worsens.html |access-date=October 18, 2023 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Following complaints from residents near 57th Street,<ref>{{cite web |last=Pierre-Pierre |first=Garry |date=November 12, 1996 |title=Light Traffic On First Day Of Reversal At a Bridge |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/11/12/nyregion/light-traffic-on-first-day-of-reversal-at-a-bridge.html |access-date=October 18, 2023 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> starting in October 1996, traffic on the upper level [[Left- and right-hand traffic|traveled on the left]] during rush hours to reduce [[noise pollution]] and traffic congestion. Vehicles headed for Queens had to enter at 62nd and 63rd Streets, which caused widespread confusion.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/10/31/nyregion/queensboro-bridge-entrances-will-exit.html |title=Queensboro Bridge Entrances Will Exit |last=Pierre-Pierre |first=Garry |date=October 31, 1996 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |access-date=December 18, 2017 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Winslow |first=Olivia |date=October 31, 1996 |title=Rudy Makes U-Turn On Queensboro |page=A29 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|278985395}}}}</ref> After protests from Upper East Side residents, the original right-hand traffic pattern was reinstated on the upper level, and the southern lower roadway (used by pedestrians) was converted to an eastbound vehicular lane during the afternoon rush hour.<ref name="p278956052">{{cite news |last=Ramirez |first=Margaret |date=November 13, 1996 |title=Bridging the Gaffe Sparks Protest |page=A23 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|278956052}}}}</ref><ref name="Kennedy 1996">{{Cite news |last=Kennedy |first=Randy |date=November 11, 1996 |title=Queensboro To Restore Old Routes As of Today |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/11/11/nyregion/queensboro-to-restore-old-routes-as-of-today.html |access-date=December 18, 2017}}</ref> Some pedestrians and bikers opposed the conversion of the southern lower roadway, as they would have to wait for a van to take them across the bridge during weekday afternoons,<ref>{{cite news |last=Kheel |first=Curtis J. |date=November 12, 1996 |title=Protest at Q'boro Bridge |page=A22 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|278988193}}}}</ref> but the new traffic pattern was implemented anyway.<ref name="p278956052" /><ref name="Kennedy 1996" />

In the late 1990s, the NYCDOT hired architect Walter Melvin to renovate the vaults under the Manhattan approach.<ref name="The New York Times 1996 i504" /> During the renovation of the main span, a scaffold collapsed in 1997, killing a worker.<ref>{{cite web |last=Cooper |first=Michael |date=September 30, 1997 |title=Worker Dies as Scaffold Collapses in Repair Job |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/09/30/nyregion/worker-dies-as-scaffold-collapses-in-repair-job.html |access-date=October 19, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The renovation of the northern lower roadway was completed in mid-1998.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hetter |first=Katia |date=July 19, 1998 |title=Trouble Over Bridged Water / City's Queensboro Lane Switch Plan Upsets Business |page=A24 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|279107687}}}}</ref> That August, the NYCDOT implemented a new traffic pattern during evening rush hours, where the northern upper roadway carried eastbound traffic, giving the bridge six eastbound and three westbound lanes during that time. The northern lower roadway, which carried pedestrians and cyclists during mornings and off-peak hours, was converted into a westbound lane during the evening rush hour.<ref>{{cite news |last=James |first=Rutenberg |date=August 3, 1998 |title=City Bridgework Brings Rerouting |page=2 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|313599435}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Foley |first=Elizabeth |date=August 3, 1998 |title=Repairs Close Lanes On Bridge |page=A29 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|279111933}}}}</ref> The NYCDOT's commissioner called the changes an "interim fix for nine to 14 months".<ref>{{cite news |last=Greene |first=Leonard |date=July 22, 1998 |title=Lane Changes for Queensboro |page=A29 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|279111008}}}}</ref> By then, about 184,000 vehicles used the bridge daily, with slightly more eastbound than westbound vehicles using the bridge.<ref>{{cite news |date=August 26, 1999 |title=Quick Hit / Queensboro Bridge Daily Use 1997 |page=2 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|313699965}}}}</ref>

=== 2000s to present ===
[[File:EdKochBdge 20231017 094700.jpg|thumb|left|Southern lower roadway and Long Island City from the Queensboro Bridge]]
Following the completion of additional renovations in September 2000, the northern upper roadway was converted back to a westbound road at all times. The northern lower roadway was converted into a bike and pedestrian path, while the southern lower roadway became an eastbound lane.<ref>{{cite news |last=Donohue |first=Pete |date=September 10, 2000 |title=More Road Blues Likely on Queensboro Bridge |page=32 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|305611345}}}}</ref> After the [[September 11 attacks]] on the [[World Trade Center (1973–2001)|World Trade Center]] in 2001, drivers without passengers were temporarily banned from using the bridge during rush hours.<ref>{{cite news |last=Evans |first=Martin C. |date=October 2, 2001 |title=America's Ordeal / Early Birds Try to Beat Restrictions |page=A30 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|279501619}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Blair |first=Jayson |date=October 1, 2001 |title=City, Noting Traffic Decrease, Continues Lone Driver Rules |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/10/01/nyregion/city-noting-traffic-decrease-continues-lone-driver-rules.html |access-date=October 19, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The city announced plans in 2002 to restore six masonry piers supporting the bridge.<ref name="The New York Times 2002 j597" /> The same year, mayor [[Michael Bloomberg]] again proposed tolling the four free East River bridges, including the Queensboro Bridge; many local residents opposed his plan,<ref>{{Cite news |last=O'Grady |first=Jim |date=March 3, 2002 |title=Neighborhood Report: Queensboro Bridge; Tolls on East River Bridges? Not in Their Backyard |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/03/03/nyregion/neighborhood-report-queensboro-bridge-tolls-east-river-bridges-not-their.html |access-date=October 12, 2023}}</ref> and Bloomberg postponed the tolling plan in 2003.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bowles |first1=Pete |last2=Thrush |first2=Glenn |date=October 8, 2003 |title=Mayor Wavers on Bridge Tolls / Cites Lengthy Process to Start |page=A16 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|279772214}}}}</ref>

As part of a $168 million project that began in 2004,<ref name="Bridge Report 2006">{{cite web |date=2006 |title=Innovations & Accomplishments |url=https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/bridgerpt06_2.pdf |access-date=October 19, 2023 |publisher=[[New York City Department of Transportation]]}}</ref>{{Rp|page=56}} workers repainted the bridge.<ref name="p279974075">{{cite news |last=Robin |first=Joshua |date=August 22, 2005 |title=The Fold: Queensboro Bridge Makeover, Restoration on the River |page=A22 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|279974075}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Brownlow |first=Ron |date=October 20, 2005 |title=Fire On Queensboro Bridge Stops Traffic For Hours |url=https://www.qchron.com/editions/western/fire-on-queensboro-bridge-stops-traffic-for-hours/article_c37d40a4-1985-50f0-835a-06ff8df183e3.html |access-date=October 19, 2023 |website=Queens Chronicle}}</ref> They also added fences and lighting, restored a trolley kiosk on the Manhattan end of the bridge, and restored the Manhattan approach<ref name="p279974075" /> in a separate project between 2003 and 2006.<ref name="Bridge Report 2006" />{{Rp|pages=53–55}} The renovation was temporarily halted in October 2005 after a small fire.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Robin |first1=Joshua |last2=Bowles |first2=Pete |date=October 20, 2005 |title=Fire Puts Bridge's Face-Lift On Hold |page=A14 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|279968514}}}}</ref> A group of Roosevelt Island residents requested in 2007 that the city government install an elevator or stairway from the bridge, but city officials expressed multiple concerns with the proposal, including security vulnerabilities, the need to close a lane of traffic, and the bridge's landmark designation.<ref>{{cite web |last=Brady |first=Emily |title=A Bridge Not Quite Far Enough for Some |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |date=April 8, 2007 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/08/nyregion/thecity/08brid.html |access-date=November 18, 2023}}</ref> In March 2009, the New York City Bridge Centennial Commission sponsored events marking the [[centennial]] of the bridge's opening.<ref>{{cite web |title=Queensboro Bridge Centennial Celebration Events and Exhibits |url=http://www.nycbridges100.org/queensboro-events.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111027153730/http://www.nycbridges100.org/queensboro-events.php |archive-date=October 27, 2011 |access-date=February 20, 2010 |publisher=NYC Bridge Centennial Commission}}</ref> The [[American Society of Civil Engineers]] designated the bridge as a [[List of historic civil engineering landmarks|National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark]] the same year.<ref name="asce" />

The bridge was renamed after [[Ed Koch]] in 2011.<ref name="NYTimes-QboroRenaming-2011" /> After a series of fatal crashes in 2013, officials closed the southern lower roadway at night.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Nir |first=Sarah Maslin |date=December 24, 2013 |title=Queensboro Bridge Lane to Be Closed Every Night |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/25/nyregion/queensboro-bridge-lane-to-be-closed-every-night.html |access-date=December 18, 2017}}</ref> By the middle of the decade, the bridge carried 175,000 daily vehicles, making it the East River's busiest bridge.<ref>{{cite web |date=October 16, 2015 |title=East Side Residents Say Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge Traffic Is Keeping Them Awake |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/ed-koch-queensboro-bridge-traffic-noise/ |access-date=January 18, 2024 |website=CBS New York}}</ref> Mayor [[Bill de Blasio]] announced plans in April 2016 to allocate $244 million for repairs to the Queensboro Bridge's upper deck.<ref name="Matua 2016 c754">{{cite web |last=Matua |first=Angela |date=April 26, 2016 |title=The 107-Year-Old Queensboro Bridge Will Receive $244 Million in Funding for Repairs |url=https://qns.com/2016/04/107-year-old-queensboro-bridge-will-receive-244-million-in-funding-for-repairs/ |access-date=September 8, 2023 |website=QNS.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=April 27, 2016 |title=Queensboro Bridge To Get $244 Million For Repairs In Mayor's Budget |url=https://licpost.com/queensboro-bridge-to-get-244-million-for-repairs-in-mayors-budget |access-date=October 19, 2023 |website=LIC Post}}</ref> Concurrently, elected officials proposed adding tolls to the bridge yet again.<ref name="Matua 2016 c754" /> In January 2021, the city decided to install a two-way [[Protected bicycle lanes|protected bike path]] on the northern lower roadway and convert the southern lower roadway to a pedestrian path.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Robbins |first=Christopher |date=January 28, 2021 |title=The Brooklyn Bridge Will Finally Get Its Own Bike Lane |url=http://gothamist.com/news/brooklyn-bridge-will-finally-get-its-own-bike-lane |access-date=January 28, 2021 |website=Gothamist |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Fitzsimmons |first=Emma G. |date=January 28, 2021 |title=Car Lanes to Become Bike Lanes on 2 Major New York City Bridges |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/28/nyregion/bike-brooklyn-bridge-de-blasio.html |access-date=January 28, 2021}}</ref> The conversion was delayed because of a renovation of the upper deck,<ref>{{cite web |last=Duggan |first=Kevin |date=February 3, 2022 |title=City Punts Fix for 'Treacherous' Queensboro Bridge Bike and Pedestrian Path by Another Year |url=https://www.amny.com/new-york/queens/queensboro-bridge-bike-path-delay/ |access-date=January 18, 2024 |website=amNewYork |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |last=McLogan |first=Elle |date=September 6, 2023 |title=City Councilmember Julie Won slams delayed transformation of Queensboro Bridge pathway |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/queensboro-bridge-pathway-transformation/ |access-date=January 18, 2024 |website=CBS New York}}</ref> which commenced in February 2022 and required the partial closure of vehicular lanes.<ref>{{cite web |title=Repair Work on the Queensboro Bridge Begins, At Least One Vehicle Lane to Remain Closed for Nearly 2 Years |website=LIC Post |last=Dorgan |first=Michael |date=February 14, 2022 |url=https://licpost.com/repair-work-on-the-queensboro-bridge-begins-at-least-one-vehicle-lane-to-remain-closed-for-nearly-2-years |access-date=March 10, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Queensboro Bridge Lane Closures Begin For 2-Year Repair Project |website=CBS News |date=February 12, 2022 |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/queensboro-bridge-lane-closures/ |access-date=March 10, 2022}}</ref> The city presented designs for the pedestrian and bike paths in mid-2024.<ref>{{cite web |last=Green |first=Kendall |date=April 10, 2024 |title=Changes to Queensboro Bridge expected to reduce pedestrian safety hazards by summer |url=https://www.fox5ny.com/news/changes-to-queensboro-bridge-expected-to-reduce-pedestrian-safety-hazards-by-summer |access-date=March 22, 2025 |publisher=FOX 5 New York |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |last=Kumamoto |first=Ian |date=April 8, 2024 |title=See renderings of the new pedestrian roadway on the Queensboro Bridge |url=https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/see-renderings-of-the-new-pedestrian-roadway-on-the-queensboro-bridge-040824 |access-date=March 22, 2025 |website=Time Out New York}}</ref> The paths were supposed to open in March 2025, but the opening was postponed by mayor [[Eric Adams]],<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rubinstein |first=Dana |last2=Hu |first2=Winnie |date=2025-03-22 |title=NYC’s Queensboro Bridge Pedestrian Path Was Ready. Until it Wasn’t. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/22/nyregion/queensboro-bridge-pedestrian-path-adams.html |access-date=2025-03-22 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> ultimately occurring that May.<ref name="Russo-Lennon u449">{{cite web | last=Russo-Lennon | first=Barbara | title=EXCLUSIVE: Cyclists and pedestrians now have separate paths on Queensboro Bridge | website=amNewYork | date=May 13, 2025 | url=https://www.amny.com/nyc-transit/cyclists-pedestrians-paths-queensboro-bridge/ | access-date=May 13, 2025}}</ref>

== Public transportation ==
=== Rail service ===
==== Rapid transit ====
The bridge, built with two elevated railway tracks on its upper level,<ref name="n138184072" /> had space for two more tracks.<ref name="SA p. 101" /> A connection from the [[Interborough Rapid Transit Company]]'s Second Avenue Elevated to the bridge was first proposed in 1910;<ref>{{cite news |date=December 8, 1910 |title=Approves 'L' Extensions: Public Service Commission Favors the Interborough Layouts |work=New-York Tribune |page=6 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|572381564}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=December 8, 1910 |title=Grants Elevated Extensions |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-new-york-times-grants-elevated-exten/138183856/ |access-date=January 6, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |pages=3}}</ref> early plans called for a line extending to [[Malba, Queens|Malba]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 14, 1910 |title=Queens Elevated Road; Plans Prepared for Route from Queensboro Bridge to Flushing. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1910/08/14/archives/queens-elevated-road-plans-prepared-for-route-from-queensboro.html |access-date=January 6, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US}}</ref> The elevated tracks were approved in 1913,<ref name="n138185084" /> and the connection opened in 1917, allowing Second Avenue trains to access the [[BMT Astoria Line|Astoria]] and [[IRT Flushing Line|Flushing]] lines.<ref name="n138184072" /> The tracks carried elevated trains until service was discontinued in 1942.<ref name="p1266856712" /><ref>{{cite web |date=August 1999 |title=Manhattan East Side Transit Alternatives (MESA): Major Investment Study/Draft Environmental Impact Statement, August 1999 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SiM3AQAAMAAJ&q=63rd+street |access-date=July 11, 2016 |publisher=[[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]], [[United States Department of Transportation]], [[Federal Transit Administration]] |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=June 14, 1942 |title=Pioneer Elevated Rattles Its Last |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-2nd-ave-el-june-14/73745480/ |access-date=January 15, 2024 |work=The Daily Oklahoman |pages=45}}</ref>

There were also plans to run a [[New York City Subway]] line across the bridge in September 1909;<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 18, 1909 |title=Plan New Subway |pages=14 |work=The Chat |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-chat-plan-new-subway/136013844/ |access-date=November 30, 2023 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=September 14, 1909 |title=New Subway Planned to Help Queens |pages=1 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-new-subway-plan/136013911/ |access-date=November 30, 2023}}</ref> in a report submitted to the New York City Board of Estimate in June 1911, the [[Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company]] was to extend its [[BMT Broadway Line|Broadway Line]] onto the bridge.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 13, 1911 |title=Subway Report Divides New Franchises Between B.R.T. Co. And the Interborough; Triborough to Be Built If They Reject It |pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-subway-report/125540832/ 2] |work=The Brooklyn Citizen |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-subway-report-divid/125540744/ |access-date=May 30, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=May 23, 1914 |title=Lines in Manhattan Progressing Rapidly |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-lines-in-manhattan/124743448/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515160740/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-lines-in-manhattan/124743448/ |archive-date=May 15, 2023 |access-date=May 15, 2023 |work=The Brooklyn Citizen |page=14}}</ref> By December 1914, the Board of Estimate had abandoned the proposal, which would have required $2.6 million in modifications to the bridge<ref name="The Evening World 1914">{{Cite news |date=December 23, 1914 |title=Favor Tunnel Under East River Rather Than Bridge Subway |pages=3 |work=The Evening World |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-evening-world-favor-tunnel-under-eas/125570181/ |access-date=May 30, 2023}}</ref> and would have caused serious congestion.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 23, 1915 |title=Queens Tunnel Act Now Before Mayor |pages=15 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-queens-tunnel-a/125571715/ |access-date=May 30, 2023}}</ref> Instead, the board proposed the double-tracked 60th Street Tunnel under the East River, which would allow the city to save $500,000.<ref name="The Evening World 1914" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=June 17, 1915 |title=M'Call Opposes a 59th St Tunnel; Tells Estimate Board Subway Cars Should Cross the Queensboro Bridge |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1915/06/17/archives/mcall-opposes-a-59th-st-tunnel-tells-estimate-board-subway-cars.html |access-date=May 30, 2023}}</ref> The New York Public Service Commission approved the tunnel in July 1915.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 29, 1915 |title=Adopts Tunnel To Queens.; Service Board Approves Change in New Subway Route. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1915/07/29/archives/adopts-tunnel-to-queens-service-board-approves-change-in-new-subway.html |url-status=live |access-date=December 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220504023037/https://www.nytimes.com/1915/07/29/archives/adopts-tunnel-to-queens-service-board-approves-change-in-new-subway.html |archive-date=May 4, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=July 28, 1915 |title=P. S. Board Approves Tunnel to Queens |pages=3 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-p-s-board-app/125571941/ |access-date=May 30, 2023}}</ref>

In 1990, the MTA proposed an [[airport rail link]] running via the bridge to JFK and LaGuardia airports.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Levy |first=Clifford J. |date=February 1, 1995 |title=Port Authority May Scale Back Airport Rail Line |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/02/01/nyregion/port-authority-may-scale-back-airport-rail-line.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901210405/http://www.nytimes.com/1995/02/01/nyregion/port-authority-may-scale-back-airport-rail-line.html |archive-date=September 1, 2017 |access-date=September 1, 2017 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US}}</ref> This plan was scaled down in 1995, becoming the [[AirTrain JFK]], which serves a small part of Queens.<ref>{{cite NY2000|page=68}}</ref>

==== Streetcars ====
[[File:Queensboro Bridge streetcar kiosk from tramway station, September 2025.jpg|thumb|The remaining entrance to the underground streetcar station, in use from 1909 to 1957]]
The bridge had [[streetcar]] tracks occupying the northern and southern lower roadways.<ref>{{cite news |last=Boardman |first=Robert C. |date=March 10, 1950 |title=Manhattan's Last Trolley Line Still a Nickel and Keeping Busy |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=21 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1326823304}}}}</ref> On the Manhattan side, there were two ramps from each of the outer lower-level roadways to a set of platforms under Second Avenue. On the Queens side, the tracks split into multiple branches.<ref name="The New York Times 1998 d767">{{cite web |last=Schneider |first=Daniel B. |date=March 1, 1998 |title=F.y.i. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/03/01/nyregion/fyi-771465.html |access-date=October 19, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Six streetcar companies had applied for franchises to use the bridge by late 1908, before its official opening.<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 12, 1908 |title=Ask to Cross Bridge |pages=14 |work=New-York Tribune |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-ask-to-cross-bridge/135956019/ |access-date=November 29, 2023}}</ref> The first trolleys traveled on the bridge in September 1909,<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 18, 1909 |title=First Car Over Queensboro Bridge; Spur Built and Line Placed in Operation Four Hours After Franchise Is Granted |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1909/09/18/archives/first-car-over-queensboro-bridge-spur-built-and-line-placed-in.html |access-date=January 6, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=September 18, 1909 |title=Trolleys Run To-night on Queens' Bridge |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-trolleys-run-to/138179251/ |access-date=January 6, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=1}}</ref> and passenger service began the next month.<ref name="n138181867">{{Cite news |date=October 4, 1909 |title=Queens Trolley Lines Use Queensboro Bridge |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-queens-trolley-lines-use-que/138181867/ |access-date=January 6, 2024 |work=Times Union |pages=1 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=October 5, 1909 |title=Across Queensboro Bridge |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-across-queensbo/138181935/ |access-date=January 6, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=4}}</ref> In the bridge's first decade, the tracks were used by the [[Queens Surface Corporation|New York and Queens County Railway]],<ref>{{cite web |date=September 18, 1909 |title=First Car Over Queensboro Bridge; Spur Built and Line Placed in Operation Four Hours After Franchise Is Granted |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1909/09/18/archives/first-car-over-queensboro-bridge-spur-built-and-line-placed-in.html |access-date=November 30, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> [[Manhattan and Queens Traction Company]], [[Steinway Lines]],<ref name="Roberts 2020 c119">{{cite web |last=Roberts |first=John A. |date=October 1, 2020 |title=The Queensboro Bridge Railway: Last Trolley Standing |url=https://junipercivic.com/juniper-berry/article/the-queensboro-bridge-railway-last-trolley-standing |access-date=October 19, 2023 |website=The Juniper Park Civic Association}}</ref> and Third Avenue Bridge Company.<ref>{{cite web |date=May 30, 1909 |title=Bridge Line Incorporated; New Company to Run Over the Queensboro Bridge. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1909/05/30/archives/bridge-line-incorporated-new-company-to-run-over-the-queensboro.html |access-date=November 30, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> When the [[Third Avenue Railway]] started using the bridge in 1913, it built power infrastructure under the roadway, as its streetcars received power from underground.<ref name="NYERA-QnsboroBridgeTrolley-2009">{{cite journal |title=Queensborough Bridge Centennial |journal=New York Division Bulletin |date=March 2009 |volume=52 |issue=3 |pages=1, 5 |url=http://issuu.com/erausa/docs/2009-03-bulletin |access-date=January 1, 2016 |publisher=Electric Railroaders Association}}</ref> The South Shore Traction Company also applied for permission to use the bridge but was denied.<ref>{{cite web |title=South Shore Co.'s Franchise Killed; Public Service Commission Refuses What It Calls a Fifty-Year Monopoly |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |date=June 9, 1909 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1909/06/09/archives/south-shore-cos-franchise-killed-public-service-commission-refuses.html |access-date=November 30, 2023 |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |date=June 9, 1909 |title=On Queensboro Bridge: Holds Up Car Franchise P. S. C. Thinks South Shore Contract Unfair to the City |page=14 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|572198675}}}}</ref>

A streetcar stop was constructed at the middle of the bridge in 1919 to serve the [[Queensboro Bridge#Elevator to Roosevelt Island|elevator to Roosevelt Island]].<ref name="n138203161" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=January 3, 1918 |title=Trolley Station on Bridge |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-trolley-station-on-bridge/138203543/ |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=Times Union |pages=6}}</ref> The tracks connecting the Third Avenue Railway with the Queensboro Bridge were removed in 1922, after the company stopped using the bridge.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 17, 1922 |title=Whalen Rips Up Third Av. Tracks; Cuts Queensboro Bridge Connection With Queens County and Steinway Lines |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1922/09/17/archives/whalen-rips-up-third-av-tracks-cuts-queensboro-bridge-connection.html |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=September 17, 1922 |title=Queens Busses Defy Court Writ; Whalen Rips Rival Tracks |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-queens-busses-d/138242880/ |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=5}}</ref> Although almost all streetcar service had been withdrawn by 1939,<ref name="NYERA-QnsboroBridgeTrolley-2009" /> the Queensboro Bridge Local route ran across the bridge until April 7, 1957;<ref name=":0" /> it was the last trolley route in New York state.<ref name="p1325116113">{{cite news |date=July 24, 1960 |title=P. S. C. Sounds a Requiem: Ends Trolley Car Rules |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=3 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1325116113}}}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|+ Streetcar lines on the bridge
|-
! Line name !! Borough primarily served !! Start year !! End year
|-
| Queensboro Bridge Local || Queens || 1909<ref name="n138181867" /> || 1957<ref name="p1325116113" />
|-
| Astoria Line || Queens || 1910<ref name="NYERA-QnsboroBridgeTrolley-2009" /><ref name="n10380716">{{Cite news |date=February 3, 1910 |title=New Transportation Link Unites Queens and Manhattan by Unbroken Chain |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-new-transportat/10380716/ |access-date=January 6, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=13 |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |title=75,000 Cross Queens Bridge; First Day of Through Service Brings Rush – Jackson Avenue Desolate. |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |date=February 6, 1910 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1910/02/06/archives/75000-cross-queens-bridge-first-day-of-through-service-brings-rush.html |access-date=January 6, 2024}}</ref> || 1939<ref name="columbia.edu l357">{{cite web |title=Abandoned Stations : Queensborough Bridge Railway Terminal |website=columbia.edu |url=https://www.columbia.edu/~brennan/abandoned/qborobr.html |access-date=January 6, 2024}}</ref>
|-
| Steinway Line || Queens || 1910<ref name="NYERA-QnsboroBridgeTrolley-2009" /><ref name="n10380716" /> || 1939<ref name="NYERA-QnsboroBridgeTrolley-2009" />
|-
| College Point Line || Queens || 1910<ref name="NYERA-QnsboroBridgeTrolley-2009" /><ref name="n10380716" /> || 1925<ref name="columbia.edu l357" />
|-
| Corona Line || Queens || 1910<ref name="NYERA-QnsboroBridgeTrolley-2009" /><ref name="n10380716" /> || 1922<ref name="columbia.edu l357" />
|-
| Queens Boulevard Line || Queens || 1913<ref>{{cite web |title=New Queens Trolley Road; One Section of New Line to Jamaica Opened. |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |date=February 2, 1913 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1913/02/02/archives/new-queens-trolley-road-one-section-of-new-line-to-jamaica-opened.html |access-date=January 6, 2024 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=January 29, 1913 |title=Cars to Winfield Start Trips Today on Jamaica Route |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-cars-to-winfiel/138180870/ |access-date=January 6, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=10}}</ref> || 1937<ref>{{cite web |first=Seyfried |last=Vincent F. |author-link=Vincent F. Seyfried |title=New York and Queens County Railway and the Steinway Lines, 1867–1939. |url=https://archive.org/stream/newyorkqueenscou00seyf/newyorkqueenscou00seyf_djvu.txt |website=[[Internet Archive|archive.org]] |publisher=[[Vincent F. Seyfried]] |access-date=December 20, 2015 |date=1950}}</ref>
|-
| 42nd Street Crosstown Line || Manhattan || 1912<ref name="NYERA-QnsboroBridgeTrolley-2009" /> || 1919<ref name="NYERA-QnsboroBridgeTrolley-2009" />
|}

On the Manhattan end of the Queensboro Bridge were originally five trolley kiosks, which contained stairs leading to a trolley terminal underground. Lindenthal and Hornbostel designed the structures, which had terracotta-paneled facades, cast-iron columns, and a copper roof with cast-iron [[Fascia (architecture)|fascias]]. There were arched, glazed-tile ceilings inside each of the kiosks.<ref name="The New York Times 1998 d767" /> The kiosks also had [[Greek key (art)|Greek key]] motifs; shields with garlands; and ornamental [[Bracket (architecture)|brackets]].<ref name="The New York Times 2003 d367">{{cite web |last=Dunlap |first=David W. |date=July 11, 2003 |title=Bell Tolls for Reminder of Trolleys Past; City Seeks to Dismantle the Last Kiosk Standing in Manhattan |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/07/11/nyregion/bell-tolls-for-reminder-trolleys-past-city-seeks-dismantle-last-kiosk-standing.html |access-date=October 19, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The locations of three kiosks are unknown.<ref name="The New York Times 2003 d367" /> Another kiosk was sent to the [[Brooklyn Children's Museum]] in 1974,<ref name="The New York Times 2001 w416" /> then was relocated to Roosevelt Island and renovated into a visitor center.<ref>{{cite web |last=Zimmer |first=Amy |date=February 23, 2011 |title=Playground Gates, Green Roof Get UES Preservation Awards |url=https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20110223/upper-east-side/playground-gates-green-roof-get-ues-preservation-awards/ |access-date=October 19, 2023 |website=DNAinfo New York |archive-date=October 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022014710/https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20110223/upper-east-side/playground-gates-green-roof-get-ues-preservation-awards/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> The Roosevelt Island kiosk, which reopened in July 2007,<ref>{{cite web |last=Hughes |first=C. J. |title=An Island Joins the Mainstream |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |date=September 2, 2007 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/02/realestate/02livi.html |access-date=November 18, 2023}}</ref> measures {{convert|210|ft2}} across and weighs {{convert|86000|lb|ST LT t}}.<ref name="Zimmer 2012 s486" /> Yet another kiosk remains in place in Manhattan but is used as storage space.<ref name="The New York Times 1998 d767" /> The remaining kiosk in Manhattan was planned to be removed in 2002<ref name="The New York Times 2003 d367" /> but was instead restored.<ref name="p279974075" />

=== Buses ===
[[File:Queensboro Bridge New York October 2016 003.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb|Queensboro Bridge at night]]
The bridge carries three local bus routes operated by [[MTA Regional Bus Operations]]: the {{NYC bus link|Q32|Q60}}, and {{NYC bus link|Q101}}. The bridge also carries 20 express bus routes in the eastbound direction only: the {{NYC bus link|QM1|QM2|QM3|QM4|QM5|QM6|QM10|QM15|QM16|QM17|QM18|QM20|QM21|QM24|QM31|QM32|QM34|QM35|QM36|QM40|QM42|QM44|QM63|QM64}}, and {{NYC bus link|QM68}}, which all use the [[Queens-Midtown Tunnel]] for westbound travel.<ref>{{cite NYC bus map|Q}}</ref><ref>{{cite NYC bus map|QX}}</ref>

=== Elevator to Roosevelt Island ===
An elevator from the bridge to Roosevelt Island (then known as Blackwell's Island) was proposed in October 1912.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 12, 1912 |title=Bridge Tower Climbing to End |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-bridge-tower-climbing-to-end/138190608/ |access-date=January 6, 2024 |work=Times Union |pages=8}}</ref> Although various groups opposed an elevator in the middle of the bridge's deck because it would block traffic,<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 17, 1912 |title=Oppose Bridge Elevator |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-new-york-times-oppose-bridge-elevato/138187268/ |access-date=January 6, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |pages=93 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=November 6, 1912 |title='Good Roads' Men Fight Elevators for Queensboro Bridge |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-evening-world-good-roads-men-fight/138187316/ |access-date=January 6, 2024 |work=The Evening World |pages=18 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=November 10, 1912 |title=Undertakers Objectors |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-undertakers-obj/138187446/ |access-date=January 6, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=13}}</ref> an elevator next to the deck was tested the next month.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 24, 1912 |title=Test for Bridge Elevator; Inclosure Built on Queensboro Span to Study Vehicular Congestion. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1912/11/24/archives/test-for-bridge-elevator-inclosure-built-on-queensboro-span-to.html |access-date=January 6, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US}}</ref> The Board of Estimate provided $366,000 in 1916{{efn-lr|About ${{Inflation|index=US-GDP|start_year=1916|value=366000|fmt=c|r=-3}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP|group=lower-alpha}}}} for an elevator building connecting the bridge to Roosevelt Island.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 25, 1916 |title=Unique Building to Join Queensboro Bridge; Will Serve Both as Patients' Entrance to Blackwell's Island and Storage Warehouse for Many City Institutions Located There |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1916/06/25/archives/unique-building-to-join-queensboro-bridge-will-serve-both-as.html |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US}}</ref> The building, on the bridge's north side, was finished in 1918<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bailey |first=Anthony |date=December 1, 1974 |title=Manhattan's Other Island |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1974/12/01/archives/manhattans-other-island-roosevelt-island-a-case-study-in-how-to.html |access-date=October 12, 2023 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US}}</ref> or 1919.<ref name="concrete126" /><ref>{{cite news |last=McCandlish |first=Phillips |date=April 7, 1957 |title=City's Last Trolley at End of Line; Buses Will Replace 49-Year Route on Queensboro Span |url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1957/04/07/90791332.pdf |access-date=August 17, 2008 |newspaper=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |page=1}}</ref> The building was nine<ref name="Society Society 2008 p. 67">{{Harvnb|ps=.|Greater Astoria Historical Society|Roosevelt Island Historical Society|2008|page=67}}</ref> or ten stories tall and had two passenger and three freight elevators.<ref name="n138203161">{{Cite news |date=September 4, 1918 |title=Lifts to Connect Blackwell's Island With Bridge Span |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-lifts-to-connec/138203161/ |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=2}}</ref><ref name="p124682587">{{Cite magazine |last=Levitan |first=Benjamin W. |date=March 31, 1920 |title=Department of Architectural Engineering: A Unique Institutional Building the Elevator Storehouse, Blackwell's Island, New York City |magazine=The American Architect |page=415 |volume=117 |issue=2310 |id={{ProQuest|124682587}}}}</ref> The structure was set back from the bridge to reduce damage in a fire.<ref name="Society Society 2008 p. 67"/> The top floor was connected to the bridge by a roadway measuring {{convert|56|ft}} wide; there was also a stair and a guard's booth.<ref name="p124682587" /> The other nine floors contained various food storage rooms.<ref name="p124682587" /><ref name="Society Society 2008 p. 67"/>

After the trolley lines across the bridge were largely replaced by buses in the 1930s, [[Steinway Transit]] retained one of the bridge's trolley tracks and established the Queensboro Bridge Railway, a shuttle streetcar route connecting with the elevator to Roosevelt Island.<ref name="Roberts 2020 c119" /> The elevator was demolished in 1970, having been replaced by the [[Roosevelt Island Bridge]].<ref name="U.S. Government Printing Office 1998 p. 95">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7k4n-4_hcwMC&pg=PA95 |title=Governors Island: Options for Reuse After Federal Government Departure : Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Government Management, Information, And Technology of the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight, House of Representatives, One Hundred Fifth Congress, First Session, July 14, 1997 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |year=1998 |isbn=978-0-16-056314-0 |page=95}}</ref> A separate passenger elevator ran during weekdays<ref>{{cite news |last1=Petroff |first1=John |date=August 27, 1973 |title=Bridge Bits" (Letter to the Editor) |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qOYCAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA5 |access-date=March 7, 2015 |magazine=[[New York (magazine)|New York]] |page=5}}</ref> to Welfare Island, via a storehouse described as "clean but gloomy", until mid-1973.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Welch |first1=Mary Scott |date=July 2, 1973 |title=Walking the City's Bridges |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Fx3Di4E5tj8C&pg=PA31 |access-date=March 7, 2015 |magazine=[[New York (magazine)|New York]] |page=31}}</ref>

==Tolls==
{{further|Congestion pricing in New York City#Tolls}}

There was originally a ten-cent toll to drive over the bridge,<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 4, 1909 |title=White Maps New Bridge; Issues Bulletin of Instructions for Reaching Structure. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1909/04/04/archives/white-maps-new-bridge-issues-bulletin-of-instructions-for-reaching.html |access-date=October 12, 2023 |archive-date=October 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019200358/https://www.nytimes.com/1909/04/04/archives/white-maps-new-bridge-issues-bulletin-of-instructions-for-reaching.html |url-status=live }}</ref> although pedestrians walked across for free.<ref name="NYT">{{cite news |first=James |last=Barron |author-link=James Barron (journalist) |title=To Fans, Queensboro Bridge Is a Steel Swan, Not an 'Ugly Duckling' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/29/nyregion/29bridge.html |newspaper=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |page=A22 |date=March 29, 2009 |access-date=March 29, 2009 |archive-date=March 23, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110323165017/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/29/nyregion/29bridge.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Shortly after the Queensboro Bridge opened, the city government conducted a study and found that it had no authority to charge tolls on the Queensboro and [[Manhattan Bridge|Manhattan]] bridges.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 7, 1911 |title=To Abolish Tolls On City Bridges; Mayor Gaynor Believes There Is No Legal Warrant for Taxing Vehicle Traffic |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1911/07/07/archives/to-abolish-tolls-on-city-bridges-mayor-gaynor-believes-there-is-no.html |access-date=June 28, 2019 |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308225157/https://www.nytimes.com/1911/07/07/archives/to-abolish-tolls-on-city-bridges-mayor-gaynor-believes-there-is-no.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Tolls on the Queensboro Bridge, as well as the Williamsburg, Manhattan, and Brooklyn bridges to the south, were abolished in July 1911 as part of a populist policy initiative headed by New York City mayor [[William Jay Gaynor]].<ref name=nyt19110719a>{{Cite news |date=July 19, 1911 |title=Prize Fund for Atwood; Talk of One After Washington Commerce Chamber Refuses to Help |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1911/07/19/archives/prize-fund-for-atwood-talk-of-one-after-washington-commerce-chamber.html |access-date=July 1, 2019 |postscript=none |archive-date=July 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701145503/https://www.nytimes.com/1911/07/19/archives/prize-fund-for-atwood-talk-of-one-after-washington-commerce-chamber.html |url-status=live }}; {{cite news |date=July 18, 1911 |title=Aldermen Abolish Tolls for Wagons on Bridges |page=1 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |url=https://newspapers.com/clip/33421526/ |access-date=July 1, 2019 }}</ref> There were also proposals to charge tolls on the bridge in the 1930s, which were heavily opposed by local groups,<ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1222137199}} |title=Board to Hear City Bridge Toll Protests Today: Brooklyn and Queens to Send Delegations Opposing Untermyer Proposal Call Idea Discriminatory Mayor Still Optimistic, On the Financial Outlook In Race for Mayor |date=May 31, 1933 |page=6 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=June 12, 1933 |title=Bridge Tolls Seen as Blow to Realty; Rentals of 15 Modern Houses on 57th St. Are Endangered by Plan, Says Hackett |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1933/06/12/archives/bridge-tolls-seen-as-blow-to-realty-rentals-of-15-modern-houses-on.html |access-date=January 8, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US}}</ref> and in the 1950s, which was rejected as overly expensive.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 22, 1954 |first=Dan |last=Noonan |title=Bridge Toll Impractical Now as in 1951—Moses |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-bridge-toll-imp/138991834/ |access-date=January 18, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=1}}</ref> 

In 1970, the federal government enacted the [[Clean Air Act (United States)|Clean Air Act]], a series of federal air pollution regulations.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Within |first=Richard |date=April 15, 1973 |title=Shift on Emission May Cost Drivers |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1973/04/15/archives/shift-on-emission-may-cost-drivers-granted-2year-delay-compensation.html |url-status=live |access-date=August 29, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829081030/http://www.nytimes.com/1973/04/15/archives/shift-on-emission-may-cost-drivers-granted-2year-delay-compensation.html |archive-date=August 29, 2017}}</ref> As part of a plan by mayor [[John Lindsay]] and the federal [[United States Environmental Protection Agency|Environmental Protection Agency]],<ref name="NYT 1977 mayor yields">{{Cite news |last1=Dembart |first1=Lee |date=June 16, 1977 |title=Broad Parking Ban in Manhattan Begins as Mayor Yields to Ruling |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/06/16/archives/broad-parking-ban-in-manhattan-begins-as-mayor-yields-to-ruling-206.html |url-status=live |access-date=August 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829122855/http://www.nytimes.com/1977/06/16/archives/broad-parking-ban-in-manhattan-begins-as-mayor-yields-to-ruling-206.html |archive-date=August 29, 2017}}</ref> the city government considered implementing tolls on the four East River bridges, including the Queensboro, in the early 1970s.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Witkin |first=Richard |date=March 13, 1971 |title=City Bridge-Toll Plans |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1971/03/13/archives/city-bridgetoll-plans-plan-for-tolls-on-four-east-river-bridges-is.html |access-date=March 29, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=April 22, 1970 |title=Bridge Toll Study |page=13 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|916064041}}}}</ref> The plan would have raised money for New York City's transit system<ref>{{Cite news |last=Oliver |first=Richard |date=May 24, 1971 |title=He Calls Toll on Bridges a Benefit to Straphangers |pages=314 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-he-calls-toll-on-bridges-a-be/133295973/ |access-date=October 12, 2023}}</ref> and allowed the city to meet the Clean Air Act.<ref name="NYT 1977 mayor yields" /> While there were concerns that the bridge's city-landmark designation could prevent tollbooths from being installed,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lieberman |first=Mark |date=September 26, 1973 |title=No Tollgate on a Bridge to the Past? |pages=171 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98607545/no-tollgate-on-a-bridge-to-the/ |access-date=March 29, 2022}}</ref> planners said the tollbooths could just be installed on the bridge's approaches.<ref name="n98607720" /><ref>{{cite news |date=May 10, 1974 |title=Formal Landmark Status Is Given to Central Park |page=41 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|120003956}}}}</ref> Specifically, a tollbooth would have been installed on the bridge's Manhattan approach.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Treen |first=Joseph M. |date=April 30, 1977 |title=Study Says New Tolls Ridiculous |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-study-says-new-tolls-ridiculous/133323496/ |access-date=October 12, 2023 |work=Newsday |pages=4 |via=newspapers.com |issn=2574-5298}}</ref> Queens borough president [[Donald Manes]] encouraged the state government to take over the bridge so tolls could not be charged;<ref>{{Cite news |last=Browne |first=Arthur  |date=January 20, 1977 |title=Manes: 2 Toll-Free Ways Over Queensboro Bridge |pages=560 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-manes-2-toll-free-ways-over/133298776/ |access-date=October 12, 2023}}</ref> according to Manes, the tolls would merely increase pollution around Queens Plaza.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pugh |first=Thomas |date=February 25, 1977 |title=Better Subways, Not Tolls Manes Pollution Solution |pages=450 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-better-subways-not-tolls-man/133322982/ |access-date=October 12, 2023}}</ref> [[Abraham Beame]], who became mayor in 1974, refused to implement the tolls,<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Weisman |first1=Steven R. |date=August 6, 1977 |title=Beame, U.S. Reach an 'Understanding' on a Parking Ban |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/08/06/archives/beame-us-reach-an-understanding-on-a-parking-ban-court-gives-them-2.html |url-status=live |access-date=August 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829121700/http://www.nytimes.com/1977/08/06/archives/beame-us-reach-an-understanding-on-a-parking-ban-court-gives-them-2.html |archive-date=August 29, 2017}}</ref> and the U.S. Congress subsequently moved to forbid tolls on the East River bridges.<ref name="NYT 1977 mayor yields" />

A plan for [[congestion pricing in New York City]] was approved in mid-2023,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Strahan |first1=Tracie |last2=Siff |first2=Andrew |date=May 5, 2023 |title=Congestion Pricing in NYC Gets Fed Approval, Final Call Likely Weeks Away |url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/congestion-pricing-in-nyc-gets-fed-approval-final-call-likely-weeks-away/4306697/ |access-date=May 5, 2023 |website=NBC New York}}</ref> allowing the MTA to toll drivers who use the Queensboro Bridge and then travel south of 60th Street.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gannon |first=Michael |date=May 11, 2023 |title=Congestion Pricing Clears Federal Hurdle |url=https://www.qchron.com/editions/queenswide/congestion-pricing-clears-federal-hurdle/article_0ffe0214-75c5-5de9-95aa-ab2893fb9bda.html |access-date=October 19, 2023 |website=Queens Chronicle}}</ref><ref name="Nessen 2024 t852">{{cite web | last=Nessen | first=Stephen | title=Which drivers get tolled under congestion pricing on the Brooklyn and Queensboro bridges? It's complicated. | website=Gothamist | date=April 15, 2024 | url=https://gothamist.com/news/which-drivers-get-tolled-under-congestion-pricing-on-the-brooklyn-and-queensboro-bridges-its-complicated | access-date=April 15, 2024}}</ref> Congestion pricing was implemented in January 2025;<ref name="Anderson o055">{{cite web | last=Hu | first=Winnie | last2=Ley | first2=Ana | title=New York City Welcomes Congestion Pricing With Fanfare and Complaints | website=The New York Times | date=January 5, 2025 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/05/nyregion/nyc-congestion-pricing-tolls.html | access-date=January 8, 2025 |postscript=none}}; {{cite web | last=Bridge | first=Rowan | title=New York becomes first US city with congestion charge | website=BBC Home | date=January 5, 2025 | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjr2wn3zvqvo | access-date=January 8, 2025}}</ref> Drivers on the northern upper roadway are exempt from the toll, but all other Manhattan-bound drivers pay a toll, which varies based on the time of day.<ref name="Nessen 2024 t852"/> Although no toll is charged upon exiting the congestion zone, all Queens-bound drivers must pay a toll to access streets leading to the bridge, even if they drive only one or two blocks within the congestion zone.<ref>{{cite web | last=Williams | first=Doug | title=Some drivers on Queensboro Bridge have to pay congestion pricing tolls | website=CBS New York | date=January 17, 2025 | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/queensboro-bridge-congestion-pricing-tolls/ | access-date=January 19, 2025|postscript=none}}; {{cite web | last=Nessen | first=Stephen | title=Frustration mounts among Queensboro Bridge drivers hit with NYC congestion pricing toll | website=Gothamist | date=January 17, 2025 | url=https://gothamist.com/news/frustration-mounts-among-queensboro-bridge-drivers-hit-with-nyc-congestion-pricing-toll | access-date=January 19, 2025}}</ref>

== Impact ==

=== Reception ===
When plans for the bridge were being finalized in 1901, there was commentary on its cantilevered design; all of the other bridges across the East River at the time were suspension bridges. The city's bridge commissioner at the time, John L. Shea, said that the Queensboro Bridge would not be as "picturesque" compared to a suspension bridge but that it could look as attractive as either the Williamsburg or Brooklyn bridges. Buck said that the U.S. had some "homely" cantilever bridges but hoped the Queensboro Bridge was not ugly.<ref>{{cite news |date=April 14, 1901 |title=Will the New Bridge Be Ugly?: Discussion as to the Architectural Beauty of the Blackwell's Island Structure |page=A1 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|571018973}}}}</ref> The chief engineer of the city's Bridge Department said in 1904 that he believed the cantilever design was "a mistake" and that a suspension bridge on the same site, supported by three towers, would have been a novelty.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 18, 1904 |title=Eye-Bar Tests Seen by Bridge Engineers |pages=12 |work=Times Union |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-eye-bar-tests-seen-by-bridge/134968426/ |access-date=November 10, 2023}}</ref>

When the bridge was finished in 1908, ''[[The Christian Science Monitor]]'' wrote that the Queensboro was "one of the greatest bridges in the world, and one of the most beautiful of its type", despite having received relatively little media attention during construction.<ref name="p507939040" /> Two decades after the bridge opened, ''The New York Times'' said the "Brooklyn Bridge has the reputation but Queensboro Bridge has the traffic".<ref name="nyt-1959-03-28">{{Cite news |last=Feinberg |first=Alexander |date=March 28, 1959 |title=Queensboro Bridge Will Be 50 on Monday; Span That Opened Queens to Growth to Have Birthday |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1959/03/28/archives/queensboro-bridge-will-be-50-on-monday-span-that-opened-queens-to.html |access-date=January 18, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US}}</ref> The ''New York Daily News'' wrote in 1981 that the Queensboro Bridge "reminds people of the bridges they built with erector sets as children".<ref name="n133321693" /> Nonetheless, the bridge was not as widely appreciated as the Brooklyn Bridge further south, especially in the late 20th century,<ref>{{Cite news |last=LaRosa |first=Paul |date=March 29, 1984 |title=Bridging the Gap: A Modest Gala |pages=204 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-bridging-the-gap-a-modest-ga/133325723/ |access-date=October 12, 2023}}</ref> and ''The Los Angeles Times'' wrote in 2010 that "the Queensboro appears far grittier than the romantic Brooklyn Bridge or the soaring [[Verrazano-Narrows Bridge]] to the south".<ref name="Susman 2011 u996" />

=== Impact on development ===
The ''New-York Tribune'' wrote in 1904 that the Queensboro Bridge's construction would cause Blackwell's Island to "lose at least a share of its sinister reputation".<ref>{{cite news |date=December 4, 1904 |title=Ever on the Island!: Soon You Can Inspect Blackwell's Without Inconvenience |page=A4 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|571616885}}}}</ref> Even before the bridge was completed, real-estate values in Queens had been increasing several times over,<ref name="n135270495" /><ref>{{cite news |date=March 25, 1906 |title=All Past Booms Eclipsed by Queens Speculation: Prices Advanced in Many Instances Threefold—Total Investment Estimated at $40,000,000—Facts And Conditions of the Movement. |page=RE12 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|96672807}}}}</ref> and its construction also spurred the sale of property along 59th Street in Manhattan.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 24, 1907 |title=East 59th Street Again to the Fore; Buying Stimulated by Advancing Work on Blackwell's Island Bridge |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1907/03/24/archives/east-59th-street-again-to-the-fore-buying-stimulated-by-advancing.html |access-date=November 16, 2023}}</ref> Its development allowed various parts of Queens to be served by direct train and streetcar lines to Manhattan.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 4, 1905 |title=New L.I. Lines Expected |pages=3 |work=New-York Tribune |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-new-li-lines-expected/135221887/ |access-date=November 15, 2023}}</ref><ref name="n136012035">{{Cite news |date=June 12, 1909 |title=The Queensboro Bridge Dedicated to a New Era for Long Island |pages=1 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-the-queensboro/136012035/ |access-date=November 30, 2023}}</ref> The ''Brooklyn Daily Eagle'' predicted in 1908 that the bridge's completion would draw investors toward Long Island and away from [[New Jersey]] to the west.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 26, 1908 |title=Blackwell's Island Bridge Gives Further Realty Stimulus |pages=26 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-blackwells-isl/135951214/ |access-date=November 29, 2023}}</ref> The same newspaper predicted that the bridge, along with the [[Steinway Tunnel]] and [[East River Tunnels]], would change Long Island from a sparsely populated rural outpost to a densely packed suburb of New York City.<ref name="n136012035" /> A ''New York Times'' article from 1923 wrote that the bridge's opening "marked the first step in eliminating the East River as a barrier to the spread of population eastward".<ref>{{cite news |date=September 16, 1923 |title=Queens and Transit.: Development of the Borough Due to Good Transportation |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |page=REA1 |id={{ProQuest|103199641}}}}</ref>

The opening of the bridge encouraged development of vacant land in Queens, where tracts were resold for residential and commercial use.<ref name="p278774250" /> Many industrial firms began operating in western Queens,<ref name="p278774250" /> including vehicle-manufacturing plants in Long Island City.<ref name="n133321693" /> By the early 1910s, numerous industrial structures and loft buildings had been built around the bridge's Queens end, particularly on Queens Plaza.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 28, 1914 |title=Industrial Plants Costing Millions of Dollars Within Few Blocks of Queensboro Bridge Plaza |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1914/06/28/archives/industrial-plants-costing-millions-of-dollars-within-few-blocks-of.html |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US}}</ref> Further east, neighborhoods such as [[Jackson Heights, Queens|Jackson Heights]] were built on former farmland.<ref>{{cite news |date=March 16, 1931 |title=Jackson Heights Built Since 1909: Queensboro Bridge Transformed Farm Land Beyond-- New Projects in Sight |work=The Wall Street Journal |page=22 |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|130916844}}}}</ref> The Queensboro Chamber of Commerce's spokesperson said in 1924 that real estate values in Queens had tripled within 15 years of the bridge's opening, while the population grew from 284,000 to 736,000.<ref name="p1113078518" /> At the bridge's 50th anniversary, ''The New York Times'' credited the bridge with encouraging industrial and residential development in Queens.<ref name="nyt-1959-03-28" /> ''Newsday'' wrote in the 1990s: "More than any other development, the Queensboro Bridge created the modern urban borough of Queens."<ref name="p278774250" /> The completion of the Queensboro Bridge inspired what became Queens Boulevard, although the thoroughfare was not finished until 1936.<ref>{{cite news |last=Robin |first=Joshua |date=March 4, 2001 |title=Queens Blvd. In Reverse |page=A07 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|279403746}}}}</ref>

=== Media ===

Because of its design and location, the Queensboro Bridge has appeared in numerous media works, including films and TV shows, set in New York City.<ref name="n133321693" /> For example, the title of [[Simon & Garfunkel]]'s 1966 song "[[The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)]]" refers to the Queensboro Bridge,<ref name="n133326018" /><ref name="NYT" /> and it has been mentioned in media such as [[F. Scott Fitzgerald]]'s 1925 novel ''[[The Great Gatsby]]''.<ref name="Susman 2011 u996" /><ref name="NYT" /> The bridge has been the setting or filming location for several movies, such as ''[[Manhattan (1979 film)|Manhattan]]'' (1979),<ref name="Susman 2011 u996" /><ref>{{cite book |last=Alleman |first=Richard |title=New York: The Movie Lover's Guide: The Ultimate Insider Tour of Movie New York |publisher=Crown |year=2013 |isbn=978-0-8041-3778-2 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=f_0Z5SxTKLkC |page=441}}</ref> ''[[Spider-Man (2002 film)|Spider-Man]]'' (2002)<ref>{{cite news |last1=Robin |first1=Joshua |last2=Cheng |first2=Mae M. |date=May 4, 2002 |title=Spidey's Web Over Queens |page=A06 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|279616127}}}}</ref> and ''[[The Dark Knight Rises]]'' (2012).<ref>{{Cite news |last=Flegenheimer |first=Matt |date=November 14, 2011 |title=Traffic to Stymie Even the Batmobile Shows the Two Sides of Movie Production |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/14/nyregion/batman-movie-shooting-disrupts-queensboro-bridge-traffic.html |access-date=October 10, 2023}}</ref> In addition, it is shown in the opening credits of the TV series ''[[Taxi (TV series)|Taxi]]''.<ref>{{cite web | last=Apmann | first=Sarah Bean | title=When Taxi’s Sunshine Cab Company Made A Home in Greenwich Village | website=Village Preservation - Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation | date=September 12, 2017 | url=https://www.villagepreservation.org/2017/09/12/when-taxis-sunshine-cab-company-made-a-home-in-greenwich-village/ | access-date=September 2, 2025}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[List of bridges and tunnels in New York City]]
* [[List of bridges documented by the Historic American Engineering Record in New York]]
* [[List of bridges and tunnels on the National Register of Historic Places in New York]]
* [[List of New York City Designated Landmarks in Manhattan from 59th to 110th Streets]]
* [[List of New York City Designated Landmarks in Queens]]
* [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Manhattan from 59th to 110th Streets]]
* [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Queens, New York]]

== References ==
===Notes===
'''Explanatory notes'''
{{Notelist}}

'''Inflation figures'''
{{notelist-lr}}

===Citations===
{{reflist}}

===Sources===
* {{cite concrete}}
* {{Cite magazine |date=August 10, 1907 |title=The Erection of the Blackwell's Island Bridge. |magazine=Scientific American |volume=XCVIII |pages=100–101 |id={{ProQuest|126851967}} |ref={{harvid|Scientific American|1907}} |number=6}}
* {{cite book |author=Greater Astoria Historical Society |author2=Roosevelt Island Historical Society |title=The Queensboro Bridge |publisher=Arcadia Publishing |year=2008 |isbn=978-0-7385-5488-4}}
* {{cite report |url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/NARAprodstorage/lz/electronic-records/rg-079/NPS_NY/78001879.pdf |title=Historic Structures Report: Queensboro Bridge |date=December 20, 1978 |publisher=[[National Register of Historic Places]], [[National Park Service]] |ref={{harvid|National Park Service|1978}}}}
* {{cite book |last=Kunz |first=F.C. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2ExDAAAAYAAJ |title=Report on the Blackwell's Island Bridge (Queensboro Bridge) |publisher=Pennsylvania Steel Company |year=1909 |ref=none}}
* {{cite magazine |last1=Wingate |first1=C.F. |last2=Meyer |first2=H.C. |year=1913 |title=Maintenance of Great City Bridges |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AG5JAQAAMAAJ |magazine=Engineering Record |language=en |publisher=McGraw Publishing Company |volume=67 |ref={{harvid|Engineering Record|1913}}}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* [https://www1.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/infrastructure/queensboro-bridge.shtml NYCDOT.gov]
* {{HAER |survey=NY-19 |id=ny0326 |title=Queensboro Bridge}}
* {{Structurae|id=20000481|title=Queensboro Bridge}}

{{NYC Bridge}}
{{Roosevelt Island}}
{{National Register of Historic Places in Manhattan}}
{{National Register of Historic Places in Queens}}
{{Crossings navbox
|structure = Crossings
|place = [[East River]]
|bridge = Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge
|bridge signs = [[File:NY-25.svg|20px]]
|upstream = [[60th Street Tunnel]]
|upstream signs = {{NYCS Broadway 60th|time=bullets}}
|downstream = [[53rd Street Tunnel]]
|downstream signs = {{NYCS Queens 53rd|time=bullets}}
}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1908 establishments in New York City]]
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[[Category:Bridges completed in 1909]]
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[[Category:Bridges in Queens, New York]]
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[[Category:Bridges over the East River]]
[[Category:Transportation buildings and structures on the National Register of Historic Places in Manhattan]]
[[Category:Cantilever bridges in the United States]]
[[Category:Double-decker bridges]]
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[[Category:Historic American Engineering Record in New York City]]
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[[Category:Long Island City]]
[[Category:National Register of Historic Places in Queens, New York]]
[[Category:New York City Designated Landmarks in Manhattan]]
[[Category:New York City Designated Landmarks in Queens, New York]]
[[Category:Pedestrian bridges in New York City]]
[[Category:Railroad bridges in New York City]]
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[[Category:Road bridges in New York City]]
[[Category:Road bridges on the National Register of Historic Places in New York City]]
[[Category:Roads with a reversible lane]]
[[Category:Roosevelt Island]]
[[Category:Steel bridges in the United States]]
[[Category:New York State Register of Historic Places in New York County]]
[[Category:New York State Register of Historic Places in Queens County]]