Bronx-bound trucks should start to be allowed onto the bridge starting Saturday in a reconfigured pattern. Traffic will be "slow but steady" during that time, but the residual traffic on the RFK-Triborough Bridge and the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge should ease.
But because of fire damage, the crucial access from the northbound Cross Island Parkway in Queens and full lane reopenings will not occur until August 10. At that point, the bridge should be operating at "nearly normal" capacity.
Repairs of the damage and reconstruction of the damaged bridge area will continue into the fall.
The fire is still believed to be accidental, started by a workers' torch. The contractor will be responsible for repairs and for costs incurred. There is no estimate.
The truck ban following the July 10 fire has had hit truckers especially hard. Truckers favor the Throgs Neck because it allows for a 105,000 pound weight limit, heavier than the 80,000 pound limit on the neighboring Bronx-Whitestone Bridge.
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