RK-93 Randall’s Island Ramp Reconstruction

To improve safety, accessibility and traffic flow at the Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) bridge in New York City, HNTB partnered with the Metropolitan Transit Authority’s Construction & Development division and MTA Bridges & Tunnels to replace aging, inefficient infrastructure with two new vehicular ramps and three ADA-compliant shared-use pedestrian ramps. These improvements streamline traffic and enhance pedestrian and bicycle connectivity between Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx and various parts of the Randall’s Island Park system.

As designer-of-record for this design-build project, HNTB led final design and provided support during construction. The design-build team, made up of HNTB and DeFoe Corp., coordinated closely with the MTA to mitigate impacts on the park and its users while incorporating features that decrease future maintenance needs and support upcoming projects.

Delivering Longevity 

The project’s new vehicular ramps and restored local roadways around Randall’s Island improve traffic operations across the RFK Bridge by eliminating left-hand merges and reducing congestion.

To support MTA in delivering safe, efficient and sustainable transportation while reducing maintenance needs, the project used low-carbon concrete — which reduced the carbon footprint by 23 percent — and jointless structures to minimize environmental impact, reduce long-term maintenance and increase the durability of the ramps.

A Park-Centric Approach 

Working closely with the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation and the Randall’s Island Park Alliance, the team ensured the new ramps integrated seamlessly into the natural environment of the park. Designed as an extension of the park experience, the ramp landing plazas serve as welcoming gathering points, complete with intuitive wayfinding signage. Aesthetic fencing with integrated lighting enhances safety throughout the area, while extensive plantings blend naturally into the landscape. Art Deco-style formliners pay homage to the original structure while adding visual continuity. Variable-depth haunches accommodate the ADA-compliant landings without compromising the clean, modern exterior lines. Together, these elements create a seamless, park-forward design that prioritizes accessibility, safety and beauty.

Future Focused 

While improving current traffic flow, these new ramp alignments facilitate further development and reconstruction efforts in the area. Designed with sustainability and community impact in mind, the project provides inclusive benefits for users across the boroughs of New York City by delivering safer, more efficient and environmentally conscious infrastructure.