How to drive the FDR Drive in New York City?
The Franklin D. Roosevelt East River Drive, commonly known as the FDR Drive, is a 15-kilometer (9-mile) freeway running along the eastern edge of Manhattan in New York City, in the U.S. state of New York.
| Road facts: FDR Drive | |
|---|---|
| Location | Manhattan, New York City, New York (USA) |
| Distance | 15 km (9 miles) |
| Start / End Points | Battery Park (South) to Robert F. Kennedy Bridge / 125th St (North) |
| Surface | Fully paved multi-lane asphalt |
| Speed Limit | 40 mph (64 km/h) max |
| Vehicle Restrictions | Passenger cars only (commercial vehicles and trucks prohibited) |
Where is the FDR Drive located?
The FDR Drive runs along the entire length of the East River on Manhattan's eastern waterfront. It traverses four main Manhattan districts: Downtown, Midtown, the Upper East Side, and Harlem/Uptown, terminating at the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge (formerly the Triborough Bridge).
Is the FDR Drive fully paved?
Yes, the entire 15-kilometer highway is fully paved asphalt. It features multiple lanes in each direction, elevated sections, underpasses, and tight S-curves dictated by the natural geometry of the Manhattan shoreline.
How long is the FDR Drive?
The roadway stretches for 9 miles (15 km) from Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan to its northern terminus at 125th Street.
What vehicles are allowed on the FDR Drive?
The drive is strictly open to passenger cars only. Commercial trucks, buses, and oversized vehicles are banned due to low clearance underpasses, narrow lane widths, and strict height restrictions along the route.
What is the speed limit on the FDR Drive?
The maximum posted speed limit along the FDR Drive is 40 mph (64 km/h). Frequent speed cameras, tight blind curves, and heavy merge traffic require strict adherence to the speed limit.
What are the main driving features on the FDR Drive?
The route passes beneath six major East River bridges, offering clear views across to Brooklyn and Queens. Key driving hazards include extremely short, stop-sign-controlled entrance ramps, narrow lanes with zero shoulder clearance, and heavy urban traffic congestion.
When was the FDR Drive built?
Construction took place during World War II. Originally named the East River Drive, it was later renamed in honor of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The roadway was famously featured in the 1973 James Bond film "Live and Let Die."