Atlantic Beach Bridge

As of December 2023, the toll for vehicles under 5 tons is $3 with an E-ZPass and $4 for cash payments. Pedestrians and cyclists can cross the bridge for free using the dedicated walkway.

Yes, during high-traffic periods from May 15 to September 30, the drawbridge has restricted opening times. On weekdays, it opens only on the hour and half-hour between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. On weekends and holidays, these restrictions apply between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. Outside these specific times, and during the rest of the year, it generally opens on signal, though it also opens on signal from two hours before to one hour after predicted high tide during the peak season.

Yes, the bridge features a six-foot-wide walkway accessible to cyclists. However, local traffic laws require cyclists to walk their bikes across this narrow western sidewalk. Access to the pedestrian lane is conveniently available via a paved path at the end of Seagirt Avenue in Far Rockaway.

From the bridge's walkway, you can enjoy expansive views of the Reynolds Channel and the surrounding marine environment. It offers a unique perspective of the water and the coastline, connecting you to the Long Beach Barrier Island and the Rockaway Peninsula.

The Atlantic Beach Bridge is considered the simplest way to enter the Long Beach Barrier Island from NYC. For pedestrians and cyclists, the western sidewalk is accessible via a paved path at the end of Seagirt Avenue in Far Rockaway, providing a direct link to the island's coastal attractions.

While the bridge itself is a gateway, parking can be found in the surrounding areas of Lawrence and Atlantic Beach. It's advisable to research specific parking lots or street parking availability in advance, especially during peak season when spots fill up quickly.

The current Atlantic Beach Bridge, a six-lane bascule girder bridge, opened on May 10, 1952, replacing an earlier structure from 1927. The original bridge had a lower clearance and fewer lanes, leading to frequent traffic issues. The Nassau County Bridge Authority took control in 1945 to facilitate the construction of the modern bridge, which was designed by Hardesty & Hanover and underwent significant rehabilitation in 1998.

While the bridge itself is a functional crossing, its primary appeal for families is its role as a gateway to the recreational opportunities of Atlantic Beach and the Rockaway Peninsula. These areas offer beaches and other coastal attractions suitable for family outings. Walking or cycling across the bridge can be a pleasant activity for families, offering scenic views.

The dedicated pedestrian walkway on the Atlantic Beach Bridge allows for walking. While specific dog policies for the bridge itself are not explicitly stated, visitors should adhere to local leash laws and regulations for pets in public spaces and any connected parks or beaches in Atlantic Beach or the Rockaway Peninsula.

The Atlantic Beach Bridge is 1,173 feet (358 meters) long. Walking across it at a leisurely pace would likely take approximately 10-15 minutes one way, depending on your speed and how often you stop to enjoy the views.

Public transportation to the Atlantic Beach Bridge area would typically involve Nassau Inter-County Express (NICE Bus) services or Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to nearby stations, followed by a local bus or taxi service to reach the bridge itself. Specific routes and schedules should be checked with the respective transit authorities.