FDR Drive

The FDR Drive, officially known as the Franklin D. Roosevelt East River Drive, is a controlled-access parkway on the east side of the island of Manhattan in New York City. It runs from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan to the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge (formerly the Triborough Bridge) in East Harlem, serving as a major north-south artery.

The Drive is named after Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States and former Governor of New York. It was constructed in sections between the 1930s and the 1960s, largely on landfill reclaimed from the East River. Due to its proximity to the river, sections of the Drive are vulnerable to flooding during severe weather events.

While the FDR Drive generally follows the East River shoreline, it deviates inland in several locations, notably around the United Nations Headquarters and Gracie Mansion (the mayor's residence). Access to the Drive is primarily limited to ramps at major cross streets and highways. Commercial vehicles are generally prohibited from using the parkway.

The FDR Drive is maintained by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT). It plays a significant role in the city's transportation network, providing access to various neighborhoods and connecting to other major highways and bridges. Heavy traffic congestion is common, particularly during peak hours.