Jackie Robinson Parkway Exit Ramp To Close This Weekend

KEW GARDENS, QUEENS — A ramp connecting the Jackie Robinson Parkway and the Grand Central Parkway will be closed for construction this weekend, the New York State Department of Transportation is warning drivers.

The Exit 8W ramp from the eastbound Jackie Robinson Parkway to the westbound Grand Central Parkway will be closed from 11 a.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday, weather permitting, according to a news release.

The closure will make way for workers to remove the old Union Turnpike bridge over the Grand Central Parkway and Van Wyck Expressway connector ramps — part of the state's multimillion-dollar overhaul of the complex intersection known as the Kew Gardens Interchange.

Drivers wanting to access the westbound Grand Central Parkway from eastbound Jackie Robinson Parkway during this closure will be directed to use the following signed detour:

1. Use Exit 8E from eastbound Jackie Robinson Parkway to access eastbound Grand Central Parkway
2. Take Exit 16 (Parsons Boulevard/164th Street), turn left onto Parsons Boulevard, then turn left onto the westbound Grand Central Parkway service road
3. Follow the Grand Central Parkway service road and turn left onto westbound Union Turnpike
4. Continue on Union Turnpike, and then take the ramp to westbound Grand Central Parkway

For real-time travel information, drivers can call 511, visit www.511NY.org or download the free 511NY mobile app.