Do The Vans Still Go To Rikers Island

Do the vans still go to rikers island?

Only authorized vehicles like correctional bus, emergency vehicle, delivery trucks and city buses are allowed in Rikers Island jail.
City buses are only allowed to bus stop located in Rikers Island's entrance.
All other visitors on other vehicles are must park at Rikers Island Parking Lot located on Hazen St, then paid $2.50 cash or MetroCard on Q100 Bus to get to Rikers Island.
Remember when you go into Rikers Island to visit inmates, or have appointment, all electronic devices such as cell phone will be collected and you get your stuff back after going back.

Best truck route from NJ Turnpike to Long Island Expressway?

It's shorter and cheaper to take the Verrazano in (free in - $80 for a 5 axle to come back so maybe take the GW back out) - but it's a little trickier - the traffic and the roads are worse - but it's the way I prefer. The tolls on the GW are similar/huge going in (cost you $15/axle or so, eastbound only - free coming back out).

Take I-278 (exit 13) - cross the Verrazano bridge - I-278 becomes named the Brooklyn/Queens expressway (BQE) - take it to I-495/Long Island Expressway (take note when/if you cross I-295 if you want to take the GW back out).

If you have a problem with heights note that the Verrazano is a very high bridge. I've been stuck on top because of an accident below and it sways a couple of feet side-to-side. Several drivers were expressing serious concerns - I wasn't real happy and am very comfortable with heights.

It could be best going in this way (it's a little less stressful - going into NYC/Long Island), especially if your toll will be paid by company - but come out this way if you want to save toll (reversed of course):
Stay on I-95 and cross the George Washington bridge - it becomes named the Cross Bronx Expressway (still I-95) - then take I-295 south (you'll still be on the CBE) and cross the Throgs Neck bridge - and shortly you'll come up on I-495/LIE.

You're not allowed on parkways (you'll cross one - the Cross Island Pkwy - just after the Throgs Neck) so don't be tempted.

BTW: It might have been helpful to have told us where you were coming from, what time, how long a turn-around you will have (if drop and hook - or about how long to get unloaded/reloaded), just where you are going to (how far out on the LIE), and just what you are driving (18 wheel dry van assumed).

Plan your exits/connections well ahead and pay close attention. It's not a good idea to get off route around there - NJ or NYC. Your CB will be pretty useless - and be careful of anyone trying to divert you.

Least traffic around 2-4 am.

Can I drive my u-haul cargo van over the Verrazano bridge, going from Brooklyn to Newark?

I am trying to take a u-haul cargo van from Brooklyn to Newark Penn station. Are there any restrictions regarding commercial cargo vans over the verazzano bridge? If so, what is the best way to get from Brooklyn to Newark Penn?

Can I go on the 59th street bridge into Manhattan with a 17 foot U-haul truck?

You will be fine on the Queensboro/59th st. bridge legally and height-wise. I've been over it many times with a big rig. Clearance at the edges (where the support structure is lowest) is 13'6" and you'd have a hard time getting far enough over to hit them, there is a high curb at the edges of the roadway. That U-Haul should be no more than about 11' - 11'6", probably lower, it will be marked and should be accurate (be sure and note that height to be sure for reasons like pulling into gas stations and/or other places with low clearance overheads - parking garages, bridges, and elevated train tracks for instance - stay aware of heights at all times - look at low clearances you are going under - they should/will be marked for comparison). I've never seen a low clearance in N.Y. that wasn't higher than marked but be very cautious if you come up on one that is within a couple of inches of the U-Haul's height.