Robert Moses Causeway
The Robert Moses Causeway is a major south–north parkway in western Suffolk County that connects mainland Long Island to the barrier beaches of Fire Island and Robert Moses State Park. Stretching roughly 8 miles, it begins at Robert Moses State Park and runs north over a series of bridges before merging into the Southern State Parkway in West Islip.
Constructed in the 1950s and named for New York master planner Robert Moses, the causeway is designed exclusively for passenger vehicles – commercial trucks are prohibited. It provides scenic views of the Great South Bay, Fire Island Inlet, and the Atlantic Ocean, making it one of the most picturesque drives on Long Island.
Route and Features
- Southern Terminus: Robert Moses State Park, Fire Island
- Northern Terminus: Southern State Parkway, West Islip (continues north as the Sagtikos State Parkway)
- Length: ~8 miles
- County: Suffolk
- Character: Elevated causeway and bridge system over barrier islands and Great South Bay
- Restrictions: Passenger cars only (no trucks or commercial vehicles)
Major Interchanges & Access Points (south → north)
| Junction / Exit | Destination / Notes |
|---|---|
| Robert Moses State Park | Southern terminus; access to beaches & park fields |
| Ocean Parkway | Connection east–west along Jones Beach barrier island |
| Fire Island Inlet Bridge | Landmark span over the inlet with ocean and bay views |
| Captree State Park / Overlook Beach | Access to Captree fishing piers and marina |
| Great South Bay Bridges | Series of spans connecting barrier islands to mainland Long Island |
| Montauk Highway (NY-27A) | Local South Shore access |
| Sunrise Highway (NY-27) | East–west South Shore corridor |
| Southern State Parkway | Northern terminus; continues as Sagtikos State Parkway toward Commack & North Shore |
Notable Facts
- The Fire Island Inlet Bridge is the centerpiece of the causeway, offering expansive views of both the ocean and bay.
- Provides the only direct automobile access to Robert Moses State Park, one of Long Island’s most popular beaches.
- Serves as the southernmost leg of a continuous parkway chain running north to the Long Island Sound (Robert Moses → Southern State → Sagtikos → Sunken Meadow).
- Known for scenic drives as well as heavy summer traffic heading to beaches and fishing piers.
