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1924 Traffic Congestion Solution: Drain the East River!
By
Jen Carlson
Published Jan 16, 2010
Modified Jan 16, 2010
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By
Jen Carlson
Published Jan 16, 2010
Modified Jan 16, 2010
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In this issue of Popular Science, circa 1924, there's an article discussing New York's traffic problem — which at the time was reportedly causing the city to lose over $1M a day. One proposed solution: drain the East River and convert it into a 5-mile system accommodating roadways and the subway, while also providing parking spaces in garages and housing city centers.
The idea was that of the deputy police commissioner of traffic at the time, John Harriss. If it had been carried out, there would have been a dam put up near the Williamsburg Bridge, as well as at Hell Gate... and an "imposing City Hall" would be placed midway through the thoroughfare. And of course, they'd have to run a canal straight through the middle of Western Brooklyn and Queens to accommodate shipping — that might have put a crimp in the gentrification of Williamsburg and Long Island City.
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1924
drain
east river
John Harriss
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Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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