TRAFFIC VIADUCT URGED BY ENRIGHT

The New York Times
November 28, 1922

West Street Structure Would Give Immediate Relief, He Tells Chamber of Commerce Committee.

USEFUL FOR LONG HAULS

Commissioner Also Proposes Tearing Down Second Avenue Elevated and Constructing a Subway.

Police Commissioner Richard E. Enright explained his plans for relieving traffic congestion at a luncheon tendered him yesterday by the Committee on Public Service of the Chamber of Commerce of the State of New York. The Commissioner appeared before the committee at the invitation of William McCarroll, chairman.

A viaduct over West Street from the Battery, to run as far north as Eighty-sixth Street, would be the most immediate and practical step to relieve the existing situation, the Commissioner said. He pointed out that the city had a right of way along West Street and owned most of the property, with the exception of certain parcels around Fifty-ninth Street. By the construction of ramps at various side streets, about half a mile apart, through traffic rather than short hauls could utilize this thoroughfare, it was explained.

The Commissioner held that tearing down the Second Avenue elevated line and constructing a subway in its place would make that street available for handling heavy traffic that originates in Brooklyn and comes over the bridges and ferries. This street, however, he added, could not be converted into a broad roadway for several years at least.

The Chamber's Committee on Public Service will hold another annual session next week, to deal with phases of Mr. Enright's recommendations.