Cross-Bronx, Trans-Manhattan

Michael D. Caratzas

Urban superhighways have long been seen as enemies of preservation and neighborhood conservation efforts. But with many now topping or approaching 50 years of age, the time has come for preservationists and planners to reconsider these immense engineering works, many of which are historically and aesthetically significant products of the modern era and important components of the contemporary urban experience. This paper seeks to broaden the scope of historic preservation to include post-World War II urban limited-access highways by establishing the significance of the Cross-Bronx Expressway (1945-64), one of the most controversial projects of New York City public works guru Robert Moses, and one of his last. Examined are the history and design of the highway and of the "accidental megastructure" complex atop the adjacent Trans-Manhattan Expressway, consisting of the George Washington...