Overview: Nassau Expressway (I-878)
THIS IS AN OVERVIEW, WHICH EXPLORES AND DISCUSSES PERSONAL PROPOSALS FOR HIGHWAYS AND/OR CROSSINGS.
FIRST PUBLISHED: 11/2/2015 AT 9:45 PM ET
There is a clear need for additional evacuation routes here on Long Island and with the sea levels rising combined with the increasing threat of Hurricanes and Floods, There is now a greater need for these routes, and as the debate continues, no real concrete solutions have been presented.
EXPLAINING THE PROPOSAL
The Nassau Expressway was originally intended to connect Interstate 78 (which would have come through NY via Bushwick Avenue) and when constructed, the Interstate 78 Proposals were shot down due to increasing opposition to the use of "Eminent Domain" to build these freeways.
In 1991, the Southeastern stretch of the Highway opened up, as a conventional roadway from Lawrence to Cedarhust. This .9 mile stretch of roadway was finally build after sitting vacant for 30 years.
The Expressway as a whole however, remains incomplete. A Large Gap in Between JFK Airport and Lawrence exists. Meant to run alongside Rockaway Turnpike, the Nassau Expressway is terminated at N. Boundary Road and 150th Street. The Highway is also missing a Western Corridor with a ramp guiding traffic from JFK to the Van Wyck.
THE PROPOSAL
STARTING POINT
The Expressway would start in Queens at the Planned intersection for I-78 and 878 that was never formally completed. It would then continue along its completed section to Rockaway Boulevard. The Exits would remain the same, alongside the access to the Airport.
The Hard Part is the Western Half, and Getting it to run alongside the Eastern Half. Based on Street View and Satellite Reconnaissance the best bet is for either an Elevated Structure Running Parallel to the current roadway, Reconfiguring Conduit Avenue, or Most Likely, Repairing and Reconstructing the Ramp with exits at N. Hangar Road and the Van Wyck. Another solution would new to build a new eastbound lane before the northward turn and then build the westbound lane directly next to it, despite the Eminent Domain situation.
CONTINUING THROUGH THE ROCKAWAYS
The Next Phase would be alongside what is now Rockaway Turnpike. If Right-Of-The-Way is not an option, the best best would be to use Rockaway Turnpike. Most of it emulates a freeway already. Here, the Important Part is getting through the businesses and upgrading the roadway by partial widening, constructing overpasses, and removing traffic lights.
As the Roadway enters into the 5 Towns Shopping Center, the Best Scenario would be for an elevated structure carrying it from that area to the current Expressway with Exit Ramps for Rockaway Turnpike and the Two Shopping Centers.
ENTERING INTO NASSAU COUNTY
Presently, the Current stretch of Roadway exists from Costco in Lawrence to Cedarhurst, cutting through Inwood. Like Rockaway Turnpike, The Structuring is in place to build a freeway, and that widening, constructing overpasses, and the removal of traffic lights is all that remains.
The Atlantic Beach Bridge would have to be upgraded to Interstate standards and its toll removed.
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| The Nassau Expressway as it Nears Atlantic Beach (via David Golub) |
FIRST PUBLISHED: 11/2/2015 AT 9:45 PM ET
There is a clear need for additional evacuation routes here on Long Island and with the sea levels rising combined with the increasing threat of Hurricanes and Floods, There is now a greater need for these routes, and as the debate continues, no real concrete solutions have been presented.
EXPLAINING THE PROPOSAL
The Nassau Expressway was originally intended to connect Interstate 78 (which would have come through NY via Bushwick Avenue) and when constructed, the Interstate 78 Proposals were shot down due to increasing opposition to the use of "Eminent Domain" to build these freeways.
In 1991, the Southeastern stretch of the Highway opened up, as a conventional roadway from Lawrence to Cedarhust. This .9 mile stretch of roadway was finally build after sitting vacant for 30 years.
The Expressway as a whole however, remains incomplete. A Large Gap in Between JFK Airport and Lawrence exists. Meant to run alongside Rockaway Turnpike, the Nassau Expressway is terminated at N. Boundary Road and 150th Street. The Highway is also missing a Western Corridor with a ramp guiding traffic from JFK to the Van Wyck.
THE PROPOSAL
STARTING POINT
 |
| The Nassau Expressway as it nears JFK Airport (via David Golub) |
The Expressway would start in Queens at the Planned intersection for I-78 and 878 that was never formally completed. It would then continue along its completed section to Rockaway Boulevard. The Exits would remain the same, alongside the access to the Airport.
The Hard Part is the Western Half, and Getting it to run alongside the Eastern Half. Based on Street View and Satellite Reconnaissance the best bet is for either an Elevated Structure Running Parallel to the current roadway, Reconfiguring Conduit Avenue, or Most Likely, Repairing and Reconstructing the Ramp with exits at N. Hangar Road and the Van Wyck. Another solution would new to build a new eastbound lane before the northward turn and then build the westbound lane directly next to it, despite the Eminent Domain situation.
CONTINUING THROUGH THE ROCKAWAYS
 |
| Rockaway Turnpike in Ozone Park (via Google Maps) |
As the Roadway enters into the 5 Towns Shopping Center, the Best Scenario would be for an elevated structure carrying it from that area to the current Expressway with Exit Ramps for Rockaway Turnpike and the Two Shopping Centers.
ENTERING INTO NASSAU COUNTY
Presently, the Current stretch of Roadway exists from Costco in Lawrence to Cedarhurst, cutting through Inwood. Like Rockaway Turnpike, The Structuring is in place to build a freeway, and that widening, constructing overpasses, and the removal of traffic lights is all that remains.
The Atlantic Beach Bridge would have to be upgraded to Interstate standards and its toll removed.
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