The Mystery Of Tappan Zee: Why Build A Bridge Where The River's Wide?

https://www.npr.org ^ | May 14, 2014 | David Kestenbaum

[Beowulf9]

If you've ever driven up the East Coast, you may have driven over the Tappan Zee Bridge. The span — north of New York City — was built in the spot that seems to make the least economic sense. Why?

[Wallace T.]

Naming highways and bridges after politicians is not exclusive to New York. The Kentucky parkways are named after recent political office holders, e,g., the Bert T. Combs Mountain Parkway. Another phenomenon is naming interchanges and overpasses after some fallen soldier or police officer. I am more comfortable with that, as it is a reminder of a sacrifice in the line of duty.

In the age of cancel culture, past politicians who have fallen out of favor, like John C. Calhoun, William McKinley, or Woodrow Wilson, have had their names removed from lakes, mountains, and colleges.

[Beowulf9]

Doesn't look that bad...😳

[Beowulf9]

[Impala64ssa]

In a VW bug it was scary
Or a truckload of 55 gallon drums of machining fluid that I used to deliver. Especially in winter when those high winds kicked in. Good times 😛😮😮

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

The Water Is Wide

[Beowulf9]

This song is beautiful. I’ve heard of the Seekers before but not this one. Wow. Thank you :)

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

I am glad you liked it. YouTube is run by jerks but they have also introduced me to some real beauty.

[Beowulf9]

Very much agree.

[lepton]

It’s difficult to compare actual deck heights, since some measure clearance to the water, and some actually measure to the road surface.

But quite beside that, some of the bridges are just narrow and bounce each from traffic and wind, and other bridges are pretty steady. Some are built in well-lit areas, and some are pitch black over the edge at night. So it’s not just actual height, but illusion.

[Tolerance Sucks Rocks]

The old one was the one I went over. It was a rickety-looking, two-lane green monster. I’m guessing that one was built during the Great Depepression by the WPA.

[NoKoolAidforMe]

Yes, the 59th Street Bridge.