Why Was The New York State Thruway Built?

The New York State Thruway. Interstate 90. The 90, as it's called in Western New York. Whatever you call it, chances are you will drive on it one way or another today if you live in New York. I-90 connects almost all of New York State's major Cities: New York City, Albany, Utica, Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo. It essentially replaced the Erie Canal as the "Gateway To The West." Buy why? Yes, it may seem obvious, but this video explains it quite clearly.

Why The New York State Thruway Was Built

This footage is from 1951. New York State Archives on YouTube shared this old footage that gives the sales pitch to people for the New York State Thruway and explains why it is needed.

The video explains that, at the time, due to the Great Depression and World War II, roads were deteriorating, and the roads were simply not big enough for large trucks and commercial vehicles. It promised to make products travel and be delivered faster, saving everyone money and time. It promised to reduce traffic jams and help military forces travel faster to protect the state. It was also said to increase tourism to other cities.

Did it work? Yes. "The 90" allows delivery and commercial trucks to pass through the state quickly while connecting most of the major cities that people visit on a regular basis. Some sections have even become three lanes wide on each side to accommodate heavy traffic.

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I-90 was a revolutionary way to move products and people. What idea will come next to move things even faster?

New York Towns That Share the Same Name

Is New York State so big that there is room for 2 towns with the same name? Yes! Did the settlers of the Empire State forget they already named one town Rochester before naming the second one...Rochester? Whatever the reasons are, here are a few New York towns that share the same name.

Gallery Credit: Karolyi

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Source: Why The New York State Thruway Was Built

Filed Under: New York State, New York, New York State Thruway, The 90, New York news