The NYPR Archive Collections
Opening of Bruckner Expressway
Speakers: Commissioner Moses State Supt. of Public Works John W. Johnson. Mayor Wagner. Governor Harriman.
Moses is introduced by an unnamed speaker.
Moses tells us that Governors Ribikoff [connecticut] and Harriman opened up the New England Throughway to traffic. He describes how the New England Throughway fits in with Bruckner section and the Connecticut turnpike.
He describes the beginning of construction of a new part of the Bruckner Expressway. The Bruckner will be a makeshift update.
He talks about the way Bruckner links together other parts of New York's arterial highway construction in great depth. He predicts the full program will be complete in 1963. He discusses the importance of variety in his highway schemes.
He feels that such highways need not be ugly or intrusive. He talks bout the people and organizations that have stood in the way of his plans. His language is colorful. He feels they are small mobs obstructing democracy.
He talks about expected demographic and economic changes in the New York area and the necessity for his plans.
He praises Governor Harriman's understanding of the arterial program and the necessity of his assistance.
Moses introduces the State Superintendent of Public Works, John W. Johnson.
Johnson describes the carving out of the place for the expressway. He talks about Harriman's concerns for the people of New York and praises Moses' plan and his wonderful mind.
Moses introduces Bronx Borough President Jim Lyons. He talks about former Bronx Borough President Bruckner, the section's namesake and his predecessor. He talks about the future of the Bruckner section and Hunt's Point in the Bronx. He thanks the governor and others.
Moses introduces the comptroller, Lawrence Gerosa.
Gerosa did not know he was to speak, but is pleased to see the new expressway which will help his company as well as the people of New York.
Moses introduces Mayor Robert F. Wagner. He describes New York as having the world's greatest highway system. He tells us what the expressway and the Bruckner section will bring to New York and New England as well. He talks about the necessity for the program due to the soaring population and rise of the automobile. The government is responsible for providing safe and efficient automobile traffic.
Moses introduces governor Harriman.
Harriman thanks the crowd and other speakers and performers. He describes the Bruckner expressway's ties to the 2 billion dollar program in the City for highways and 4.5 billion dollar program in the state. He praises the foresight required to meet the demands for future traffic. He talks about the "ribbon snipping" at the Connecticut border. He praises Moses, Wagner, and the Comptroller. He talks about the great investments for the future that the expressways and hospitals represent.
Harriman talks about the Bronx' role in the program. He talks about progress made in travel death rates. New York State is fourth lowest in the nation. The legislature failed to pass important parts of his safety program.
He asks the public to become aroused for safety legislation.
He thanks those involved in the building of the expressways for their physical work. He talks about the problem of companies leaving their workers behind.
Harriman is briefly interrupted by a heckler.
Harriman brings two young people to the stage to help dedicate the section.
The program ends with a performance from the Sanitation Department Band.
Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection
WNYC archives id: 150437
Municipal archives id: LT8072