West Side Highway

West Side Highway. The West Side Highway is a major north-south thoroughfare running along the western edge of Manhattan in New York City. It forms a critical segment of New York State Route 9A and serves as a primary conduit for traffic between Lower Manhattan and the Upper West Side. The roadway has evolved from an elevated expressway to a modern, at-grade boulevard, playing a vital role in the city's transportation network and waterfront access.

History

The origins of the route trace back to the late 19th century with the construction of the West Side Elevated Highway, an elevated roadway built to relieve congestion on Eleventh Avenue, infamously known as "Death Avenue." The original structure, designed by engineer Robert Moses, opened in stages from the 1930s and was a hallmark of Depression-era public works. By the 1970s, structural decay led to the collapse of a section near the Gansevoort Peninsula, prompting its closure and eventual demolition. The current at-grade boulevard, officially part of NY 9A, was reconstructed and reopened in 2001 following extensive planning and community input, transforming the area from an industrial corridor into a vibrant public space integrated with the Hudson River Park.

Route description

The highway begins at the southern tip of Manhattan near Battery Park City, closely paralleling the Hudson River for its entire length. It travels northward past major landmarks including the World Financial Center, the Passenger Ship Terminal, and Riverside Park. The roadway features multiple lanes, dedicated bicycle paths, and extensive pedestrian promenades as part of the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway. It transitions seamlessly into the Henry Hudson Parkway at the northern terminus near the Spuyten Duyvil Bridge, which connects to the Bronx. The design emphasizes traffic flow while providing critical access to Pier 40, the Javits Center, and numerous residential neighborhoods along the Upper West Side.

Major intersections

From south to north, the highway connects with several key arteries and crossings. Major junctions include the entrance to the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel near the Battery Park Underpass, and intersections with Canal Street, Houston Street, and 14th Street. It provides access to the Lincoln Tunnel via 34th Street and crosses important crosstown routes like 57th Street and 72nd Street. The northern segment interfaces with Riverside Drive and Dyckman Street before merging with the Henry Hudson Parkway. These intersections facilitate movement between Midtown Manhattan, Chelsea, and Washington Heights.

Public transportation

The corridor is served by multiple MTA Regional Bus Operations bus lines, including the M11 and M12, which run along adjacent avenues. While no New York City Subway lines run directly above the highway, several stations on the IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line and the IND Eighth Avenue Line are within walking distance. The Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) system's stations at the World Trade Center and Hoboken Terminal provide regional rail connections. Additionally, the Hudson River Park bikeway is a key component of the city's cycling infrastructure, linking to ferry terminals operated by NYC Ferry and Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises.

Future and redevelopment

Ongoing and planned projects continue to reshape the corridor, focusing on resilience and multimodal access. Central to this is the Battery Park City Authority's work on coastal protection against sea level rise. The New York State Department of Transportation is studying improvements to traffic flow and safety, particularly around the Javits Center expansion. Long-term visions include further integration with the Hudson River Park Trust's master plan and potential redesigns of key interchanges to better accommodate increased pedestrian and cyclist traffic spurred by developments in Hudson Yards and the Far West Side.

Category:Transportation in Manhattan Category:Roads in New York City Category:New York State Route 9A