EPA press release on WTC cleaning hotline launch, June 2002

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

Reducing Traffic Congestion 7^1 ris i There are several options for reconfiguring West Street into the ....> type of promenade envisioned. The construction of a simple at- grade promenade is one option. Under thi,s option, the length of West Street (from the Battery to the World Trade Center site) would be landscaped. The design and construction of this option would take three years and cost approximately $400 mil­ lion.

However, the most effective way* to reduce surface traffic sub­ stantially at the WTC site is to build a short bypass tunnel that will create a depressed and covered roadway between Liberty and Vesey Streets — the length of the four city blocks that are Schematic diagram of the West Street short adjacent to the site. This approach creates two levels: the lower bypass tunnel option.

level bypass will contain two express lanes in each direction, while a road with two lanes in each direction plus turning lanes will be created at the surface to accom­ modate local vehicular traffic. The State Department of Transportation estimates that approxi­ mately 75% of the traffic along West Street will utilize the runnel portion and 25% will utilize the surface road. This scenario will result in a much less congested roadway at the WTC site where pedestrians will be crossing, creating a more pleasant environment for residents and work­ ers. In addition, the short tunnel approach will provide opportunities for enhanced landscaping adjacent to the memorial due to the decrease in the number of surface lanes between Liberty and Vesey Street. It also has the advantage of reducing noise from traffic along the length of the World Trade Center site.

Further analysis of the two options is required; however, there is a strong preference for the short bypass, given its advantages. It is estimated that the design and construction of the tree-lined promenade and the short bypass would cost $900 million. Portions of the promenade would be created within two years, and the entire project would be completed within five years.

Note: Completely tunneling West Street from the World Trade Center site to Battery Park would not sufficiently reduce congestion. It is estimated that 65% of vehicles, most bound for local destinations, would be required to remain above ground.

3-I l^ower Manhattan Transportation Strategics

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