Downtown's aged, narrow streets require extra care

In the 730 days since September 11, 2001, the city and state departments of transportation have focused on repairing downtown streets, restoring utilities, maintaining a pedestrian-friendly environment, and generally working to keep traffic moving. The agencies have accomplished more than many people may realize, thanks to cooperation with the Port Authority, the city's Department of Design and Construction, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, ferry services like New York Waterway, and utilities including Con Edison and Verizon.

Here's a rundown of some of the major transportation milestones in Lower Manhattan that have helped more people get there and get around:

• The 1/9 train running through the WTC was restored

  Restoration of all subway lines, including the E line to Chambers Street, the 1/9 line running through the World Trade Center site to South Ferry, and the N/R trains running along Church Street and reconstruction of the N/R Cortlandt Street station
• Restoration of six lanes of West Street
• Creation of the Church Street busway during weekday rush hours
• Construction of pedestrian viewing areas on the east and south sides of Ground Zero
• Creation of ferry slips at Battery Park and the World Financial Center
• Construction of footbridges over West Street at Rector and Liberty Streets, and initial construction of a third above-ground pedestrian crossing at Vesey Street
• Complete reconstruction of Rector and Murray Streets, which were badly damaged by heavy construction traffic during the WTC cleanup
• Appointment of Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava to design the WTC transportation hub

West Street promenade, rendering

• Reopening the WTC PATH station in November 2003, which will restore the connection to Jersey City's Exchange Place station for the first time since 9/11
• The November 2003 completion of capital reconstruction projects on Greenwich and William Streets
• Construction of the Fulton Street Transit Center
• Launch of fast-ferry service between Lower Manhattan and LaGuardia Airport in late 2004; similar service will launch to and from JFK Airport the following year
• Construction of a permanent World Financial Center ferry terminal
• Redevelopment of West Street to improve pedestrian access to Battery Park City and the World Financial Center

More details about construction progress in LowerManhattan.info can be found in its archives. Following are links to some related articles.

Vehicular and Pedestrian-Related Construction

Many downtown streets have been restored

State DOT Prepares Report on West Street Options

When will the Holland Tunnel reopen to commercial vehicles?

PATH Service

The PATH to a Stronger Lower Manhattan

Exchange Place PATH Station Reopens

Water Taxi, a popular new way to get to and from Lower Manhattan

 Ferry Travel

Whitehall Ferry Terminal Undergoes Renovation

Water Taxi Makes a Splash in New York Harbor

 Transit

Return of 1, 9 Trains Restores Rhythm, Routine

Downtown Traffic Changes Ease Way for Buses

Utilities

Keeping Lower Manhattan Bright and Well Connected