If it were dug up and converted to parkland, as has been proposed by groups in the Bronx (see MTR 177) the little-used Sheridan Expressway would stand in good company alongside other urban highways - actual or planned - that are now promenades or linear parks.

· In 1974, Harbor Drive along the Willamette River in Portland Oregon was torn up and the 37 acre Tom McCall Waterfront Park, which includes basketball courts, hiking and bicycling trails, a dock, fountain, art and rest rooms was developed.

· In San Francisco, the 1989 earthquake dislodged part of the Embarcadero Freeway, shutting it down. Instead of fixing the elevated road, the city decided to reclaim its waterfront by clearing the highway and building a premier promenade with pedestrian accommodations, art installations, and a bike path.

· Community opposition in the 1960's and 1970's led to cancellation of plans for a major Boston highway southwest of downtown. Today, the Southwest Corridor Park features a rail right-of-way for a subway line commuter rail and Amtrak, but no highway. Instead a bicycle/pedestrian path, community gardens, an extension of a community college and housing for the elderly have been developed in the corridor.

See information related to this article:

• Click here to see the Campaign's concept paper on decommissioning the Sheridan Expressway