Editing Interstate 678 (section)

==History==

===Whitestone Parkway<span class="anchor" id="Whitestone Expressway"></span>===
In 1936, New York governor [[Herbert H. Lehman]] signed a bill that authorized the construction of the Bronx–Whitestone Bridge, which would connect Queens and the Bronx.<ref>{{Cite news |url = https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1936/05/21/88661224.pdf |title = Lehman Signs Bill for Relief Bonds |date = May 21, 1936 |work = [[The New York Times]] |access-date = December 19, 2017 |language = en-US |issn = 0362-4331 |archive-date = January 18, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230118221533/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1936/05/21/88661224.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false |url-status = live }}</ref> At its north end, the Bronx–Whitestone Bridge would connect to Eastern Boulevard (later known as [[Bruckner Boulevard]]) via the [[Hutchinson River Parkway]].<ref name=":2">{{cite map |title = New York |author1 = Esso |author-link = Esso |year = 1940 |author2 = General Drafting |author2-link = General Drafting |scale = 1:687,000 |location = New York |publisher = Esso |inset = New York City }}</ref> The bridge's south end would connect to a new Whitestone Parkway, which led southwest off the bridge to Northern Boulevard.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{cite map |title = New York with Pictorial Guide |author1 = Esso |year = 1942 |author2 = General Drafting |scale = 1:687,000 |location = New York |publisher = Esso |inset = New York City }}</ref> Just south of the bridge, there was to be a three-level interchange between the Whitestone Parkway and the [[Cross Island Parkway]].<ref name="p1331193083">{{cite news |date=January 14, 1939 |title=13 Enter Bids to Build 3 Belt Parkway Bridges: Lowest Opened by Department of Parks Is $330.651 Three-Level Bridge Designed for Cross Island Parkway |page=10 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1331193083}}}}</ref> Plans for the bridge were completed by February 1937, at which time the state started issuing bonds to fund bridge construction.<ref>{{Cite news |url = https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1937/02/15/94337177.pdf |title = Whitestone Bridge at Financing Stage: Authority Scans Two Plans for a Bond Issue to Build Bronx-Queens Span |date = February 15, 1937 |work = The New York Times |access-date = December 19, 2017 |language = en-US |issn = 0362-4331 |archive-date = January 18, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230118221533/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1937/02/15/94337177.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false |url-status = live }}</ref> The [[Right-of-way (transportation)|right-of-way]] for the Whitestone Bridge and Parkway was legally designated in July 1937.<ref>{{Cite news |url = https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1937/07/22/94403998.pdf |title = City Gets Queens Land: 2 1/2-Mile Strip Being Taken for Link to Whitestone Bridge |date = July 22, 1937 |work = The New York Times |access-date = December 19, 2017 |language = en-US |issn = 0362-4331 |archive-date = January 18, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230118221533/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1937/07/22/94403998.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false |url-status = live }}</ref>

[[File:2024-06-18 15 35 49 View south along Interstate 678 (Whitestone Expressway) from the overpass for 14th Avenue in Queens, New York City, New York.jpg|thumb|right|I-678 (Whitestone Expressway) southbound at 14th Avenue]]
The Whitestone Bridge and Parkway both opened on April 29, 1939.<ref name=":3">{{cite news |url = https://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB0F16FA3A58127A93C5AB178FD85F4D8385F9 |title = Whitestone Span to Open Saturday |date = April 27, 1939 |work = The New York Times |access-date = April 4, 2010 |page = 23 |archive-date = June 5, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110605163751/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB0F16FA3A58127A93C5AB178FD85F4D8385F9 |url-status = live }}</ref> Construction on the bridge and parkway had been accelerated in preparation for the [[1939 New York World's Fair]],<ref name=":3" /> which opened one day after the Whitestone Bridge and Parkway. The new highway was intended as a major thoroughfare to the World's Fair, which was hosted in [[Flushing Meadows–Corona Park]], near the Whitestone Parkway's southern end.<ref>{{Cite news |url = https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1939/04/30/95774083.pdf |title = 1,000,000 to See Fair Opening |date = April 30, 1939 |work = The New York Times |access-date = December 19, 2017 |language = en-US |issn = 0362-4331 |archive-date = January 18, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230118221533/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1939/04/30/95774083.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false |url-status = live }}</ref> In 1953, work began on an interchange between Willets Point Boulevard, Northern Boulevard, and Whitestone Parkway, at the parkway's southern end.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 8, 1953 |title=Corona to Get Interchange at Parking Field |pages=633 |work=New York Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112365754/corona-to-get-interchange-at-parking/ |access-date=November 1, 2022 |archive-date=November 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101153909/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112365754/corona-to-get-interchange-at-parking/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=May 9, 1953 |title=Low Bidder on Interchange |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1953/05/09/archives/low-bidder-on-interchange.html |access-date=November 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101153908/https://www.nytimes.com/1953/05/09/archives/low-bidder-on-interchange.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Van Wyck Expressway===
In the 1940s, Moses proposed the construction of a system of highways that would traverse the New York City area.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |url = https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1944/03/13/83966970.pdf |title = Highway Network Proposed for City Hits Albany Snag |last = Moscow |first = Warren |date = March 13, 1944 |work = The New York Times |access-date = December 19, 2017 |language = en-US |issn = 0362-4331 |archive-date = January 18, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230118221257/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1944/03/13/83966970.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false |url-status = live }}</ref> The plan was to cost $800&nbsp;million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|800000000|1940}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}), and, in 1945, the city agreed to pay $60&nbsp;million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|60000000|1945}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}) of that cost.<ref>{{Cite news |url = https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1945/02/20/84629382.pdf |title = Road Plan Allots 60 Million to City |date = February 20, 1945 |work = The New York Times |access-date = December 19, 2017 |language = en-US |issn = 0362-4331 |archive-date = January 18, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230118221306/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1945/02/20/84629382.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false |url-status = live }}</ref> Among them was the Van Wyck Expressway, which would stretch from [[Idlewild Airport]] (now JFK Airport) in the south to [[Queens Boulevard]] in the north.<ref name=":1" /> The six-lane expressway was to be built along the path of what was then Van Wyck Boulevard,<ref>{{Cite news |url = https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1945/05/21/88231419.pdf |title = Dozen Major Airlines Seek Space At Idlewild, Openning {{sic |nolink=y}} About Oct 1 |date = May 21, 1945 |work = The New York Times |access-date = December 19, 2017 |language = en-US |issn = 0362-4331 |archive-date = January 18, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230118221533/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1945/05/21/88231419.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false |url-status = live }}</ref> and it was to cost $11.65 million.<ref name="p1291234632">{{cite news |date=November 26, 1945 |title=City Reveals $300,000,000 Highway Plan: 100 Million To Be Spent in Year, 200 Million Later on 100 Miles of Roads Six Lanes for Most Of Belt Parkway Idlewild Expressway Is Among Projects; U. S. and State Aid Pledged |page=1 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1291234632}}}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1945-11-26">{{Cite news |date=November 26, 1945 |title=$285,000,000 Roads Planned for City; the Folks Back in the Old Country Are Proud of New York City's Mayor-elect |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1945/11/26/archives/285000000-roads-planned-for-city-the-folks-back-in-the-old-country.html |access-date=October 31, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031143432/https://www.nytimes.com/1945/11/26/archives/285000000-roads-planned-for-city-the-folks-back-in-the-old-country.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The original street and the freeway were both named after former New York City Mayor [[Robert Anderson Van Wyck]], but the pronunciation of "Wyck" was heavily disputed: depending on the person, "Wyck" could rhyme with either "lick" or "like".<ref name=":0">{{cite news |last = Bilefsky |first = Dan |title = Stuck on the Van Wyck Expressway? Just Try to Pronounce It |url = https://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/26/nyregion/van-wyck-expressway-also-snarls-pronunciation.html?pagewanted=all |access-date = June 20, 2012 |newspaper = The New York Times |date = May 26, 2011 |page = A28 |archive-date = September 16, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170916094728/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/26/nyregion/van-wyck-expressway-also-snarls-pronunciation.html?pagewanted=all |url-status = live }}</ref> The Van Wyck Expressway was to be built to higher standards than [[Parkways in New York|New York's parkways]], as it was intended to handle truck traffic. The highway would contain three lanes in each direction, as well as cobblestone shoulders.<ref name="nyt-1950-01-24">{{Cite news |last=Ingraham |first=Joseph C. |date=January 24, 1950 |title=Airport Highway to Open This Year; New Link Between Queens Boulevard and New York International Airport |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1950/01/24/archives/airport-highway-to-open-this-year-new-link-between-queens-boulevard.html |access-date=November 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101135320/https://www.nytimes.com/1950/01/24/archives/airport-highway-to-open-this-year-new-link-between-queens-boulevard.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Several parks and playgrounds were also built along the expressway's route.<ref name="p1326931373" /><ref name="nyt-1950-01-24" />

In 1946, the city started relocating or demolishing houses in the proposed expressway's [[Right-of-way (transportation)|right-of-way]].<ref>{{Cite news |url = https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1946/05/18/113133545.pdf |title = Veterans Will Get 2,000 Houses Here |date = May 18, 1946 |work = The New York Times |access-date = December 19, 2017 |language = en-US |issn = 0362-4331 |archive-date = January 18, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230118221533/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1946/05/18/113133545.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false |url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="p1291264467">{{cite news |date=May 18, 1946 |title=Family, Moving, Takes a 2-Story House With It: Veteran Picks Up New Home From City to Replace One Condemned for Airport Veteran's House Is Moved to Make Way for Expressway |page=15 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1291264467}}}}</ref> The city had acquired 355 houses in the expressway's path,<ref name="p1291264467" /> and it ultimately relocated 263&nbsp;households,<ref>{{Cite news |url = https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1948/10/01/96599306.pdf |title = Van Wyck Expressway |date = October 1, 1948 |work = The New York Times |access-date = December 19, 2017 |language = en-US |issn = 0362-4331 |archive-date = January 18, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230118221534/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1948/10/01/96599306.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false |url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="p1326931373">{{cite news |date=January 5, 1952 |title=Expressway Link to Idlewild Ready Next Fall: Last Mile of Van Wyck to Go From Queens Blvd. to Grand Central Parkway Work in Progress on Van Wyck Expressway Extension |page=2 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1326931373}}}}</ref> as well as the Van Wyck Avenue Congregational Church.<ref name="p1326931373" /> In some cases, the city government placed existing houses on trailers and rolled them to vacant sites nearby, allowing residents to move back into their houses in as little as 24 to 48 hours.<ref name="nyt-1946-03-13">{{Cite news |date=March 13, 1946 |title=Wheels to Speed Shift of Housing; Skids Abandoned for Moving of Queens Homes From Line of New Expressway |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1946/03/13/archives/wheels-to-speed-shift-of-housing-skids-abandoned-for-moving-of.html |access-date=October 31, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031235049/https://www.nytimes.com/1946/03/13/archives/wheels-to-speed-shift-of-housing-skids-abandoned-for-moving-of.html |url-status=live }}</ref> One four-story apartment building, which housed 35&nbsp;families, was placed on metal rollers and relocated away from the expressway's path. Normally, new houses would have been built for these families, but there was not enough land to build individual homes for these families.<ref>{{Cite news |url = https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1947/10/29/104357418.pdf |title = 35 Families Will Get Ride in House on Trans-Boulevard Trip in Queens |date = October 29, 1947 |work = The New York Times |access-date = December 19, 2017 |language = en-US |issn = 0362-4331 |archive-date = January 18, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230118221534/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1947/10/29/104357418.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false |url-status = live }}</ref> After some of the houses were relocated, they were sold to military veterans at reduced prices.<ref name="p1335152332">{{cite news |date=January 3, 1948 |title=Homes on Highway Site Saved for Veterans' Use |page=23 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1335152332}}}}</ref> The first major contract for the Van Wyck Expressway's construction was awarded in September 1947, when Rusciano and Son was contracted to build retaining walls and utilities along the expressway's right of way.<ref name="nyt-1947-09-04">{{Cite news |date=September 4, 1947 |title=Van Wyck Contract Let; $2,558,748 Project Is First Major Step on Expressway |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1947/09/04/archives/van-wyck-contract-let-2558748-project-is-first-major-step-on.html |access-date=October 31, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031235046/https://www.nytimes.com/1947/09/04/archives/van-wyck-contract-let-2558748-project-is-first-major-step-on.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="p1313539934">{{cite news |date=September 4, 1947 |title=Developing Firm Buys Large South Shore Tract |page=36 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1313539934}}}}</ref>

Construction was delayed several times; the state government had rejected bids for several major contracts, saying the bids were too high.<ref name="nyt-1948-05-10">{{Cite news |date=May 10, 1948 |title=Airport's Highway Lags on High Cost; Idlewild to Open in 80 Days, but Manhattan Route Is 1 1/2 Years From Completion |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1948/05/10/archives/airports-highway-lags-on-high-cost-idlewild-to-open-in-80-days-but.html |access-date=October 31, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031235045/https://www.nytimes.com/1948/05/10/archives/airports-highway-lags-on-high-cost-idlewild-to-open-in-80-days-but.html |url-status=live }}</ref> One of the most complex aspects of the project was the replacement of an overpass carrying the [[Long Island Rail Road]] (LIRR) near the [[Jamaica station]].<ref name="nyt-1948-05-10" /><ref name="p1327364387">{{cite news |date=May 10, 1948 |title=State Opens Bids May 26 On Van Wyck Underpass |page=3 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1327364387}}}}</ref> The LIRR overpass alone cost $3.2 million, as contractors could not interrupt service on the LIRR corridor, which carried 1,635 trains every twenty-four hours.<ref name="nyt-1949-01-26">{{Cite news |date=January 26, 1949 |title=Commuters Curb Bridge Expansion; Train Every 52 Seconds Makes Engineering Problem Above Wider Route to Idlewild |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1949/01/26/archives/commuters-curb-bridge-expansion-train-every-52-seconds-makes.html |access-date=October 31, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031235049/https://www.nytimes.com/1949/01/26/archives/commuters-curb-bridge-expansion-train-every-52-seconds-makes.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The final construction contract for the Van Wyck's first segment was awarded in January 1950.<ref name="nyt-1950-01-24" />   The segment from Queens Boulevard to Idlewild ultimately cost $17 million.<ref name="p1326931373" /> It opened on October 14, 1950,<ref>{{Cite news |url = https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1950/10/14/91114631.pdf |title = Opening Set Today for 3 Road Links |date = October 14, 1950 |work = The New York Times |access-date = December 19, 2017 |language = en-US |issn = 0362-4331 |archive-date = January 18, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230118221534/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1950/10/14/91114631.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false |url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="p1327516763">{{cite news |date=October 14, 1950 |title=New Express Highways in Three Boroughs Open Today |page=3 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1327516763}}}}</ref> with a ceremony attended by New York governor [[Thomas E. Dewey]].<ref name="nyt-1950-10-15">{{Cite news |last=Ingraham |first=Joseph C. |date=October 15, 1950 |title=Dewey 'Shows' Foes How He Spends As He Opens $47,000,000 Roads |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1950/10/15/archives/dewey-shows-foes-how-he-spends-as-he-opens-47000000-roads-opening.html |access-date=November 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101135320/https://www.nytimes.com/1950/10/15/archives/dewey-shows-foes-how-he-spends-as-he-opens-47000000-roads-opening.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The new highway reduced driving time between Idlewild and Manhattan by 20 percent.<ref name="nyt-1950-10-22">{{Cite news |last=Thorne |first=B. k |date=October 22, 1950 |title=New Expressway Shortens Trip to Idlewild; Short Road |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1950/10/22/archives/new-expressway-shortens-trip-to-idlewild-short-road.html |access-date=November 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101135330/https://www.nytimes.com/1950/10/22/archives/new-expressway-shortens-trip-to-idlewild-short-road.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Later the same year, the Gull Construction Company was contracted to install "safety plantings" in the median, consisting of shrubs and trees, to separate the different directions of traffic.<ref name="p1325160999">{{cite news |date=December 3, 1950 |title=Expressway Contract Let: Flushing Co. Gets $456,944 Job for Van Wyck Safety Plantings |page=20 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1325160999}}}}</ref> New York state officials announced in 1960 that they would install a [[Jersey barrier]] in the Van Wyck's median, replacing the plantings, which had not been effective in preventing crashes.<ref name="nyt-1960-05-12">{{Cite news |last=Stengren |first=Bernard |date=May 12, 1960 |title=Parkways Here to Get Dividers; State to Spend $2,500,000 to Prevent Accidents -- Jersey Also Acting |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/05/12/archives/parkways-here-to-get-dividers-state-to-spend-2500000-to-prevent.html |access-date=November 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101145118/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/05/12/archives/parkways-here-to-get-dividers-state-to-spend-2500000-to-prevent.html |url-status=live }}</ref> 

In April 1949, Dewey signed a contract authorizing a northward extension of the highway to Grand Central Parkway.<ref name="p1335497767">{{cite news |date=April 26, 1949 |title=Dewey Upholds Dual Jobs for Teachers Here: Out-of-License Teaching Is Indorsed Too; Van Wyck Expressway Bill Signed |page=5 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1335497767}}}}</ref> This segment was to cost $11.6 million.<ref name="p1326931373" /> The project included widening a segment of Grand Central Parkway between Horace Harding Boulevard (today's Long Island Expressway) and the Kew Gardens Interchange.<ref name="p1326931373" /><ref name="nyt-1951-01-11">{{Cite news |date=January 11, 1951 |title=State Opens Bids on Queens Road Widening; White Plastic to Replace Painted Guide Line |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1951/01/11/archives/state-opens-bids-on-queens-road-widening-white-plastic-to-replace.html |access-date=November 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101135320/https://www.nytimes.com/1951/01/11/archives/state-opens-bids-on-queens-road-widening-white-plastic-to-replace.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In addition, a ramp was built from [[Main Street (Queens)|Main Street]] to the Van Wyck Expressway, and an overpass was built to carry Queens Boulevard above both Main Street and the highway.<ref name="p1326931373" /> The Gull Construction Company received the contract for the segment of the highway between Hoover Avenue and 88th Avenue<ref name="nyt-1950-08-03">{{Cite news |date=August 3, 1950 |title=Van Wyck Bids Received |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1950/08/03/archives/van-wyck-bids-received.html |access-date=November 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101135322/https://www.nytimes.com/1950/08/03/archives/van-wyck-bids-received.html |url-status=live }}</ref> in September 1950.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 16, 1950 |title=Contract Let on Queens Route |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1950/09/16/archives/contract-let-on-queens-route.html |access-date=November 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101145120/https://www.nytimes.com/1950/09/16/archives/contract-let-on-queens-route.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="p1325154306">{{cite news |date=September 17, 1950 |title=Queens Contract Let: State Makes Award for Building Van Wyek Expressway |page=42 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1325154306}}}}</ref> A direct ramp from the northbound Van Wyck to Queens Boulevard opened in June 1953; prior to the opening of this segment, the northbound expressway was frequently congested.<ref name="p95116986">{{cite news |date=June 13, 1953 |title=8-Highway Interchange in Queens Opens One of Last Links Monday |page=17 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|95116986}}}}</ref><ref name="p1322491495">{{cite news |date=June 13, 1953 |title=Idlewild Link Opens Monday |page=6 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1322491495}}}}</ref> The extension to Grand Central Parkway opened on November 13, 1953,<ref>{{Cite news |url = https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1953/11/12/84077566.pdf |title = 2 Arterial Links to Speed Traffic Will Be Opened in City Tomorrow |date = November 12, 1953 |work = The New York Times |access-date = December 19, 2017 |language = en-US |issn = 0362-4331 |archive-date = January 18, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230118221535/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1953/11/12/84077566.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false |url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="p1322461754">{{cite news |date=November 12, 1953 |title=Van Wyck Route Link To Interchange Is Ready |page=21 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1322461754}}}}</ref> but the ramps from the Van Wyck Expressway to Main Street were delayed for another year, opening in November 1954.<ref name="nyt-1954-11-24">{{Cite news |date=November 24, 1954 |title=Queens Thoroughfare Extended |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1954/11/24/archives/queens-thoroughfare-extended.html |access-date=November 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101135333/https://www.nytimes.com/1954/11/24/archives/queens-thoroughfare-extended.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== 1964 World's Fair upgrades ===
[[File:Whitestone Xp exit 16 jeh.JPG|thumb|left|I-678 exit&nbsp;16 in College Point]]

In December 1957, the state approved a $9.5&nbsp;million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|9500000|1957}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}) project to widen a {{Convert|2.1|mi|km|adj=on}} segment of Whitestone Parkway from Northern Boulevard to the Bronx–Whitestone Bridge, build a new bridge over the [[Flushing River]], and improve the parkway to [[Interstate Highway standards]] using funds from the [[Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956]], in which the federal government would pay 90&nbsp;percent of the proposed highway's cost.<ref name=":5">{{Cite news |date=December 16, 1957 |title=9.5 Million Project to Aid Boro Traffic |page=1 |work=Long Island Star-Journal |url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201957%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201957%2520a%2520-%25201623.pdf |archive-date=January 18, 2023 |via=[[Fultonhistory.com]] |access-date=March 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230118221534/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2014/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal%201957/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal%201957%20a%20-%201623.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The parkway would be expanded from two to four lanes in each direction, and the interchange with the Cross Island Parkway would also be upgraded.<ref name="n112364037">{{Cite news |date=March 8, 1959 |title=Flushing Span Hearing is Set for April 15 |pages=683 |work=New York Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112364037/flushing-span-hearing-is-set-for-april/ |access-date=November 1, 2022 |archive-date=November 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101145118/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112364037/flushing-span-hearing-is-set-for-april/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The design process for the upgrade was nearing completion when the state approved the project.<ref name=":5" /> The head of the [[Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority]] (TBTA), [[Robert Moses]], stated that the upgrade could start in 1960. At the time of the announcement, the junction with Northern Boulevard was heavily congested because motorists used local streets to connect to the [[Grand Central Parkway]], opposite Flushing Meadows Park from the Whitestone Parkway.<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 9, 1958 |title=Parkway Link to End Northern Blvd. Jams |page=1 |work=Long Island Star-Journal |url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201958%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201958%2520-%25200212.pdf |archive-date=January 18, 2023 |via=Fultonhistory.com |access-date=March 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230118222036/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2014/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal%201958/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal%201958%20-%200212.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> In early 1959, Moses formally asked the [[United States Army Corps of Engineers]] for permission to close the existing Flushing River drawbridge permanently.<ref name="nyt-1959-01-15">{{Cite news |last=Ingraham |first=Joseph C. |date=January 15, 1959 |title=Widening Sought for Whitestone; Drawbridge Closing Asked to Build Second Span for an 8-Lane Parkway |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1959/01/15/archives/widening-sought-for-whitestone-drawbridge-closing-asked-to-build.html |access-date=November 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101145118/https://www.nytimes.com/1959/01/15/archives/widening-sought-for-whitestone-drawbridge-closing-asked-to-build.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The drawbridge would then be upgraded to Interstate standards, and a second, fixed span would be built adjacent to the drawbridge.<ref name="n112364037" /><ref name="nyt-1959-01-15" /> Several boat operators initially opposed the plans—the bridges would be {{convert|40.8|ft}} above [[mean high water]], shorter than some of the vessels that used the creek—but they eventually withdrew their opposition.<ref name="nyt-1959-04-16">{{Cite news |last=Nevard |first=Jacques |date=April 16, 1959 |title=Opposition Ended on Flushing Span; Harbor Craft Men Reverse Position on Fixed Bridge Across Mouth of Creek |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1959/04/16/archives/opposition-ended-on-flushing-span-harbor-craft-men-reverse-position.html |access-date=November 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101145119/https://www.nytimes.com/1959/04/16/archives/opposition-ended-on-flushing-span-harbor-craft-men-reverse-position.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Flushing Meadows Park was subsequently selected to host the [[1964 New York World's Fair]]. In advance of the World's Fair, city officials announced in early 1960 that they would upgrade the Whitestone Parkway and extend the Van Wyck Expressway northward to the Whitestone Expressway.<ref name="nyt-1963-05-132">{{Cite news |last=Ingraham |first=Joseph C. |date=May 13, 1963 |title=State Warns Contractors to End Lag In World's Fair Road Jobs; 5 Projects in Queens Running Late, and Traffic Is a Mess Static Warns Contractors to End Lag in World's Fair Road Jobs |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/05/13/archives/state-warns-contractors-to-end-lag-in-worlds-fair-road-jobs-5.html |access-date=November 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101145118/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/05/13/archives/state-warns-contractors-to-end-lag-in-worlds-fair-road-jobs-5.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="LISJ-HwyWorkSet-1961">{{Cite news |date=December 7, 1961 |title=Highway Work Set on 3 New Projects |page=2 |work=Long Island Star-Journal |url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201961%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201961%2520b%2520-%25201699.pdf |archive-date=January 18, 2023 |via=Fultonhistory.com |access-date=March 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230118222036/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2014/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal%201961/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal%201961%20b%20-%201699.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> City officials approved a $10 million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|10000000|1960}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}) project to upgrade the Whitestone Parkway in May 1960,<ref>{{cite news |date=May 19, 1960 |title=25 Million in Roads Approved for City |work=The New York Times |url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1960/05/19/105434739.pdf |access-date=January 14, 2018 |archive-date=January 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230118222037/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1960/05/19/105434739.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false |url-status=live }}</ref> and work on the parkway began near Northern Boulevard in September 1961.<ref name="nyt-1961-09-17">{{Cite news |date=September 17, 1961 |title=First Work Set on Roads to Fair; Queens Interchange Begins Tomorrow -- Traffic to Shift |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/09/17/archives/first-work-set-on-roads-to-fair-queens-interchange-begins-tomorrow.html |access-date=November 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230118222037/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/09/17/archives/first-work-set-on-roads-to-fair-queens-interchange-begins-tomorrow.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Contracts for the upgrade were awarded in September 1962.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 28, 1962 |title=Whitestone X-Way, New Flushing Span OK |page=3 |work=Long Island Star-Journal |url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201962%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201962%2520-%25209187.pdf |archive-date=January 18, 2023 |via=Fultonhistory.com |access-date=March 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230118222037/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2014/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal%201962/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal%201962%20-%209187.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The portion of the Hutchinson River Parkway south of Bruckner Boulevard and all of the Whitestone Parkway were converted to Interstate standards. The Whitestone Parkway was subsequently renamed the Whitestone Expressway, and the aforementioned segment of the Hutchinson River Parkway was renamed the Hutchinson River Expressway.<ref name="1962map">{{cite map|title=Long Island and New York City|year=1962|author=Rand McNally and Company|scale=1:82,902|location=Chicago|publisher=Rand McNally and Company|inset=Long Island (Western Section)|oclc=55707497}}</ref><ref name="1963map">{{cite map|title=New York Happy Motoring Guide|author1=Esso|author2=General Drafting|year=1963|edition=1963|scale=1:687,000|location=Convent Station, NJ|publisher=Esso|inset=Northern approaches to New York City|oclc=26606599}}</ref> The new four-lane bridges over the Flushing River opened in June 1963; it temporarily carried two lanes in each direction until the old drawbridge was upgraded.<ref name="nyt-1963-06-04">{{Cite news |date=June 4, 1963 |title=New 4-Lane Bridge Over Flushing River Opens Today |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/06/04/archives/new-4lane-bridge-over-flushing-river-opens-today.html |access-date=November 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230118222038/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/06/04/archives/new-4lane-bridge-over-flushing-river-opens-today.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The Whitestone Expressway upgrade was completed on December 12, 1963.<ref name="nyt-1963-12-12">{{Cite news |date=December 12, 1963 |title=New Expressway Link Opens in Queens Today |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/12/12/archives/new-expressway-link-opens-in-queens-today.html |access-date=November 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101145117/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/12/12/archives/new-expressway-link-opens-in-queens-today.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

The [[New York City Planning Commission]] approved the {{convert|3.7|mi|km|adj=on}} extension of the Van Wyck Expressway in April 1960. At the time, that project was planned to cost $3.48 million.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bennett |first=Charles G. |date=April 6, 1961 |title=New Queens Road to '64 Fair Voted; Planners Back Extension of Van Wyck Expressway by 3.7 Miles to North World's Fair Expressway Link To Queens Is Voted by Planners |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/04/06/archives/new-queens-road-to-64-fair-voted-planners-back-extension-of-van.html |access-date=November 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101145119/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/04/06/archives/new-queens-road-to-64-fair-voted-planners-back-extension-of-van.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Work on the Van Wyck Expressway Extension, as it was originally known, began in late 1961.<ref name="LISJ-HwyWorkSet-1961" /><ref name="nyt-1961-09-17" /> The extension opened on December 30, 1963,<ref name="nyt-1963-12-28">{{Cite news |last=Stengren |first=Bernard |date=December 28, 1963 |title=All Major Roads to World's Fair Expected to Be Ready in a Month; New Queens Road to Open Monday |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/12/28/archives/all-major-roads-to-worlds-fair-expected-to-be-ready-in-a-month-new.html |access-date=November 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101145116/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/12/28/archives/all-major-roads-to-worlds-fair-expected-to-be-ready-in-a-month-new.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="p964419951">{{cite news |last=Beltrone |first=Art |date=December 30, 1963 |title=Drivers Get a Break |page=11 |work=Newsday |id={{ProQuest|964419951}}}}</ref> although the Long Island Expressway and Jewel Avenue interchanges were not yet completed at the time.<ref name="p964419951" /> The opening of the Jewel Avenue interchange had been delayed by six weeks after a major steel contractor had filed for bankruptcy during the project.<ref name="nyt-1963-05-13">{{Cite news |last=Ingraham |first=Joseph C. |date=May 13, 1963 |title=State Warns Contractors to End Lag In World's Fair Road Jobs; 5 Projects in Queens Running Late, and Traffic Is a Mess Static Warns Contractors to End Lag in World's Fair Road Jobs |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/05/13/archives/state-warns-contractors-to-end-lag-in-worlds-fair-road-jobs-5.html |access-date=November 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101145118/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/05/13/archives/state-warns-contractors-to-end-lag-in-worlds-fair-road-jobs-5.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Interstate Highway===
As early as 1961, ''The New York Times'' had reported that the Whitestone Expressway was to be known as Interstate 678.<ref name="nyt-1961-09-17" /> City traffic commissioner [[Henry A. Barnes]] subsequently claimed that Moses had proposed the I-678 designation unilaterally.<ref name="p915362471">{{cite news |last=Zinman |first=Dave |date=April 11, 1966 |title=Moses 'Builds' Road With Pencil: Barnes |page=21 |work=Newsday |id={{ProQuest|915362471}}}}</ref> The Whitestone and Hutchinson River expressways were designated as I-678 {{circa|lk=no|1965}}.<ref name="1964map">{{cite map|title=New York and Metropolitan New York|author1=Sinclair Oil Corporation|author-link=Sinclair Oil Corporation|year=1964|author2=Rand McNally and Company|author2-link=Rand McNally and Company|scale=1:757,000|location=Chicago|publisher=Sinclair Oil Corporation|inset=Lower New York and Long Island}}</ref><ref name="1965map">{{cite map|title=Metropolitan New York City Area, Tourgide {{sic|nolink=y|intended=This is a brand called "Tourgide"}} map|author1=Gulf Oil Corporation|author2=Rand McNally and Company|year=1965|scale=1:364,152|location=Pittsburgh, PA|publisher=Gulf Oil Corporation|inset=Metropolitan New York City area, including Westchester County, N.Y., and northeastern New Jersey|oclc=246639605}}</ref> The I-678 designation was extended southward over the Van Wyck Expressway to JFK Airport on January 1, 1970.<ref name="1970log" /> Although it is designated as a three-digit [[auxiliary Interstate Highway]], I-678 never intersects with its ostensible "parent" Interstate, [[Interstate 78 in New York|I-78]]. Originally, I-78 would have continued eastward through [[New York City]] from its current terminus at the [[Holland Tunnel]] along the proposed [[Lower Manhattan Expressway]] and over the [[Williamsburg Bridge]] to [[Queens]], where it would have followed the [[Bushwick Expressway]] past the southern end of the Van Wyck Expressway to [[Laurelton, Queens|Laurelton]]. From here, I-78 would have continued northward onto an extended [[Clearview Expressway]] and to [[the Bronx]].<ref name="1960map">{{cite map|title=New Jersey and Metropolitan New York|author1=Gulf Oil Company|author2=Rand McNally and Company|year=1960|scale=1:390,000|location=Chicago|publisher=Gulf Oil Company|inset=Road map of metropolitan New York City|oclc=986509183}}</ref><ref name="RPA-ExpresswayPlans-1964">{{cite journal |date=May 1964 |title=Expressway Plans |url=https://archive.org/details/regionalplannews7374regi |journal=Regional Plan News |publisher=[[Regional Plan Association]] |issue=73–74 |pages=1–18 |access-date=February 27, 2017 |via=[[Archive.org]]}}</ref>

Early plans for I-678 had the highway following the [[Astoria Expressway]], a proposed freeway that would run along the NY&nbsp;25A corridor from [[Interstate 278|I-278]] to the [[Grand Central Parkway]].<ref name="1960map" /> These plans were mostly canceled by the late 1960s,<ref>{{cite map|title=New York State Highways|author=New York State Department of Commerce|year=1969|author2=Rand McNally and Company|scale=1:868,032|location=Albany|publisher=State of New York Department of Commerce|inset=Metropolitan New York City|oclc=1009635438}}</ref> leading to the truncation of I-78 to the [[Brooklyn–Queens Expressway]] (I-278) on January 1, 1970.<ref name="1970log" /> In March 1971, Governor [[Nelson Rockefeller]] revealed a plan for improving New York City highways. The plan denied funding to several proposed New York City Interstate Highways, including the Astoria Expressway. Rockefeller said that these highways did not qualify for a funding agreement from the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1952. ''[[The New York Times]]'' quoted a state official who said that this move had the effect of canceling these projects.<ref name="NYTimes-LOMEX-Mar1971">{{cite news |last=Cliness |first=Francis X. |date=March 25, 1971 |title=Lower Manhattan Road Killed Under State Plan |page=78 |work=The New York Times |url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1971/03/25/81936145.pdf |access-date=April 14, 2010 |archive-date=January 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230118221250/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1971/03/25/81936145.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false |url-status=live }}</ref> I-78 currently ends at the east portal of the Holland Tunnel.<ref>{{cite web |author=New York State Department of Transportation |date=March 2, 2010 |title=New York County Inventory Listing |url=https://www.dot.ny.gov/divisions/engineering/technical-services/hds-repository2/INV_2010-03-02_new_york.csv |access-date=November 6, 2010 |publisher=New York State Department of Transportation |format=CSV |archive-date=April 8, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130408140418/https://www.dot.ny.gov/divisions/engineering/technical-services/hds-repository2/INV_2010-03-02_new_york.csv |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="2017log">{{cite book |author=New York State Department of Transportation |url=https://www.dot.ny.gov/divisions/operating/oom/transportation-systems/repository/2017%20tour-bk.pdf |title=Official Description of Highway Touring Routes, Bicycling Touring Routes, Scenic Byways, & Commemorative/Memorial Designations in New York State |date=January 2017 |publisher=New York State Department of Transportation |access-date=January 15, 2017 |archive-date=January 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170110020634/https://www.dot.ny.gov/divisions/operating/oom/transportation-systems/repository/2017%20tour-bk.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Late 20th century ====
[[File:2024-06-19 12 16 56 View north along the northbound lanes of Interstate 678 (Van Wyck Expressway) from the overpass for Liberty Avenue in Queens, New York City, New York.jpg|thumb|right|I-678 (Van Wyck Expressway) northbound at Liberty Avenue, with [[AirTrain JFK]] utilizing the median]]
In early 1988, both directions of the Whitestone Expressway near Northern Boulevard were temporarily closed because several girders in the southbound viaduct had corroded to the point that a structural failure was imminent.<ref>{{cite web |last = James |first = George |title = Sign of Collapse Leads to Closing of Queens Road |website = The New York Times |date = March 3, 1988 |url = https://www.nytimes.com/1988/03/03/nyregion/sign-of-collapse-leads-to-closing-of-queens-road.html |access-date = March 12, 2018 |archive-date = March 12, 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180312144048/https://www.nytimes.com/1988/03/03/nyregion/sign-of-collapse-leads-to-closing-of-queens-road.html |url-status = live }}</ref> This part of the Whitestone Expressway, as well as the Van Wyck Expressway from Fowler Avenue south to the Long Island Expressway, were renovated in the mid-1990s.<ref>{{cite book |title = Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Section 4(f) Evaluation: Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Airport Access Program |volume = 1 |author1 = Federal Aviation Administration |author2 = New York State Department of Transportation |location = Washington, DC |publisher = Federal Aviation Administration |year = 1994 |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=zh83AQAAMAAJ&pg=PA62 |access-date = March 12, 2018 |page = 62 |via = Google Books |archive-date = January 18, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230118222039/https://books.google.com/books?id=zh83AQAAMAAJ&pg=PA62 |url-status = live }}</ref> Starting in 2003, the northbound lanes of the Whitestone Expressway near Northern Boulevard were renovated. The project involved replacing a [[bascule bridge]] that had been at the location since the original parkway had opened in 1939, creating two U-turn ramps, and creating a new exit ramp from eastbound Northern Boulevard to Linden Place. Previously, traffic from Northern Boulevard had to cross over three lanes of northbound traffic from the Van Wyck Expressway.<ref>{{cite web |title = State to Begin Construction on Whitestone Expressway |last = Dworkowitz |first = Alexander |date = October 20, 2003 |url = https://www.timesledger.com/stories/2003/10/20030306-archive124.html |work = [[TimesLedger Newspapers|Times Ledger]] |location = Queens, NY |access-date = March 12, 2018 |archive-date = March 12, 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180312144112/https://www.timesledger.com/stories/2003/10/20030306-archive124.html |url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last = Rhoades |first = Liz |title = Expect Some Inconveniences with Whitestone Expwy. Work |website = Queens Chronicle |date = July 10, 2003 |url = http://www.qchron.com/news/north/expect-some-inconveniences-with-whitestone-expwy-work/article_33e11141-4eff-5a1f-8c38-d75192900e2e.html |access-date = March 12, 2018 |archive-date = January 18, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230118222053/https://www.qchron.com/editions/north/expect-some-inconveniences-with-whitestone-expwy-work/article_33e11141-4eff-5a1f-8c38-d75192900e2e.html |url-status = live }}</ref>

The Jamaica Branch of the [[AirTrain JFK]] [[people mover]] system was built within the median of the Van Wyck from Atlantic Avenue to the Belt Parkway. Construction started in May 1998.<ref name="NYTimes-JFKExp-Jan2005">{{cite news |url = https://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/12/nyregion/train-to-jfk-scores-with-fliers-but-not-with-airport-workers.html |title = Train to J.F.K. Scores With Fliers, but Not with Airport Workers |last1 = Chan |first1 = Sewell |date = January 12, 2005 |work = The New York Times |access-date = July 22, 2016 |archive-date = July 29, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170729015122/http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/12/nyregion/train-to-jfk-scores-with-fliers-but-not-with-airport-workers.html |url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="UCL_Bartlett">{{cite web |url = http://www.omegacentre.bartlett.ucl.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/USA_AIRTRAIN_PROFILE.pdf |title = Project Profile: USA, New York Airtrain |date = September 6, 2011 |publisher = University College London [[The Bartlett|Bartlett School of Planning]] |access-date = July 23, 2016 |archive-date = August 17, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160817073215/http://www.omegacentre.bartlett.ucl.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/USA_AIRTRAIN_PROFILE.pdf |url-status = live }}</ref>{{rp|22}} The fact that the Jamaica Branch had to be built in the middle of the Van Wyck Expressway, combined with the varying length and curves of the track spans, caused complications during construction. One lane in each direction was closed during the off-peak hours, causing congestion on the Van Wyck.<ref name="UCL_Bartlett"/>{{rp|22}} The AirTrain's guideways above the Van Wyck were completed in August 2001.<ref>{{Cite news |url = http://www.timesledger.com/stories/2001/34/20010823-archive305.html |title = AirTrain's Guideway above Van Wyck Is Complete |last = Scheinbart |first = Betsy |date = August 23, 2001 |work = Times Ledger |location = Queens, NY |access-date = September 1, 2017 |language = en |archive-date = September 2, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170902002730/http://www.timesledger.com/stories/2001/34/20010823-archive305.html |url-status = live }}</ref> The system opened in December 2003.<ref>{{Cite news |url = https://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/14/travel/travel-advisory-a-train-to-the-plane-at-long-last.html |title = Travel Advisory: A Train to the Plane, At Long Last |last = Stellin |first = Susan |date = December 14, 2003 |work = The New York Times |access-date = December 21, 2016 |archive-date = December 22, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161222002141/http://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/14/travel/travel-advisory-a-train-to-the-plane-at-long-last.html |url-status = live }}</ref>
[[File:BWApproach Center Lane (6902287890).jpg|thumb|right|upright|Bronx–Whitestone Bridge approach replacement]]

==== 21st century ====
A $286-million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|286000000|2001}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}) renovation of the Bronx–Whitestone Bridge started in August 2001.<ref>{{cite press release |url = http://www.mta.info/mta/news/newsroom/bt-031024-bw.htm |title = A New Look for a Classic Bridge |archive-date = March 5, 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090305225104/http://www.mta.info/mta/news/newsroom/bt-031024-bw.htm |publisher = MTA |access-date = November 2, 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title = A Onetime Thing of Beauty Gets a Little Prettying Up |first = Alisa |last = Roth |url = https://www.nytimes.com/2003/10/12/nyregion/neighborhood-report-whitestone-onetime-thing-beauty-gets-little-prettying-up.html |work = The New York Times |date = October 12, 2003 |access-date = April 4, 2010 |archive-date = May 27, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150527232437/http://www.nytimes.com/2003/10/12/nyregion/neighborhood-report-whitestone-onetime-thing-beauty-gets-little-prettying-up.html |url-status = live }}</ref> The project replaced the bridge's span, among other things.<ref>{{cite web |last = Chan |first = Sewell |title = A Bridge Too Fat |website = The New York Times |date = February 18, 2005 |url = https://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/18/nyregion/a-bridge-too-fat.html |access-date = March 12, 2018 |archive-date = June 11, 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180611135502/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/18/nyregion/a-bridge-too-fat.html |url-status = live }}</ref> The Queens and Bronx approaches were replaced in a project that started in 2008<ref>{{cite web |title = Bronx-Whitestone Bridge Approach Upgrade |date = December 5, 2008 |website = Bronx Times |url = https://www.bxtimes.com/stories/2008/49/doc4936b0fa9096c821748491.html |access-date = February 24, 2018 |archive-date = March 12, 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180312092623/https://www.bxtimes.com/stories/2008/49/doc4936b0fa9096c821748491.html |url-status = live }}</ref> and ended in 2015.<ref>{{cite press release |title = Bridges & Tunnels: Bronx-Whitestone Queens Approach Reconstruction Project Completed with Reopening of Third Avenue Exit |publisher = MTA |date = May 8, 2015 |url = http://www.mta.info/press-release/bridges-tunnels/bronx-whitestone-queens-approach-reconstruction-project-completed |access-date = February 24, 2018 |archive-date = March 12, 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180312083647/http://www.mta.info/press-release/bridges-tunnels/bronx-whitestone-queens-approach-reconstruction-project-completed |url-status = live }}</ref>

In early 2017, Governor [[Andrew Cuomo]] announced that as part of his plan to improve JFK Airport, two [[traffic bottleneck]]s along I-678 near the airport would be removed. At the Kew Gardens Interchange, the two-lane ramps between the Grand Central Parkway and the Van Wyck Expressway would be upgraded to three lanes in each direction. South of the interchange, the expressway will be expanded from three lanes to four lanes in each direction, with the new lanes being used as either [[high-occupancy vehicle lane]]s (HOV lanes) or [[Bus lanes in New York City|bus lane]]s. These projects, combined, would cost $1.5&nbsp;billion–2&nbsp;billion (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|1500000000|2017}}}}–{{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|2000000000|2017}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}).<ref>*{{Cite press release |url = https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-presents-2nd-proposal-2017-state-state-transforming-jfk-international-airport |title = Governor Cuomo Presents 2nd Proposal of 2017 State of the State: Transforming JFK International Airport for the 21st Century |date = January 4, 2017 |publisher = Office of Governor Andrew Cuomo |access-date = January 6, 2017 |archive-date = January 6, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170106081903/https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-presents-2nd-proposal-2017-state-state-transforming-jfk-international-airport |url-status = dead }}
*{{Cite web |url = https://www.governor.ny.gov/sites/governor.ny.gov/files/atoms/files/TransformingJFK.pdf |title = Transforming JFK |date = January 4, 2017 |publisher = Office of Governor Andrew Cuomo |access-date = January 6, 2017 |archive-date = January 7, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170107101633/https://www.governor.ny.gov/sites/governor.ny.gov/files/atoms/files/TransformingJFK.pdf |url-status = live }}
*{{cite web |url = https://www.governor.ny.gov/sites/governor.ny.gov/files/atoms/files/JFKVisionPlan.pdf |title = A Vision Plan for John F. Kennedy International Airport |date = January 4, 2017 |publisher = Airport Advisory Panel |access-date = January 5, 2017 |archive-date = January 5, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170105050708/https://www.governor.ny.gov/sites/governor.ny.gov/files/atoms/files/JFKVisionPlan.pdf |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url = https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/04/nyregion/kennedy-airport-renovation-cuomo.html |title = Remaking Kennedy Airport Is Governor's Next Big Plan |last = McGeehan |first = Patrick |date = 2017 |work = The New York Times |access-date = December 1, 2017 |language = en-US |issn = 0362-4331 |archive-date = December 1, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171201233040/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/04/nyregion/kennedy-airport-renovation-cuomo.html |url-status = live }}</ref> In October 2018, Cuomo released details of his $13-billion (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|13000000000|2018}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}) plan to rebuild passenger facilities and approaches to JFK Airport. The plan included widened ramps in Kew Gardens and a fourth vehicle lane on the Van Wyck Expressway south of Kew Gardens.<ref name="NYTimes-Solution-JFK-2018">{{cite web | title=Cuomo's $13 Billion Solution to the Mess That Is J.F.K. Airport | website=The New York Times | last=McGeehan | first=Patrick | date=October 4, 2018 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/04/nyregion/jfk-airport-cuomo.html | access-date=October 5, 2018 | archive-date=October 4, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004230428/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/04/nyregion/jfk-airport-cuomo.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Barone |first=Vincent |date=October 4, 2018 |title=Cuomo: JFK Airport renovation includes central hub, 2 new terminals |work=Newsday |url=https://www.newsday.com/news/new-york/jfk-airport-renovation-new-terminals-1.21473621 |access-date=October 5, 2018 |language=en |archive-date=October 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004225755/https://www.newsday.com/news/new-york/jfk-airport-renovation-new-terminals-1.21473621 |url-status=live }}</ref> In addition, northbound exit&nbsp;5 at Atlantic Avenue and southbound exit&nbsp;4 at Liberty Avenue would be permanently closed, as these junctions are near each other.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|last=Shain|first=Michael|date=April 18, 2019|url=https://www.qchron.com/editions/queenswide/van-wyck-rebuild-kills-on-off-ramps/article_ce57b49d-a5e8-59c4-96f0-240479d805d7.html|title=Van Wyck rebuild kills on-off ramps|website=Queens Chronicle|access-date=August 15, 2019|archive-date=August 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190815140739/https://www.qchron.com/editions/queenswide/van-wyck-rebuild-kills-on-off-ramps/article_ce57b49d-a5e8-59c4-96f0-240479d805d7.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Were the proposal approved, construction would begin in early 2020<ref name="NYGov-newjfk">{{cite web |title=Governor Cuomo Announces $13 Billion Plan to Transform JFK Into a World-Class 21st Century Airport |url=https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-announces-13-billion-plan-transform-jfk-world-class-21st-century-airport |website=[[Governor of New York|governor.ny.gov]] |publisher=[[Government of New York (state)|Government of New York]] |access-date=October 5, 2018 |language=en |date=October 4, 2018 |archive-date=October 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004224706/https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-announces-13-billion-plan-transform-jfk-world-class-21st-century-airport |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="NYDN-newjfk">{{cite web |last1=Rivoli |first1=Dan |date=October 4, 2018 |title=Kennedy Airport to get $13 billion renovation and two new terminals |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/ny-metro-jfk-renovation-cuomo-20181004-story.html |website=New York Daily News |access-date=October 5, 2018 |archive-date=October 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005054046/http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/ny-metro-jfk-renovation-cuomo-20181004-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and would be completed three years later.<ref name=":4" /> In 2021, workers began reconstructing five overpasses of I-678 in southern Queens. Work on an additional five overpasses began in mid-2022.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Van Wyck Expressway to JFK Airport Capacity and Access Improvements Contract 1 - D900048 Project|url=https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/queenscb10/downloads/pdf/notifications/dot_final_group_2_factsheet.pdf|publisher=[[New York State Department of Transportation]]|date=January 2022|access-date=October 31, 2022|archive-date=May 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524054448/https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/queenscb10/downloads/pdf/notifications/dot_final_group_2_factsheet.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> 

Also in 2017, NYSDOT began renovating an overpass that carried Jewel Avenue above I-678.<ref name="Forest Hills Post 2017">{{cite web 
|last=Law |first=Tara |date=October 18, 2017 |title=Jewel Avenue Bridge undergoes $13 million makeover |url=https://foresthillspost.com/jewel-avenue-bridge-undergoes-13-million-makeover |access-date=October 31, 2022 |website=Forest Hills Post |archive-date=October 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031223240/https://foresthillspost.com/jewel-avenue-bridge-undergoes-13-million-makeover |url-status=live }}</ref> The Jewel Avenue overpass was completed in 2019 and cost $13 million.<ref name="Parry 2019">{{cite web |last=Parry |first=Bill |date=July 19, 2019 |title=Governor announces completion of $13 million Jewel Avenue Bridge rehabilitation project – QNS.com |url=https://qns.com/2019/07/governor-announces-completion-of-13-million-jewel-avenue-bridge-rehabilitation-project/ |access-date=October 31, 2022 |website=QNS.com |archive-date=October 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031223236/https://qns.com/2019/07/governor-announces-completion-of-13-million-jewel-avenue-bridge-rehabilitation-project/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Real Estate Weekly 2019">{{cite web |date=August 1, 2019 |title=$13M overhaul of Van Wyck Expressway bridge complete |url=https://rew-online.com/13m-overhaul-of-van-wyck-expressway-bridge-complete/ |access-date=October 31, 2022 |website=Real Estate Weekly |archive-date=October 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031223239/https://rew-online.com/13m-overhaul-of-van-wyck-expressway-bridge-complete/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In addition, the I-678 viaduct between I-495 and NY&nbsp;25A was replaced in the early 2020s.<ref name="Infrastructure Engineering, Inc.">{{cite web | title=Van Wyck Expressway (I-678) Bridge Rehabilitation | website=Infrastructure Engineering, Inc. | url=https://www.infrastructure-eng.com/portfolio/van-wyck-expressway-i-678-bridge-rehabilitation/ | access-date=October 31, 2022}}</ref> The project, which consisted of the replacement of the viaduct's concrete deck, cost $124 million and was completed in February 2024.<ref name="Mukherjee 2024 r191">{{cite web | last=Mukherjee | first=Upasana | title=Rehabilitation work concludes on Van Wyck Expressway viaduct | website=World Construction Network | date=February 7, 2024 | url=https://www.worldconstructionnetwork.com/news/rehabilitation-work-concludes-van-wyck/ | access-date=February 8, 2024}}</ref><ref name="Valenti 2024 n408">{{cite web | last=Valenti | first=John | title=Stretch of Van Wyck rehab project completed near Citi Field | website=Newsday | date=February 7, 2024 | url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/transportation/van-wyck-new-york-queens-hochul-citi-field-resi14pl | access-date=February 8, 2024}}</ref>

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