Northbound view of the Clearview Expwy, passing under the
Long Island Expwy eastbound service road. The center supports
of older LIE, Cross Bronx and Van Wyck Expwy overpasses, built
in the early or mid 50's, were solid walls.
The later LIE overpasses and their Clearview contemporaries, from
the 60's through the 70's, had open spaces in the supports, like
this example. Part of the reason for the design shift may have
been aesthetics. I feel they look alot more modern and nicer.
A more practical reason may have been, as in the subway tunnels,
to give workmen a hiding place to jump into, to escape unexpected
traffic coming their way.
Most likely, the hollow walls were simply less expensive.
