Long Island Motor Parkway paved the way for the highways and interstates we know today.
History of the Long Island Motor Parkway
The Long Island Motor Parkway, also known as the Vanderbilt Parkway, was the first roadway designed specifically for automobile use. Privately financed and built by William Kissam Vanderbilt II, the parkway featured bridges and overpasses to eliminate most intersections—an innovation far ahead of its time. It officially opened on October 10, 1908, and operated as a private toll road until 1938, when it was taken over by New York State in lieu of back taxes. Portions of the original roadway survive today as pieces of other roadways or as a bicycle and walking path in Queens, extending from the Long Island Expressway toward Winchester Boulevard.
Originally envisioned as a 70-mile route stretching from New York City all the way to Riverhead, only 45 miles were ultimately constructed—from Queens to Lake Ronkonkoma—at a total cost of about $6 million. Construction began in June of 1908, and on October 10 that same year, an initial 10-mile segment opened to Bethpage, NY. The parkway hosted the Vanderbilt Cup Races in 1908, and again on the full roadway in 1909 and 1910. Following a tragic accident during the 1910 race, which resulted in the deaths of two riding mechanics and multiple injuries, the New York Legislature banned road racing outside purpose-built tracks, bringing an end to the Motor Parkway’s brief racing era.
After racing ended, the parkway continued through the 1930s as a private, uninterrupted toll road—famous for its smooth, police-free driving experience. The toll was $1 for daytime use (equivalent to roughly $34 today). Annual passes providing unlimited access were available as well, introducing what many consider the first toll-pass system in the United States.
Please enjoy a selection of Long Island Motor Parkway relics collected over the past 15 years.
Feel free to reach out with any questions, comments, or suggestions for edits. We’ve enjoyed many great conversations with fellow enthusiasts!
