George Washington Bridge and a Teaneck Tribute

George Washington Bridge and a Teaneck Tribute

On October 25, 1931, cars started to roll over the George Washington Bridge (Route 4 would be completed the following year).
In early October of 1931, the town started to sense the coming changes.
For the comfort of these gentlemen, we got a letter from the Port authorities showing the proposed routes for traffic from the bridge when
it is opened, and the proposed route was Route #4 going down to Grand Avenue, Englewood, Grand Avenue to Forest Avenue, and right over to Queen Anne Road and down to Cedar Lane. Of course we protested immediately. I called up the New York office and he went over the grounds with the Chief and I think the traffic will be diverted to Fort Lee Road, Teaneck Road and over Cedar Lane.
That in brief is the story of the conditions on Teaneck Road except for one section. Conditions will be better, if that is any comfort.
– Manager Paul Volcker (Oct. 6, 1931)
Contrary to popular belief, the growth of our town wasn’t a direct result of the GWB and Rt 4.  In 1930, we had 16,513 residents (as per Census records), which increased to 25,275 in 1940 (it would jump to over 40,000 residents by the 1960’s).
The year also coincided with the Bicentennial celebrations for President Washington.  In celebration, trees were planted across the Country (more on that here).
Teaneck joined with the other 71 communities in Bergen County to participating in the tree plantings near the bridge.