The photograph shows a section of the Long Island Expressway (I-495), taken from Queens in 1974.
Only about one mile remains before entering the tunnel beneath the East River, which leads directly to 37th Street in Manhattan.
The image captures a moment frozen in time — when New York was entering an era of heavy traffic, roadside billboards, and ambitious infrastructure expansion.
Building the Artery of Long Island
The Long Island Expressway, commonly known as the LIE, stretches for about 106 kilometers (66 miles). It connects the heart of New York City with the many towns and suburbs scattered across Long Island — from Manhattan all the way to Riverhead.
Construction of the highway was largely completed by 1972, though improvements and finishing works continued between 1973 and 1975. The LIE quickly became one of the most important transportation arteries in the region, linking a growing suburban landscape with the urban core.
“The World’s Longest Parking Lot”
Not long after it opened, the expressway earned its infamous nickname — “The World’s Longest Parking Lot.” The reason was simple: endless traffic jams, especially during rush hour. Even today, the Long Island Expressway remains one of the most congested highways in the United States.
The State of New York continues to invest in repairs, expansions, and modernization projects to keep pace with the region’s ever-growing traffic demands.
The 1970s in a Snapshot: Ads and Skyline
Look closely at the photo, and you’ll spot two unmistakably vintage billboards: Marlboro Country and Ballantine’s whiskey — reminders of a time when tobacco and alcohol advertising defined the American roadside aesthetic.
In the background, the Empire State Building still dominates the Manhattan skyline. By 1972, however, it had already lost its title as the world’s tallest building to the newly completed Twin Towers of the World Trade Center.
Today, the Empire State ranks around No. 60 among the world’s tallest skyscrapers — but it remains one of New York’s most iconic silhouettes.
