NYC Catwalk Cars
posted June 12, 2024 #
If you've ever driven through the Holland Tunnel or the Lincoln Tunnel in NYC, you've likely noticed the very thin, raised, sidewalk running the length of the entire path. Presumably, this is for service members to traverse the area without being in the street. What wasn't clear to me, is that there was once a track up there that used to power little "catwalk cars" for police officers.
When I first saw these images, I assumed it was an AI creation but, nope, they're real! Look at this Getty images photo - adorable. They were first placed into service in 1954 and could go up to 12mph. In 1960, a second gen was introduced that could go 35mph! It seems they lasted in limited capacity until 2011 when they were fully retired. A shame really, I'd pay extra to traverse the Lincoln tunnel in one of these bad boys.
When I first saw these images, I assumed it was an AI creation but, nope, they're real! Look at this Getty images photo - adorable. They were first placed into service in 1954 and could go up to 12mph. In 1960, a second gen was introduced that could go 35mph! It seems they lasted in limited capacity until 2011 when they were fully retired. A shame really, I'd pay extra to traverse the Lincoln tunnel in one of these bad boys.

LIFE ad
Retired Catwalk Car
