on august 23, 1934, governor herbert lehman signed a bill authorizing construction of a southern extension of the elevated highway from canal street to the battery. however, this segment was opposed by the communities along the route since it might "result in a waste of tax funds". construction on the first section of this, from duane street to canal street, was begun on january 24, 1938. unlike previous sections of highway, which used granite blocks as a surface, concrete was used on the new section. the road was opened to traffic on february 4, 1939. a steel superstructure consisting of an arched bridge was built at canal street because the holland tunnel below ground restricted locations of bridge supports.