on april 24, 1925, governor al smith signed a bill authorizing the construction of the highway. funds for the $11 million highway were to be procured by property assessments along the route; this was considered reasonable due to advantages gained from the highway by those living along the route. the road was to be , five feet wider than fifth avenue, with a speed limit of at least , and would be off the ground. it would be built of steel, with a cement face. a three-foot (1 m) sidewalk would be built for pedestrians, although the highway was intended mainly for motor vehicles. two-block-long ramps would be provided with easy grades for entering and exiting the highway. trucks would be allowed on the highway.