the city chose not to pursue rehabilitation of the existing structure because of its level of deterioration, and instead hoped to build an interstate highway between the battery tunnel and the lincoln tunnel, taking advantage of funding and financing from the federal highway trust fund (10 cent interstate dollars). the city elected to leave the structure standing, as there was no money available to demolish the structure. portions were demolished when they became a threat to people or property at ground level or non-city money became available. federal westway money was used for the demolition of the elevated structure from 42nd street south to the battery and to pave surface streets as a temporary roadway while the battle over westway continued.