The Major Deegan Expressway, which is also known as the Major Deegan Freeway, is named after Major William Francis Deegan, a decorated World War II veteran and prominent figure in the New York City transportation industry.
William Francis Deegan was born in the Bronx in 1908 and served as a pilot in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. He flew 75 combat missions and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with six oak leaf clusters for his service.
After the war, Deegan returned to New York City and began a career in transportation. He worked for the New York State Department of Public Works and was later appointed as the first commissioner of the New York State Department of Transportation in 1967.
As commissioner, Deegan was instrumental in the development of the state’s transportation infrastructure, including the construction of several major highways and bridges. He was a strong advocate for the construction of the Cross Bronx Expressway, which was completed in 1963, and for the extension of the Bronx River Parkway to Westchester County.
The Major Deegan Expressway was completed in 1956 and was named in honor of Major Deegan for his contributions to transportation in New York City and the state. Today, the expressway is a vital transportation link for commuters and commercial traffic in the Bronx and surrounding areas.
In addition to his work in transportation, Deegan was also a prominent figure in the Bronx community. He was involved in local politics and served as the chairman of the Bronx County Democratic Committee. He was also a member of several civic organizations, including the Rotary Club and the Knights of Columbus.
Deegan was known for his dedication to public service and his efforts to improve the quality of life for residents of the Bronx. He worked to improve public housing and to promote economic development in the borough.
Tragically, Deegan passed away in 1955, just a year before the completion of the expressway that would bear his name. He was only 47 years old at the time of his death.
Despite his untimely passing, Deegan’s legacy lives on through the Major Deegan Expressway and his contributions to the transportation industry and the Bronx community. The expressway remains an important artery for traffic in the Bronx and surrounding areas, and serves as a lasting tribute to a man who devoted his life to public service.