Today, Explained A George Washington Bridge too far
Jan 22, 2020
Matt Katz, a WNYC reporter who extensively covered the Bridgegate scandal, discusses the implications of a Supreme Court case related to the infamous George Washington Bridge traffic jam. He shares insights into the motivations behind the politically charged lane closures in 2013, the key figures involved, and the ongoing struggle between politics and legal ethics. Katz also highlights the fallout from the scandal, including concerns about executive accountability and public trust in political leaders amid corruption.
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Fort Lee Traffic Jam
- Unexplained traffic jams plagued Fort Lee, NJ, for days, causing significant disruptions.
- School buses were delayed for hours, and people missed medical appointments and job interviews.
Traffic Study Explanation
- Bill Barone, a Port Authority official, claimed the lane closures were for a traffic study.
- This explanation was met with skepticism, especially given the lack of documentation.
Smoking Gun Email
- An email from Christie's deputy chief of staff revealed the traffic jam was intentional.
- It was meant to punish Fort Lee's mayor for not endorsing Christie's reelection.
