Newark Airport travelers have been enjoying the new Terminal A, which opened just under two years ago, while drivers no longer need to use cash to pay tolls at the Lincoln Tunnel since December 2022. But what does the future hold for the transportation artifacts that these new facilities replaced? These relics of past eras stand as silent sentinels of history and progress, bearing witness to the ever-evolving transportation landscape.

The decommissioned terminal and toll plaza may seem like overlooked remnants of the past, yet they tell rich stories of the region's transit legacy. Newark's old terminal, once bustling with activity, now evokes a sense of nostalgia. It served millions of travelers over the years, each journey contributing to the tapestry of shared experiences that define the airport's history. Similarly, the Lincoln Tunnel's defunct toll plaza stands as a monument to a time when cash transactions were an integral part of daily commutes.

These structures represent more than just concrete and steel; they are landmarks of transportation evolution. As plans for their future are deliberated, considerations for preservation, redevelopment, or repurposing come into play. For some, they might become museum pieces, preserving the technological advancements and architectural styles of their times. For others, they might be revitalized into new spaces for community use or modern infrastructure.

In a broader context, the fate of such transportation artifacts reflects ongoing debates about balancing historical preservation with modern needs. The stories of Newark's old terminal and the Lincoln Tunnel toll plaza invite us to ponder how we can honor the past while embracing the future. These landmarks, though no longer in service, continue to shape conversations about our transportation past and its influence on today's innovations.

As urban landscapes evolve, the remnants of previous infrastructures remind us of our journey through time, offering a unique perspective on progress and change. They stand as enduring symbols of connectivity, bridging milestones of the past with the endless possibilities of the future.