The original design did not take into account such a collapse, and so people in the streets were not sheltered from falling debris and ash. Pedestrian safety was not fully considered in this large of a disaster. The several pedestrian bridges which connected Battery Park were completely destroyed, which made it difficult for rescue personnel to evacuate, as well as causing "residents of Battery Park City to have no easy means to reach their homes," (WINDS 2). Yet, the collapse internally rather than sideways did save many more lives from being taken that day. The design did fare well with the protection of the subways underneath the twin towers. The subway system below remained structurally intact, but was severely damaged by flooding, leading to its need to be completely replaced, "The two tunnels to New jersey were flooded from broken sewer and water main, as well as from firefighters' months-long...
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