Curious about what lies beneath the Hudson River? We are standing at the entrance of the Lincoln Tunnel. It is a crucial artery connecting New Jersey to Midtown Manhattan. Let’s uncover some fascinating facts about this underwater marvel.
The Lincoln Tunnel consists of three tubes. Each tube facilitates two lanes of traffic. These tubes weren’t all built at once. The center tube was the first to open in 1937. The north tube followed in 1945 and the south tube in 1957.
Ole Singstad designed the Lincoln Tunnel. He employed shield-and-compressed-air methods. This was necessary to combat the immense water pressure of the Hudson River.
Originally called the Midtown Hudson Tunnel, the Lincoln Tunnel stretches approximately 1.5 miles. It runs about 97 feet below the river’s surface. The center tube is the longest. It measures 8216 feet and has reversible lanes. The north tube carries westbound traffic. It extends 7482 feet. The south tube handles eastbound traffic. It spans 8006 feet.
Did you know that the construction involved workers called sandhogs? They assembled massive iron rings weighing 21 tons each to line the tunnel. This was dangerous work. The air pressure had to be carefully maintained.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey operates the Lincoln Tunnel. It got its name in honor of Abraham Lincoln. It is a testament to engineering ingenuity.
In 2016, around 19 million vehicles traveled through the Lincoln Tunnel. This makes it the second most used tunnel in New York.
The New Jersey approach includes a distinctive helix. This 4000-foot roadway loops to navigate the steep King’s Bluff ledge.
Interestingly, there’s an exclusive bus lane in the center tube during morning rush hour. This Lincoln Tunnel Exclusive Bus Lane or XBL moves about 1850 buses. It carries 70000 commuters.
The Lincoln Tunnel has seen its share of history. In 1971, nineteen elephants walked through the tunnel. They were accompanied by a zebra a llama and a pony. They were headed to Manhattan.
Tolls are collected electronically. As of January 2025, tolls-by-mail cost $18.31 from New Jersey to New York City. E-ZPass users get a discounted rate. There are no tolls going from New York City to New Jersey.
The Lincoln Tunnel stands as a vital transportation link. It facilitates the flow of people and commerce between New York and New Jersey. Next time you pass through this underwater passage remember these facts. It is more than just a tunnel. It is a symbol of human innovation.