Print this page Print this page

Mr. Lincoln’s Tunnel

J.M. Syken

Course Outline

In this course, we will examine the historical background, design, construction, operation and legacy of the Lincoln Tunnel (a.k.a. “Midtown-Hudson Tunnel”) – a sub-aqueous vehicular tunnel between midtown Manhattan (NYC) and Weehawken, NJ.Our review will include an overview of its direct predecessor; the Holland Tunnel (1927) inclusive of design similarities, differences, changes, advancements, technology, operation etc. As well, we will examine the need for the tunnel in the wake of the completion of the George Washington Bridge (1931) and growing trans-Hudson traffic demands.

The role of the Port of New York Authority in the creation of the Lincoln Tunnel and the phased construction of the three tubes over a period spanning from 1934 to 1957 will be discussed in depth and detail. This will include the initial single tube (with two lanes of bi-directional traffic) and the second and third tubes (in the immediate and later post-WWII era). In particular, the use of hydraulic wrenches (to speed tunnel ring con-struction), selection/testing/application of vitrified paving brick and glass tile for the ceiling will be subject/s of special interest. As well, the creation of the approaches to the tunnel, in particular the “Helix” serving the NJ portal, will be highlighted.

This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.

Learning Objective

At the conclusion of this course, the student will:

Intended Audience

This course is intended for architects, engineers and other design professionals.

Benefit to Attendees

The attendee/s will gain an intimate knowledge and insight into the creation of the second trans-Hudson vehicular tunnel

Course Introduction

This course includes an in-depth PowerPoint presentation and the viewing of a documentary film.

Course Content

In this course, you are required to view/study the following slideshow and the materials contained in the web pages:

Mr. Lincoln’s Tunnel (printable handout in PDF, 5 MB, see Note A below for downloading instruction)

Mr. Lincoln’s Tunnel (non-printable slideshow for screen-viewing only, 20 MB, see Note A below for downloading instruction)

Archival/Documentary Film:

TITLE: Lincoln Tunnel History
LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=in6pNo8k3ek
DURATION: 02:45

TITLE: Geology of the Hudson River
LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etmi8dA1In8
DURATION: 04:07

TITLE: Building the Lincoln Tunnel
LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlJiZ58y8JE
DURATION: 02:43

Note A: Please click on the above underlined hypertext to view, download or print the document for your study. Because of the large file size, we recommend that you first save the file to your computer by right-clicking the mouse and choosing "Save Target As ...", and then open the file in Adobe Acrobat Reader from your computer.

Course Summary

In 1927, the Holland Tunnel – a joint venture of the Bridge and Tunnel Commission/s of New York and New Jersey, was opened to trans-Hudson traffic. Though there were several rail tunnels under the Hudson by that time, the Holland Tunnel would be the first vehicular crossing of the Hudson. To make it safe over its long length, an ingenious ventilation system was incorporated that would provide a safe passage from one end to the other for the many thousands of vehicles that traveled through it daily. Immediately, its twin, mono-directional tubes were operating at capacity. To relieve the pressure, ten miles to the north another vehicular crossing  - the George Washington Bridge, opened to traffic (in 1931). To again relieve the pressure of the growing tide of vehicles, another crossing was needed in the gap between the Holland Tunnel and the GWB in the midtown-Manhattan vicinity, what was needed was a “Midtown-Hudson Tunnel.” Ultimately, it would be built by the bi-state agency charged with interstate commerce – The Port of New York Authority, and be named after the “Lincoln Highway” which, in reality, began in Weehawken, NJ – the western portal of the new tunnel, before crossing the continent. A single, bi-directional tube initially, it grew to accommodate three “tubes,” serving as the all-important third trans-Hudson vehicular crossing.

Related Links

For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following websites:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lincoln_Tunnel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Cp1Rh-FNOc
(Film: How Tunnels Are Made Safe - 47:18)

Quiz

Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.

DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.