The tunnel's ventilation system was designed by Ole Singstad, a pioneer in underwater tunnel engineering.
The three tubes are named North, Center, and South, with the North tube opening in 1945 and the South tube in 1957.
The tunnel reaches a maximum depth of approximately 97 feet below the surface of the Hudson River.
During peak morning hours, the center tube operates exclusively for buses traveling into Manhattan.
The tunnel was used as a filming location for the 1970s film The Godfather.
Workers used 'sandhogs' to dig the tunnel under pressurized conditions to prevent the river from flooding the excavation site.
The Lincoln Tunnel is an underwater vehicular tunnel connecting Weehawken, New Jersey, to Midtown Manhattan, New York City. It consists of three separate tubes of varying ages, with the center tube being reversible to handle peak-hour traffic flow. Operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, it serves as a critical artery for trans-Hudson commuters. The tunnel spans approximately 1.5 miles beneath the Hudson River. It is a major component of the regional transportation infrastructure, featuring specialized ventilation systems to manage exhaust levels. Construction of the initial tube began in 1934 and concluded with its opening in 1937. The tunnel accommodates both private vehicles and a high volume of interstate bus traffic via an exclusive bus lane during morning peak periods.
The Weehawken entrance portal viewed from the JFK Boulevard East overlook.
Use real-time traffic applications before approaching, as congestion can vary significantly based on lane closures.
Stay in the correct lane well in advance of the tunnel entrance to avoid prohibited maneuvers.
Keep headlights on at all times, as visibility is significantly reduced inside the tunnels.
Do not attempt to photograph while driving; it is a major safety hazard and restricted.
The tunnel operates 24/7, but individual tubes are occasionally closed for maintenance during overnight hours.
