WEEHAWKEN, NJ – The Lincoln Tunnel, a key conduit connecting Weehawken, New Jersey, and Midtown Manhattan, New York, is set to undergo a series of improvements. This 1.5-mile-long tunnel, named after Abraham Lincoln, was designed by Ole Singstad and consists of three vehicular tubes. The center tube has reversible lanes, and the northern and southern tubes manage westbound and eastbound traffic, respectively.
Construction of the Lincoln Tunnel began in 1934, with the central tube opening in 1937. The northern tube opened in 1945, following a delay due to World War II. The third tube, added due to increased traffic, opened in 1957. The tunnel has seen several enhancements since its inception, focusing on security and tolling methods.
As a major Hudson River crossing, the Lincoln Tunnel, along with the Holland Tunnel, serves as a vital link for automobile traffic between New Jersey and New York. Managed by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the tunnel is part of a network of six tolled crossings in the area. Tolls are collected only in the New York-bound direction. The Lincoln Tunnel is a significant part of New Jersey Route 495 and New York State Route 495, although the latter is not consistently signed or referenced in official documents.
The tunnel’s average daily traffic exceeds 112,995 vehicles. The planned improvements aim to enhance the tunnel’s capacity and safety, ensuring smoother traffic flow and reduced congestion. Commuters are advised to expect minor delays during the upgrade period and to plan their travel accordingly.