Ole Singstad

Called the ‘master tunnel builder’, he came to New York in 1909 to collaborate on the design of the Hudson tubes which was the first underwater link between New Jersey and New York.  After 2000 tests he solved the ventilation problem for the Holland Tunnel which was the first automobile tunnel.  The solution involved building a hollow space below the roadway through which air could be pumped and a hollow space above it to draw out the carbon monoxide.  Singstad went on to design every major tunnel in New York City and many outside.