Brooklyn Battery Tunnel

Hugh L. Carey Tunnel

Description

The Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel, is a tolled tunnel connecting Red Hook, Brooklyn, with the Battery in Manhattan. At 9,117 feet it is the longest continuous underwater vehicular tunnel in North America. Three seals grace the front of the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority. One is the seal of the City of New York.

Construction Started, Oct 28, 1940

The Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel's construction began in 1940 but was delayed due to World War II shortages. Ole Singstad was the chief engineer until 1946, after which Ralph Smille took over when the Tunnel Authority merged with the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority (TBTA). Architect Erling Owre, known for his work on the Holland Tunnel's ventilation towers, later served as the supervising architect for the Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel, focusing on its ventilation tower design.

Opened, May 25, 1950

It now carries Interstate 478 and is operated by MTA Bridges and Tunnels. The severe-looking Moderne style ventilation building at Battery Place was designed by Parks Department architect Aymar Embury II and completed in 1950.

Related People & Organizations

Hugh Carey,Brooklyn Battery Tunnel was renamed after the former New York Governor Hugh Carey in 2012.