Hudson Square in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Holland Tunnel
National Historic Civil And Mechanical Engineering Landmark
| | Constructed 1920-1927 | |
Photographed by Larry Gertner, September 29, 2009
1. Holland Tunnel Marker
Two attached medallions have disappeared.
The first long mechanically ventilated underwater tunnel in the world designed for motor vehicle use
The 29.5 ft. diameter 3,500 ft. long twin tubes of this tunnel were shield driven by the pneumatic method through extremely difficult river bottom conditions that were overcome by the ingenuity and determination of the engineers, Clifford M. Holland, Milton H. Freeman and Ole Singstad. The tubes were the largest in the U.S. when built.
The unprecedented length was a bold step forward in subsequent tunnel engineering.
The principal feature of the cast iron-lined tunnel is the ventilating system. Its design was based on elaborate theories of physiological and mechanical tests conducted mainly by the U.S. Bureau of Mines.
The resulting system - forcing fresh air in at roadway level and drawing off the exhaust-laden air at the ceiling over the entire tunnel length has been the model for all succeeding vehicular tunnels. The air is moved by 42 blowing and 42 exhaust fans of 6000 total horsepower, arranged in 4 ventilation buildings.
The tunnel is operated by The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Presented 1934 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the American Society of Civil Engineers
Erected 1934 by American Society
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the ASCE Civil Engineering Landmarks, and the ASME Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmarks series lists.
Location. 40° 43.45′ N, 74° 0.402′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in Hudson Square. It can be reached from the intersection of Varick Street and Watts Street, on the right when traveling south. Located in Freeman Plaza East. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: New York NY 10013, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in New York City. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named The Holland Tunnel (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Holland Tunnel (within shouting distance of this marker); 9/11 Memorials (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); House of Leonard Lispenard (about 500 feet away); C.F. Martin & Co. Guitars (about 600 feet away); General Josι Artigas (about 600 feet away); Juan Pablo Duarte (about 700 feet away); Albert Capsouto Park (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.
Other markers no longer nearby. 9/11 Memorial
Photographed by Larry Gertner, September 26, 2009
2. Holland Tunnel Manhattan-side Entrance
Also see . . . The Holland Tunnel at Wikipedia. (Submitted on January 25, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Larry Gertner, January 31, 2020
3. Freeman Plaza East
The marker is at the opening in the fence.
Photographed by Larry Gertner, January 31, 2020
4. Holland Tunnel Marker plinth
The damage from the removed medallions has been repaired.
from Wikipedia
5. Clifford Milburn Holland (1883-1924)
First Chief Engineer of the Hudson River Vehicular Tunnel (renamed after his death)
Credits. This page was last revised on December 13, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 25, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 751 times since then and 49 times this year. Last updated on December 4, 2023, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 25, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3, 4. submitted on January 31, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 5. submitted on January 25, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
