:Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel

{{redirect|Battery Tunnel|the tunnel under Battery Park in Manhattan|Battery Park Underpass|the original subway tunnel to Brooklyn, formerly sometimes called the "Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel"|Joralemon Street Tunnel}}

{{Infobox tunnel

|name= Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel

|image= TBTA BROOKLYN BATTERY TUNNEL.svg

|image_size = 100

|official_name= Hugh L. Carey Tunnel

|also_known_as= Battery Tunnel

|lanes= 4

|speed = {{convert|40|mph|kph}}

|route= {{jct|state=NY|I-Toll|478|nolink=yes}} (unsigned)

|crosses= East River

|location= Brooklyn and Manhattan, New York

|operator= MTA Bridges and Tunnels

|length= {{convert|9117|ft|m}}

|height={{convert|12|ft|1|in|m}}

|traffic= 54,076 (2016){{cite web |url=http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/nyc-bridge-traffic-report-2016.pdf |title=New York City Bridge Traffic Volumes |date=2016 |publisher=New York City Department of Transportation |page=11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180311161313/http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/nyc-bridge-traffic-report-2016.pdf |archive-date=March 11, 2018 |url-status=live |access-date=March 16, 2018}}

|opened = {{start date and age|1950|05|25}}

|toll={{Bulleted list|Both directions: Tunnel toll as of August 6, 2023, $11.19 (Tolls By Mail and non-New York E-ZPass); $6.94 (New York E-ZPass); $9.11 (Mid-Tier NYCSC E-Z Pass)|Manhattan-bound only: Variable congestion charge incurred if exiting onto Trinity Place}}

|coordinates={{coord|40.695833|-74.013611|type:landmark_region:US-NY|display=inline}}

|map={{maplink-road|from=Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel.map}}

}}

The Hugh L. Carey Tunnel, commonly referred to as the Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel, Battery Tunnel or Battery Park Tunnel, is a tolled tunnel in New York City that connects Red Hook in Brooklyn with the Battery in Manhattan. The tunnel consists of twin tubes that each carry two traffic lanes under the mouth of the East River. Although it passes just offshore of Governors Island, the tunnel does not provide vehicular access to the island. With a length of {{Convert|9117|ft|m}}, it is the longest continuous underwater vehicular tunnel in North America.

Plans for the Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel date back to the 1920s. Official plans to build the tunnel were submitted in 1930 but were initially not carried out. The New York City Tunnel Authority, created in 1936, was tasked with constructing the tunnel. After unsuccessful attempts to secure federal funds, New York City Parks Commissioner Robert Moses proposed a Brooklyn–Battery Bridge. However, the public opposed the bridge plan, and the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) rejected the plan several times out of concern that the bridge would impede shipping access to the Brooklyn Navy Yard. This prompted city officials to reconsider plans for a tunnel. Construction on the Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel started on October 28, 1940, but its completion was delayed due to World War II-related material shortages. The tunnel officially opened on May 25, 1950.

The Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel is part of the Interstate Highway System, carrying the entirety of the unsigned Interstate 478 (I-478) since 1971. The tunnel originally carried New York State Route 27A (NY 27A) until 1970. In 2012, the tunnel was officially renamed after former New York Governor Hugh Carey. It is operated by MTA Bridges and Tunnels as one of the MTA's nine tolled crossings.

Description

The Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel consists of two two-lane tubes, one in each direction. They pass underneath the East River, connecting the Battery at the southern tip of Manhattan to the neighborhood of Red Hook in Brooklyn. Although the tubes do not pass directly under Governors Island, that island contains a ventilation building for the tunnel.{{Google maps|url=https://www.google.com/maps/dir/40.6765913,-74.001459/40.707332,-74.0155074/@40.6793334,-74.0076711,16z/data=!4m2!4m1!3e0|title=Hugh L. Carey Tunnel, Brooklyn, NY 11231|access-date=March 19, 2018}} Vehicles taller than {{Convert|12|ft|1|in|m}} and wider than {{Convert|8|ft|6|in|m}} are prohibited from using the tubes.{{Cite web |url=http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/2015-06-08-truck-map-reverse.pdf |title=New York City Truck Route Map: Reverse Side |date=June 8, 2015 |website=nyc.gov |publisher=New York City Department of Transportation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170227192352/https://www1.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/2015-06-08-truck-map-reverse.pdf |archive-date=February 27, 2017 |url-status=live |access-date=September 12, 2017}} The tubes stretch {{Convert|9117|ft|m}} from portal to portal,{{Cite enc-nyc2|page=869}} making them the longest continuous underwater vehicular tunnels in North America.{{cite web |url=http://web.mta.info/bandt/html/bbt.html |title=Hugh L. Carey Tunnel (formerly Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel) |work=MTA Bridges & Tunnels |access-date=December 2, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208104323/http://web.mta.info/bandt/html/bbt.html |archive-date=December 8, 2015}}{{cite web |title=Dewatering the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel |website=North Atlantic Division |publisher=United States Army Corps of Engineers |date=September 28, 2012 |url=https://www.nad.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Releases/Article/483827/dewatering-the-brooklyn-battery-tunnel/ |access-date=March 23, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151025235908/http://www.nad.usace.army.mil/Media/NewsReleases/tabid/4870/Article/483827/dewatering-the-brooklyn-battery-tunnel.aspx |archive-date=October 25, 2015}} At the time of its opening, the Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel was the longest underwater vehicular tunnel in the US and the second-longest in the world, behind the Queensway tunnel under the River Mersey in the UK. The portals of each tube contain flood doors weighing {{convert|20|ST|LT t}} and measuring {{convert|2|ft}} thick, {{convert|14|ft}} across, and {{convert|29|ft}} tall.{{cite web |last=Gonella |first=Catalina |date=July 21, 2024 |title=This 20-ton door is the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel's last line of defense against floods, MTA says |url=https://gothamist.com/news/this-20-ton-door-is-the-hugh-l-carey-tunnels-last-line-of-defense-mta-says |access-date=July 22, 2024 |website=Gothamist}}

The tunnel was originally commissioned by the New York City Tunnel Authority, whose chief engineer Ole Singstad created the tunnel's original designs. Halfway through construction, the Tunnel Authority was merged into the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority (TBTA), whose chief engineer Ralph Smillie took over the design process.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1951/08/28/archives/engineers-debate-why-tunnel-leaks-former-and-present-chiefs-of.html |title=ENGINEERS DEBATE WHY TUNNEL LEAKS; Former and Present Chiefs of Brooklyn-Battery Tube in Disagreement on Seepage |date=August 28, 1951 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 22, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323092453/https://www.nytimes.com/1951/08/28/archives/engineers-debate-why-tunnel-leaks-former-and-present-chiefs-of.html |archive-date=March 23, 2018}} The "Battery" in the tunnel's name refers to an artillery battery originally located at that site during New York City's earliest days.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/28/nyregion/a-transformation-21-years-in-the-making-at-the-battery.html |title=A Transformation at the Battery, 21 Years in the Making |last1=Dunlap |first1=David |date=May 27, 2015 |access-date=August 14, 2015 |work=New York Times |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908045557/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/28/nyregion/a-transformation-21-years-in-the-making-at-the-battery.html |archive-date=September 8, 2015}} The tunnel was officially renamed after former Governor Hugh Carey in 2012 since he had lived in Brooklyn.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/08/nyregion/08koch.html |title=Queensboro Bridge and Brooklyn-Battery to Be Renamed |last1=Grynbaum |first1=Michael M. |date=December 8, 2010 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 22, 2018 |last2=Kaplan |first2=Thomas |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322142822/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/08/nyregion/08koch.html |archive-date=March 22, 2018}}

The Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel is owned and operated by the TBTA's successor MTA Bridges and Tunnels, an affiliate agency of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).{{cite web |url=http://web.mta.info/bandt/html/btintro.html |title=MTA Bridges and Tunnels Introduction |date=December 31, 2016 |publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority |access-date=March 18, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180515232141/http://web.mta.info/bandt/html/btintro.html |archive-date=May 15, 2018}} Until 2017, the agency collected tolls at a tollbooth on the Brooklyn side. The tollbooths have been demolished and replaced with electronic toll gantries on the Manhattan side.{{Cite web |url=https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-announces-cashless-high-speed-tolling-begins-hugh-l-carey-tunnel |title=Governor Cuomo Announces Cashless High-Speed Tolling Begins on Hugh L. Carey Tunnel |date=January 4, 2017 |website=governor.ny.gov |publisher=Office of Governor Andrew Cuomo |access-date=January 6, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106080637/https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-announces-cashless-high-speed-tolling-begins-hugh-l-carey-tunnel |archive-date=January 6, 2017}}{{cite web |url=http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/NYC-Brooklyn-Battery-Tunnel-Ditches-Tolls-MTA-Moves-to-E-ZPass-409622865.html |title=Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel Ditches Cash Tolls |date=January 4, 2017 |website=NBC New York |access-date=March 21, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322082242/https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/NYC-Brooklyn-Battery-Tunnel-Ditches-Tolls-MTA-Moves-to-E-ZPass-409622865.html |archive-date=March 22, 2018}} {{As of|2016}}, the tunnel is used by 54,076 vehicles on an average weekday.

=Associated structures=

The Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel has a total of four ventilation buildings: two in Manhattan, one in Brooklyn, and one on Governors Island. One of the Manhattan ventilation buildings is granite-faced and designed like a monument due to objections to the building's design during the construction process. The Manhattan ventilation structure was depicted as the men in black's headquarters in the Men in Black movie franchise.{{Cite web |title=Men in Black Trilogy Movie Locations |url=https://onlocationtours.com/locations/men-in-black-trilogy/ |access-date=June 20, 2021 |website=On Location Tours |language=en-US |archive-date=June 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620192449/https://onlocationtours.com/locations/men-in-black-trilogy/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=August 27, 2013 |title=Film Locations for the Original Men in Black |url=https://untappedcities.com/2013/08/27/film-locations-original-men-in-black-preserves-images-nyc-90s/ |access-date=June 20, 2021 |website=Untapped New York |language=en-US |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624201940/https://untappedcities.com/2013/08/27/film-locations-original-men-in-black-preserves-images-nyc-90s/ |url-status=live }}

The Governors Island ventilation structure, designed by McKim, Mead & White, is an octagonal building located over the midpoint of the tunnel's route, at its lowest point. According to the MTA, the ventilation buildings can completely replace the tunnel's air every 90 seconds.{{cite web |url=http://www.mta.info/news/2014/02/07/governor%E2%80%99s-island-vent-building-architectural-gem |title=news – Governor's Island Vent Building: An Architectural Gem |date=February 7, 2014 |website=MTA |access-date=March 22, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323030427/http://www.mta.info/news/2014/02/07/governor%E2%80%99s-island-vent-building-architectural-gem |archive-date=March 23, 2018}} During construction, tunnel engineers touted the ventilation system as being so efficient that the ventilation towers could blow {{Convert|25000|ST|t LT}} of clean air into the tunnel every hour. The system consists of 53 fans that each had a diameter of {{Convert|8|ft|m|spell=in}}.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1949/05/25/archives/fumefree-tunnel-aim-of-engineers-25000-tons-of-air-an-hour-to-be.html |title=FUME-FREE TUNNEL AIM OF ENGINEERS; 25,000 Tons of Air an Hour to Be Blown Into Brooklyn-Battery Passageway SAFETY FACTOR STRESSED 9,117-Foot Tube Will Be as Devoid of Poisons as 42d Street, 5th Avenue |last=Plumb |first=Robert K. |date=May 25, 1949 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 22, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323030505/https://www.nytimes.com/1949/05/25/archives/fumefree-tunnel-aim-of-engineers-25000-tons-of-air-an-hour-to-be.html |archive-date=March 23, 2018}}{{cite web |last=Pollak |first=Michael |title=You Can Call Them Ray |website=The New York Times |date=July 30, 2006 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/30/nyregion/thecity/30fyi.html |access-date=July 8, 2018 |archive-date=July 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709012434/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/30/nyregion/thecity/30fyi.html |url-status=live }}{{cite book |title=Blower Breathes for Tunnel |work=Popular Science |date=March 1949 |publisher=Bonnier Corporation |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lSQDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA120 |access-date=July 8, 2018 |page=120 |archive-date=January 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124032440/https://books.google.com/books?id=lSQDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA120#v=onepage&q&f=false |url-status=live }}

At the Manhattan end, a 2,126-space parking garage sits above the approach to the Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel from the West Side Highway. When the garage opened in 1950, it had 1,050 spaces across seven levels, which were constructed at a cost of $3.5 million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|3500000|1950}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}).{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1950/06/30/archives/battery-garage-opens-tomorrow-new-sevenstory-battery-parking-garage.html |title=Battery Garage Opens Tomorrow; New Seven-Story Battery Parking Garage |date=June 30, 1950 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 22, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323035245/https://www.nytimes.com/1950/06/30/archives/battery-garage-opens-tomorrow-new-sevenstory-battery-parking-garage.html |archive-date=March 23, 2018}} The parking facility was expanded in 1965–1968 due to its popularity among motorists.{{cite web |url=http://www.mta.info/news/2015/06/08/battery-parking-garage-made-history-when-built |title=news – Battery Parking Garage Made History When Built |date=June 8, 2015 |website=MTA |access-date=March 22, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323030521/http://www.mta.info/news/2015/06/08/battery-parking-garage-made-history-when-built |archive-date=March 23, 2018}} The garage was the city's first publicly owned parking lot.File:Brooklyn Battery Tunnel Portal Building.jpg

=Transportation=

The tunnel carries 28 express bus routes that connect Manhattan with Brooklyn or Staten Island. The MTA Bus Company operates the BM1, BM2, BM3, and BM4 between Manhattan and Brooklyn. MTA New York City Transit operates the SIM1, SIM1C, SIM2, SIM3, SIM3C, SIM4, SIM4C, SIM4X, SIM5, SIM6, SIM7, SIM9, SIM10, SIM15, SIM31, SIM32, SIM33, SIM33C, SIM34, and SIM35 routes between Manhattan and Staten Island and the X27, X28, X37, and X38 between Manhattan and Brooklyn.{{Cite NYC bus map|S}}{{Cite NYC bus map|B}}

History

= Planning =

A vehicular tunnel under the East River between Manhattan and Brooklyn was proposed by the New York Board of Trade and Transportation in 1925 in response to growing truck traffic congestion in Lower Manhattan. The tunnel would have been located between the Manhattan Bridge and the Brooklyn Bridge.{{cite web |title=STREET CONGESTION COSTLY TO THE CITY; Wholesale Markets Driven to New Jersey by Unfavorable Traffic Conditions. TRUCKING COSTS ARE HIGH Regional Plan Predicts Further Movement From City When Tunnel Is Finished. |website=The New York Times |date=April 13, 1925 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1925/04/13/archives/street-congestion-costly-to-the-city-wholesale-markets-driven-to.html |access-date=April 16, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417025217/https://www.nytimes.com/1925/04/13/archives/street-congestion-costly-to-the-city-wholesale-markets-driven-to.html |archive-date=April 17, 2018}} A tunnel that specifically connected the Battery in Manhattan with Red Hook in Brooklyn, passing underneath the East River and Governors Island south of both the Manhattan and Brooklyn bridges, was first proposed by Brooklyn Borough president James J. Byrne in 1926. However, this plan initially did not receive support.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1930/11/12/archives/city-moves-to-build-tunnel-to-brooklyn-refers-plan-for-a-vehicular.html |title=CITY MOVES TO BUILD TUNNEL TO BROOKLYN; Refers Plan for a Vehicular Tube From Battery to Transit Experts for Study. COST PUT AT $75,000,000 Three-Lane Project Would Serve an Area in Which 8,500,000 Live, One Backer Asserts, PLEA BY BUSINESS MEN Mayor Favors Action, but Anger IsStirred by Civic Worker's Seeking War Department Opinion. Holds Project Important. Sends Plan to Transit Experts. |date=November 12, 1930 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 18, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319084921/https://www.nytimes.com/1930/11/12/archives/city-moves-to-build-tunnel-to-brooklyn-refers-plan-for-a-vehicular.html |archive-date=March 19, 2018}} Albert Goldman, the New York City Commissioner of Plant and Structures, brought up the plan again in January 1929.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/01/26/archives/proposes-tunnel-under-upper-bay-goldman-wants-a-vehicular-tube-from.html |title=PROPOSES TUNNEL UNDER UPPER BAY; Goldman Wants a Vehicular Tube From Battery to Hamilton Avenue, Brooklyn.TO RELIEVE THE WEST SIDEPuts Cost of Bore, 2 Miles Long, at$50,000,000--Submits Planto McLaughlin. Would Ease Tube Traffic. McLaughlin to Study Plan. |date=1929 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 18, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319091806/https://www.nytimes.com/1929/01/26/archives/proposes-tunnel-under-upper-bay-goldman-wants-a-vehicular-tube-from.html |archive-date=March 19, 2018}} In February 1930, the city publicized plans for a six-lane vehicular tunnel from West Street, Manhattan, to Hamilton Avenue, Brooklyn.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1930/02/02/archives/battery-tube-route-to-brooklyn-filed-cost-of-sixlane-vehicular.html |title=BATTERY TUBE ROUTE TO BROOKLYN FILED; Cost of Six-Lane Vehicular Tunnel From West St. Is Put at $58,300,000. CONGESTED AREAS AVOIDED Designs Submitted to Mayor Call for Elevators to Handle Governors Island Traffic. |date=February 2, 1930 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 14, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315003708/https://www.nytimes.com/1930/02/02/archives/battery-tube-route-to-brooklyn-filed-cost-of-sixlane-vehicular.html |archive-date=March 15, 2018}}{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/59899208/ |title=Realty Men Laud Battery-to-Brooklyn Tunnel Project |date=February 19, 1930 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 19, 2018 |page=43 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319084849/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/59899208/ |archive-date=March 19, 2018}} At the time, ferry service along that path was slow and unreliable. Real-estate speculators believed that land prices along Hamilton Avenue would appreciate as a result of the tunnel's construction and that freight shipments could be delivered to Manhattan faster. The tunnel proposal also entailed widening Hamilton Avenue to {{Convert|200|ft|m}} and building a large bridge over the Gowanus Canal, south of the proposed tunnel's entrance.

{{Multiple image

| align = left

| direction = vertical

| width = 250

| image1 = Brooklyn Battery Tunnel.jpg

| caption1 = Brooklyn portal in 2008

| image2 = 2024-05-20 14 47 08 View south along Interstate 478 (Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel Manhattan Approach) toward the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel from the Morris Street Pedestrian Overpass in Manhattan, New York City, New York.jpg

| caption2 = Manhattan portal in 2024

}}

In May 1930, the Terminal Bridge Corporation petitioned the New York City Board of Estimate for permission to build and operate a tunnel under the East River.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1930/05/16/archives/plans-tube-to-brooklyn-corporation-asks-franchise-on-auto-tunnel.html |title=PLANS TUBE TO BROOKLYN.; Corporation Asks Franchise on Auto Tunnel From Battery. |date=May 16, 1930 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 14, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315005453/https://www.nytimes.com/1930/05/16/archives/plans-tube-to-brooklyn-corporation-asks-franchise-on-auto-tunnel.html |archive-date=March 15, 2018}} In November of that year, the Board of Estimate referred the Brooklyn–Manhattan tunnel plan to the New York City Board of Transportation (NYCBOT), who was tasked with surveying the site of the tunnel. At the time, the tunnel would have cost $75 million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|75000000|1930}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}), including land acquisition if it included two three-lane tunnels. The tunnels itself would have cost $58 million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|58000000|1930}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}) if they were three lanes or $50 million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|50000000|1930}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}) if two lanes.{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/58228497/ |title=Walker Orders Work on Battery Tunnel |date=November 11, 1930 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 19, 2018 |page=1 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320105549/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/58228497/ |archive-date=March 20, 2018}} The next year, NYCBOT announced that the construction the proposed tunnel was estimated to cost $60 million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|60000000|1931}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}), assuming that the tunnels were {{Convert|31|ft|m}} in diameter with {{Convert|21|ft|m|adj=on}} roadways and a {{Convert|13.5|ft|m|adj=on}} clearance.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1931/09/26/archives/battery-tube-cost-put-at-60000000-land-for-approaches-is-not.html |title=BATTERY TUBE COST PUT AT $60,000,000; Land for Approaches Is Not Figured in Estimate of Board of Transportation. LOCATION IS SUGGESTED Portals at Morris St., Manhattan, and Columbia St., Brooklyn, Proposed After Study. |date=September 26, 1931 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 14, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315005430/https://www.nytimes.com/1931/09/26/archives/battery-tube-cost-put-at-60000000-land-for-approaches-is-not.html |archive-date=March 15, 2018}}{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/57575496/ |title=Vehicle Tube's Cost is Figured at $60,000,000 |date=September 26, 1931 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 19, 2018 |page=24 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319084952/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/57575496/ |archive-date=March 19, 2018}} In October 1933, the Board of Estimate approved funding for the tunnel in the city's capital outlay budget for 1934.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1933/10/18/archives/budget-study-continued-board-aproves-loans-for-brooklyn-library-and.html |title=BUDGET STUDY CONTINUED; Board {{as written|Apr|oves [sic]}} Loans for Brooklyn Library and Tunnel. |date=October 18, 1933 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 19, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320044044/https://www.nytimes.com/1933/10/18/archives/budget-study-continued-board-aproves-loans-for-brooklyn-library-and.html |archive-date=March 20, 2018}} Two months later, the Board of Estimate approved the Brooklyn–Manhattan tunnel in conjunction with a Staten Island–Brooklyn tunnel under the Narrows.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1933/12/30/archives/rockaway-subway-approved-by-city-long-island-roads-route-held-best.html |title=ROCKAWAY SUBWAY APPROVED BY CITY; Long Island Road's Route Held Best of 3 Proposed -- Buying of Line Up to LaGuardia. COST PUT AT $34,114,000 Estimate Board Also Passes on Site of Staten Island Tube and Brooklyn Tunnel. |date=December 30, 1933 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 19, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320044008/https://www.nytimes.com/1933/12/30/archives/rockaway-subway-approved-by-city-long-island-roads-route-held-best.html |archive-date=March 20, 2018}} The city was set to ask for $50 million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|50000000|1933}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}) in federal funding,{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1933/12/27/archives/92669000-works-approved-by-city-board-sanctions-narrows-and.html |title=$92,669,000 WORKS APPROVED BY CITY; Board Sanctions Narrows and Manhattan-Brooklyn Tubes and Water Tunnel. FEDERAL AID IS SOUGHT Protests by Controller and Engineer Ignored in Action on Program. $92,669,000 WORKS APPROVED BY CITY |date=December 27, 1933 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 19, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314043340/https://www.nytimes.com/1933/12/27/archives/92669000-works-approved-by-city-board-sanctions-narrows-and.html |archive-date=March 14, 2018}} but this request was dropped from the final vote.

Mayor Fiorello La Guardia set up a public-works authority in February 1935 so the city could apply for loans from the federal Public Works Administration (PWA). This authority was set to receive $60 million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|60000000|1935}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}) in funds for the Brooklyn–Manhattan tunnel.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/02/13/archives/mayor-will-set-up-works-authority-to-get-pwa-loans-aims-to-finance.html |title=MAYOR WILL SET UP WORKS AUTHORITY TO GET PWA LOANS; Aims to Finance Projects Here at Low Rate Outside of Debt Limit. |date=February 13, 1935 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 19, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320105422/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/02/13/archives/mayor-will-set-up-works-authority-to-get-pwa-loans-aims-to-finance.html |archive-date=March 20, 2018}} The same month, city officials hired temporary workers to survey sites for the proposed tunnel so that they could create a report for the PWA application.{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52835381/ |title=Plan Resumption of Shore Rd. Work with Wall and Fill |date=February 4, 1935 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 19, 2018 |page=14 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320105731/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52835381/ |archive-date=March 20, 2018}} Civic groups and Brooklyn politicians petitioned the city to commence construction immediately so traffic congestion could be reduced.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/02/27/archives/city-asked-to-rush-brooklyn-tunnel-spokesmen-from-kings-at-mass.html |title=CITY ASKED TO RUSH BROOKLYN TUNNEL; Spokesmen From Kings at Mass Meeting Stress Its Value to the Port. |date=February 27, 1935 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 19, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320043929/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/02/27/archives/city-asked-to-rush-brooklyn-tunnel-spokesmen-from-kings-at-mass.html |archive-date=March 20, 2018}} However, President Franklin D. Roosevelt had stipulated that PWA funding only be given to projects that could be finished within a year of the grant being awarded. Since the Brooklyn–Manhattan tunnel project would take longer, it and other New York City highway projects were ineligible for PWA funding.{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52789552/ |title=Mayor Expects Federal Aid Up to 200 Million |date=April 26, 1935 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 19, 2018 |page=3 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320043822/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52789552/ |archive-date=March 20, 2018}}

In January 1936, the New York State Legislature created the New York City Tunnel Authority to oversee the construction of a tunnel between Midtown Manhattan and Queens. The bill also provided the authority with the power to build the Brooklyn–Manhattan tunnel if funds became available.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/01/08/archives/authority-is-set-up-to-build-2-tunnels-legislature-quickly-passes.html |title=AUTHORITY IS SET UP TO BUILD 2 TUNNELS; Legislature Quickly Passes Bill to Meet PWA Demands for 38th St.-Queens Project. BROOKLYN TUBE INCLUDED Battery-Hamilton Av. Plan Is Backed by Taylor – Speedy Approval by Lehman Likely. |date=1936 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 19, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320044116/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/01/08/archives/authority-is-set-up-to-build-2-tunnels-legislature-quickly-passes.html |archive-date=March 20, 2018}} By this time, the construction cost of the Brooklyn–Manhattan tunnel was now projected to be $58 million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|58000000|1936}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}).{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/01/12/archives/new-auto-tunnels-to-unite-the-city-great-tubes-under-east-river-to.html |title=NEW AUTO TUNNELS TO UNITE THE CITY; Great Tubes Under East River to Queens and Under Harbor to Brooklyn Proposed. JERSEY LINK PROGRESSING IN THE TUNNEL |date=1936 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 19, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320105541/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/01/12/archives/new-auto-tunnels-to-unite-the-city-great-tubes-under-east-river-to.html |archive-date=March 20, 2018}} Detailed plans for the tunnel were released in May 1936. The project now consisted of a $60.3-million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|60300000|1936}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}) twin-tube bore from Red Hook, Brooklyn, to the Battery, Manhattan, as well as a $2.3-million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|2300000|1936}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}) bridge over the Gowanus Canal.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/05/09/archives/bay-tunnel-plans-provide-twintube-transportation-board-offers-to.html |title=BAY TUNNEL PLANS PROVIDE TWIN-TUBE; Transportation Board Offers to City Its Project to Link Battery and Brooklyn. COST PUT AT $60,309,000 $2,300,000 Gowanus Canal Bridge Urged -- Report Says Improvement Will Pay. BAY TUNNEL PLANS PROVIDE TWIN-TUBE |date=May 9, 1936 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 20, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320110319/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/05/09/archives/bay-tunnel-plans-provide-twintube-transportation-board-offers-to.html |archive-date=March 20, 2018}} The city approved these plans in January 1936.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/06/06/archives/brooklyn-tunnel-approved-by-city-estimate-board-accepts-plans-for.html |title=BROOKLYN TUNNEL APPROVED BY CITY; Estimate Board Accepts Plans for Tube From Battery and for Gowanus Bridge. COST PUT AT $60,309,000 5,900-Foot Length to Exceed That of Holland Project -- Immediate Action Asked. |date=June 6, 1936 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 20, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320105821/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/06/06/archives/brooklyn-tunnel-approved-by-city-estimate-board-accepts-plans-for.html |archive-date=March 20, 2018}} One civic group wanted to plan for future traffic volumes, so it asked the city to conduct further studies of the Brooklyn–Manhattan tunnel project.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/06/29/archives/new-study-advised-on-battery-tunnel-merchants-association-urges.html |title=NEW STUDY ADVISED ON BATTERY TUNNEL; Merchants Association Urges More Careful Consideration of Bore to Brooklyn. LISTS FACTORS INVOLVED Authority Is Asked to Consider Alternative Crossing Plans and Traffic Trends. |date=June 29, 1936 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 20, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320173055/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/06/29/archives/new-study-advised-on-battery-tunnel-merchants-association-urges.html |archive-date=March 20, 2018}} The tunnel was officially renamed the "Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel" in July 1936.{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52658629/ |title=Tube Plan named Brooklyn-Battery |date=July 1, 1936 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 19, 2018 |page=7 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320110212/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52658629/ |archive-date=March 20, 2018}} In November of that year, Brooklyn Borough President Raymond Ingersoll and New York City Parks commissioner Robert Moses revealed a plan to connect the Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel to Long Island's parkway system via a new Gowanus Parkway and Circumferential Parkway.{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52682674/ |title=New Parkway Projected for South Brooklyn |date=November 29, 1936 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 19, 2018 |page=15 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320105733/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52682674/ |archive-date=March 20, 2018}} The planned tunnel was also part of the Regional Plan Association's proposed parkway system around New York City.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1938/06/19/archives/new-road-system-for-city-proposed-regional-plan-group-presents.html |title=NEW ROAD SYSTEM FOR CITY PROPOSED; Regional Plan Group Presents Long-Range Program for Vast Highway Network GOES TO CITY COMMISSION Parks, Suburban Rapid Tran sit Facilities and Railroads Included in Suggestions Highway System Predominates East Side Express Route Planned Projects for Early Action PROPOSAL TO FACILITATE TRAFFIC IN CITY |date=June 19, 1938 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 20, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320230448/https://www.nytimes.com/1938/06/19/archives/new-road-system-for-city-proposed-regional-plan-group-presents.html |archive-date=March 20, 2018}} The next month, the New York City Tunnel Authority advertised for bids to create test bores for the tunnel.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/11/22/archives/first-bids-dec-1-on-battery-tube-tunnel-authority-to-ask-for.html |title=FIRST BIDS DEC. 1 ON BATTERY TUBE; Tunnel Authority to Ask for Estimates on Borings to Fix Route to Brooklyn. PARK WON'T BE DISTURBED Architects Plan a Ventilation Building to Harmonize With Surroundings. |date=November 22, 1936 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 20, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320110150/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/11/22/archives/first-bids-dec-1-on-battery-tube-tunnel-authority-to-ask-for.html |archive-date=March 20, 2018}}{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52677254/ |title=Boro-Battery Tunnel to Begin Work Soon |date=November 22, 1936 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 19, 2018 |page=4 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320110303/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52677254/ |archive-date=March 20, 2018}}

{{Multiple image

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| image1 = Governors Island New York September 2016 001.jpg

| caption1 = Governors Island vent tower

| image2 = Elizabeth Berger Plaza 02.jpg

| caption2 = The parking garage above the Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel's Manhattan portal

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Copies of the plans for the Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel were submitted to La Guardia's mayoral administration in February 1937. Two tunnels, one in each direction, would connect to the West Side Highway and the FDR Drive on the Manhattan side and to Hamilton Avenue on the Brooklyn side.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1937/02/28/archives/mayor-gets-plans-for-brooklyn-tube-tunnel-authoritys-studies-for.html |title=MAYOR GETS PLANS FOR BROOKLYN TUBE; Tunnel Authority's Studies for Battery-Hamilton Av. Link Put Before Board |date=February 28, 1937 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 20, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320112006/https://www.nytimes.com/1937/02/28/archives/mayor-gets-plans-for-brooklyn-tube-tunnel-authoritys-studies-for.html |archive-date=March 20, 2018}} In the future, the West Side Elevated Highway would be extended from the north, connecting to the new tunnel.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1938/09/04/archives/west-side-link-grows-land-bridge-part-of-work-slowing-traffic-on.html |title=West Side Link Grows; |last=Mathieu |first=George M. |date=September 4, 1938 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 20, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320230849/https://www.nytimes.com/1938/09/04/archives/west-side-link-grows-land-bridge-part-of-work-slowing-traffic-on.html |archive-date=March 20, 2018}} There would be a ventilation tower at the midpoint on Governors Island because the tunnels would stretch {{Convert|8800|ft|m}} between the two portals, and it was thought that the ventilation towers at either end might not pull in sufficient air. The tunnels would be designed to carry a maximum of 15 million vehicles per year, but it was projected that only nine million would use the tunnels during their first year of operation and that the tunnels would not reach their full capacity for another 16 years. The cost of the project had increased to $70 million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|70000000|1937}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}), and La Guardia wanted a $30-million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|30000000|1937}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}) federal grant so construction could start quickly. A toll of $0.25 per motorist, collected at the Brooklyn end, would help finance the rest of the tunnel and make it profitable.{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52623357/ |title=Mayor Gets Complete Plans of Battery Tube |date=February 28, 1937 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 19, 2018 |pages=1, 10 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320110323/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52623357/ |archive-date=March 20, 2018}} The tunnel would also halve travel time between southern Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan since, at the time, there was no direct route for traffic between these two areas. This, in turn, was expected to expedite cargo deliveries between these areas, thereby reviving Brooklyn's declining cargo industry.{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/55277249/ |title=Manhattan Bridge Saturated |last=David |first=Lester |date=September 14, 1938 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 19, 2018 |page=15 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321130734/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/55277249/ |archive-date=March 21, 2018}} The route between Hamilton Avenue and the West Side Highway was determined to be the cheapest route that could be constructed.

Although preliminary borings were set to start in February 1937, USACE officers on Governors Island opposed the placement of a ventilation tunnel there.{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52607613/ |title=Assembly Urges City to Hurry on Boro-Battery Tube |date=February 2, 1937 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 19, 2018 |page=6 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320110356/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52607613/ |archive-date=March 20, 2018}} The Tunnel Authority let contracts for borings in April 1938.{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52666641 |title=U.S. Loan Sought for Battery Tunnel |date=April 9, 1937 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 19, 2018 |page=13 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321130627/http://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52666641/ |archive-date=March 21, 2018}} The US Army, which held a hearing for public opinions on the tunnel proposal, gave its permission to the tunnel plan in September 1938.{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/55277665/ |title=Army Speeds Tube Permit After Hearing |date=September 27, 1938 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 19, 2018 |pages=1, 11 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321130721/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/55277665/ |archive-date=March 21, 2018}}

The Tunnel Authority suggested that federal funding could be used to pay for the tunnel and that private financing could also be provided if it was needed. In June 1938, the city requested a $70.9-million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|70900000|1938}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}) PWA grant for the construction of the Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1938/06/04/archives/70850000-asked-for-red-hook-tube-citys-plea-for-loan-and-grant.html |title=$70,850,000 ASKED FOR RED HOOK TUBE; City's Plea for Loan and Grant Presented to PWA for Linking Battery to Brooklyn 48TH PROJECT URGED HERE Total Cost of Municipal Public Works Program Rises to $201,172,814 45% Asked as Grant First Application in 1937 |date=June 4, 1938 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 20, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320230806/https://www.nytimes.com/1938/06/04/archives/70850000-asked-for-red-hook-tube-citys-plea-for-loan-and-grant.html |archive-date=March 20, 2018}} The next month, La Guardia met with PWA chair Harold L. Ickes and Reconstruction Finance Corporation (RFC) chair Jesse H. Jones to convince them to help fund the tunnel because the project could now be completed within a year.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1938/07/22/archives/mayor-sees-ickes-on-battery-tunnel-plan-tells-pwa-head-that.html |title=Mayor Sees Ickes on Battery Tunnel Plan; Tells PWA Head That Deadline Could Be Met |date=July 22, 1938 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 20, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320231133/https://www.nytimes.com/1938/07/22/archives/mayor-sees-ickes-on-battery-tunnel-plan-tells-pwa-head-that.html |archive-date=March 20, 2018}} The city government then published a new financial plan in September 1938, wherein the cost of the tunnel would increase to $77.3 million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|77300000|1938}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}). The city would reduce its request from the PWA by $19.82 million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|19820000|1938}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}) and raise that money by selling bonds instead, and it would also apply for $45 million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|45000000|1938}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}) from the RFC.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1938/09/16/archives/new-plan-is-set-up-for-battery-tube-city-seeks-45852500-loan-prom.html |title=NEW PLAN IS SET UP FOR BATTERY TUBE; City Seeks $45,852,500 Loan Prom RFC and Will Ask PWA for $19,882,500 Less TOTAL COST UP $6,885,000 Revised Plan Submitted by the Mayor Includes Raising $19,882,500 on Bonds |date=September 16, 1938 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 20, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321063035/https://www.nytimes.com/1938/09/16/archives/new-plan-is-set-up-for-battery-tube-city-seeks-45852500-loan-prom.html |archive-date=March 21, 2018}} Manhattan Borough President Stanley M. Isaacs objected to the tunnel plan because he thought the proposal would not be able to adequately handle traffic on the Manhattan side.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1938/09/19/archives/isaacs-criticizes-battery-tube-plan-will-oppose-brooklyn-tunnel.html |title=ISAACS CRITICIZES BATTERY TUBE PLAN; Will Oppose Brooklyn Tunnel Unless Funds Are Provided for Traffic Exits DISAGREES WITH MAYOR Burden on Downtown Streets Would Be Too Great, He Warns Authority Stand Clashes With Mayor's Eastward Traffic Problem |date=September 19, 1938 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 20, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320231102/https://www.nytimes.com/1938/09/19/archives/isaacs-criticizes-battery-tube-plan-will-oppose-brooklyn-tunnel.html |archive-date=March 20, 2018}} In response, Parks Commissioner Moses asked Isaacs to think of a better idea to deal with the traffic.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1938/09/20/archives/moses-disputes-isaacs-on-tunnel-challenges-borough-official-to.html |title=MOSES DISPUTES ISAACS ON TUNNEL; Challenges Borough Official to Solve Traffic Problem of Battery-Brooklyn Tube ASKS STRESS ON FINANCE Replying to Critic of Project, He Declares Concern Over Exits Is Not New |date=September 20, 1938 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 20, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320231059/https://www.nytimes.com/1938/09/20/archives/moses-disputes-isaacs-on-tunnel-challenges-borough-official-to.html |archive-date=March 20, 2018}} Ickes later rejected the city's request for PWA funds, saying that there were "tremendous financial and practical obstacles" for any further PWA involvement. These impediments included a lack of money because, although the PWA had given the city an appropriation for the Belt Parkway, the money had been used up.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1938/11/01/archives/tunnel-rejection-settled-by-ickes-secretary-states-obstacles-to-pwa.html |title=TUNNEL REJECTION 'SETTLED' BY ICKES; Secretary States 'Obstacles' to PWA Participation in Battery-Brooklyn Project |date=November 1, 1938 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 20, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320231110/https://www.nytimes.com/1938/11/01/archives/tunnel-rejection-settled-by-ickes-secretary-states-obstacles-to-pwa.html |archive-date=March 20, 2018}} Due to the PWA's refusal to grant a loan for the Battery Tunnel's construction, the project was temporarily put on hold.{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52633440/ |title=Belt and Fair Roads, Atlantic Ave. Plan and "L" Razing Won in 1938 |last=David |first=Lester |date=December 25, 1938 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 19, 2018 |page=6 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321130820/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52633440/ |archive-date=March 21, 2018}}

= Bridge proposal =

File:Brooklyn Battery Tunnel vc.jpg

In January 1939, after the failure to allocate federal funds to the tunnels, Moses (now the chair of the Triborough Bridge Authority) proposed the Brooklyn–Battery Bridge. He stated that constructing a bridge would be cheaper, faster, and more efficient than building a tunnel.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/01/23/archives/bridge-at-battery-proposed-by-moses-tandem-spans-to-brooklyn-can-be.html |title=BRIDGE AT BATTERY PROPOSED BY MOSES; Tandem Spans to Brooklyn Can Be Built for Half the Cost of Tunnel, He Finds NO FEDERAL LOAN NEEDED Letter to La Guardia Points to Easier Financing and Greater Speed in Construction Eight Reasons Are Listed New Idea, Says Official |date=1939 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 20, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320230349/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/01/23/archives/bridge-at-battery-proposed-by-moses-tandem-spans-to-brooklyn-can-be.html |archive-date=March 20, 2018}} The bridge would consist of a six-lane tandem suspension bridge span with two back-to-back suspension bridges, and it could be built in 27 months, compared to 46 months for a tunnel. One of the other benefits, in Moses's opinion, was that the $41-million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|41000000|1939}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}) bridge would not require any federal money. Isaacs stated that a bridge would cause as much congestion as a tunnel would, so he did not favor the bridge plan.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/01/26/archives/isaacs-sees-snag-in-battery-bridge-he-asserts-span-to-brooklyn-like.html |title=ISAACS SEES SNAG IN BATTERY BRIDGE; He Asserts Span to Brooklyn, Like Tunnel, Would Create New Traffic Problem STREETS ALREADY JAMMED Downtown Outlets Needed, He Says--Moses Plan Praised by McGoldrick |date=1939 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 20, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321063016/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/01/26/archives/isaacs-sees-snag-in-battery-bridge-he-asserts-span-to-brooklyn-like.html |archive-date=March 21, 2018}} The Tunnel Authority also opposed the Brooklyn–Battery Bridge because a bridge would lower property values.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/02/06/archives/flaws-seen-in-idea-for-battery-bridge-tunnel-authority-says-span.html |title=FLAWS SEEN IN IDEA FOR BATTERY BRIDGE; Tunnel Authority Says Span Would Cut Property Values and Slow Harbor Craft SITE HELD NOT NATURAL No High Banks for Logical Approaches--Board Would Wait for Tube Funds |date=February 6, 1939 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 20, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320230933/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/02/06/archives/flaws-seen-in-idea-for-battery-bridge-tunnel-authority-says-span.html |archive-date=March 20, 2018}} In response, Moses predicted that the Tunnel Authority's Queens–Midtown Tunnel would not be profitable and that the Tunnel Authority should organize its existing affairs before deciding to build a new tunnel.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/02/08/archives/moses-takes-fling-at-queens-tunnel-predicts-financial-straits-for.html |title=MOSES TAKES FLING AT QUEENS TUNNEL; Predicts Financial Straits for It Soon, in New Attack on Battery Tube Plan REPLIES TO BRIDGE CRITICS No Danger to Realty Values, He Says--Friedman Scoffs at Arguments on Costs |date=February 8, 1939 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 20, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320231025/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/02/08/archives/moses-takes-fling-at-queens-tunnel-predicts-financial-straits-for.html |archive-date=March 20, 2018}}

Moses was able to garner support for the bridge from influential city and state politicians, including four of five borough presidents, Mayor La Guardia, and US Senator Robert F. Wagner.{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52754189/ |title=Boro-Battery Bridge Forced Quickest Action in Decades |last=David |first=Lester |date=March 2, 1939 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 19, 2018 |page=15 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321130809/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52754189/ |archive-date=March 21, 2018}} In early March 1939, the New York City Planning Commission endorsed plans for the Battery Bridge,{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/03/02/archives/bridge-at-battery-favored-by-board-planning-commission-backs-mayor.html |title=BRIDGE AT BATTERY FAVORED BY BOARD; Planning Commission Backs Mayor and Moses on Span, Overriding Foes Past Efforts Reviewed BRIDGE AT BATTERY FAVORED BY BOARD No Naval Objection Seen Objections Are Conceded |date=March 2, 1939 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 20, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320230903/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/03/02/archives/bridge-at-battery-favored-by-board-planning-commission-backs-mayor.html |archive-date=March 20, 2018}} and a bill for the bridge was moved to a vote in the state legislature.{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52753796/ |title=Battery Span Bill Moves to Vote in Albany |date=March 3, 1939 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=December 20, 2017 |page=8 |via=newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315003800/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52753796/ |archive-date=March 15, 2018}} The bill was proposed for a vote in the City Council, but this was blocked due to concerns that the bridge's connection to the East River Drive would not be able to accommodate future traffic volumes.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/03/15/archives/bridge-plan-vote-blocked-by-quill-he-objects-to-mayors-plea-to.html |title=BRIDGE PLAN VOTE BLOCKED BY QUILL; He Objects to Mayor's Plea to Council to Act at Once on Battery-to-Brooklyn Span CITIZENS GROUP FOR DELAY Planning Board Will Meet Today on Questions Raised Over Manhattan Approaches |date=March 15, 1939 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 20, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320231048/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/03/15/archives/bridge-plan-vote-blocked-by-quill-he-objects-to-mayors-plea-to.html |archive-date=March 20, 2018}} The American Institute of Architects asked that the city reconsider the bridge, as it would obstruct the dramatic view of the Manhattan skyline, reduce the Battery to minuscule size, and destroy the Great New York Aquarium at Castle Clinton.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/03/18/archives/architects-wary-on-battery-span-institute-warns-against-haste.html |title=ARCHITECTS WARY ON BATTERY SPAN; Institute Warns Against Haste, Fearing Marring of Famous View |date=March 18, 1939 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 20, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320230749/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/03/18/archives/architects-wary-on-battery-span-institute-warns-against-haste.html |archive-date=March 20, 2018}} There was significant opposition from the public, and so the City Council Committee on State Legislation did not approve the plan.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/03/21/archives/foes-win-a-point-on-battery-span-council-committee-on-state.html |title=FOES WIN A POINT ON BATTERY SPAN; Council Committee on State Legislation Withholds Its Approval of Plan |date=March 21, 1939 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 20, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320230717/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/03/21/archives/foes-win-a-point-on-battery-span-council-committee-on-state.html |archive-date=March 20, 2018}} In response, Moses changed the Brooklyn–Battery Bridge plans to include landscaping work at the Battery.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/03/21/archives/changes-planned-for-battery-park-moses-gives-proposals-for.html |title=CHANGES PLANNED FOR BATTERY PARK; Moses Gives Proposals for Reconstruction of Area to Fit In With a Bridge 2-LEVEL BAY PROMENADE Road Links and Land Additions Listed--No Provision for Elevated Terminal |date=March 21, 1939 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 20, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320231041/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/03/21/archives/changes-planned-for-battery-park-moses-gives-proposals-for.html |archive-date=March 20, 2018}} La Guardia believed that if this revised plan were passed, Ickes would finally allocate a PWA grant to the bridge project.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/03/26/archives/mayor-sure-ickes-will-back-bridge-he-is-confident-administrator.html |title=MAYOR SURE ICKES WILL BACK BRIDGE; He Is Confident Administrator Will Approve Brooklyn-to Battery Span if Passed CITES COOPERATIVE SPIRIT PWA Head Is Opposed to Link as Competition for the New Queens-Midtown Tunnel |date=March 26, 1939 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 20, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320231107/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/03/26/archives/mayor-sure-ickes-will-back-bridge-he-is-confident-administrator.html |archive-date=March 20, 2018}} On March 28, the City Council voted to approve the bridge project, with 19 members in favor and six opposed.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/03/29/archives/bridge-at-battery-wins-in-council-victory-for-moses-way-cleared-for.html |title=BRIDGE AT BATTERY WINS IN COUNCIL; VICTORY FOR MOSES; Way Cleared for Adoption of Albany Bills as Park Head Looks On With Smile ONLY 6 MEMBERS OPPOSED Cashmore Quits His Sickbed to Vote for Plan--Relief Fund Plea Blocked by Baldwin Cashmore Leaves Sickbed BRIDGE AT BATTERY WINS IN COUNCIL |date=March 29, 1939 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 20, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320230406/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/03/29/archives/bridge-at-battery-wins-in-council-victory-for-moses-way-cleared-for.html |archive-date=March 20, 2018}} Two days later, both chambers of the New York State Legislature passed bills that permitted the construction of the Brooklyn–Battery Bridge,{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/03/30/archives/moses-bridge-bill-is-voted-at-albany-legislature-grants-power-for.html |title=MOSES BRIDGE BILL IS VOTED AT ALBANY; Legislature Grants Power for Battery Span--Bars Civil Service Amendments |date=March 30, 1939 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 20, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320230830/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/03/30/archives/moses-bridge-bill-is-voted-at-albany-legislature-grants-power-for.html |archive-date=March 20, 2018}}{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52768462/ |title=Spur Lehman on Bridge Bill |last=David |first=Lester |date=March 30, 1939 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 21, 2018 |page=1 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322020345/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52768462/ |archive-date=March 22, 2018}} and Governor Herbert H. Lehman signed the bills within the week.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/04/05/archives/battery-span-bill-signed-by-lehman-governor-gives-no-opinion-on.html |title=BATTERY SPAN BILL SIGNED BY LEHMAN; Governor Gives No Opinion on Merits of Plan, Saying He Is Just Acting on Request ARMY IS THE NEXT HURDLE It Must Approve Moses Plan -Curb on Advertising on Bridges Now a Law |date=April 5, 1939 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 20, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320231033/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/04/05/archives/battery-span-bill-signed-by-lehman-governor-gives-no-opinion-on.html |archive-date=March 20, 2018}}{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52696459/ |title=Moses Girds Forces for Hearing on Brooklyn-Battery Bridge |last=David |first=Lester |date=April 4, 1939 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 21, 2018 |page=10 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322015453/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52696459/ |archive-date=March 22, 2018}}

Moses quickly sought to obtain approval from the US Department of War, which needed to approve the plan. He also started looking for PWA and RFC financing so the bridge could be completed by July 1941.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/03/30/archives/moses-expedites-plans-for-bridge-moves-to-get-war-departments.html |title=MOSES EXPEDITES PLANS FOR BRIDGE; Moves to Get War Department's Consent to Build Span From Battery to Brooklyn ALREADY SEEKS FINANCING Hopes for Completion by July 1, 1941--Isaacs Continues to Oppose Project |date=March 30, 1939 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 20, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320231026/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/03/30/archives/moses-expedites-plans-for-bridge-moves-to-get-war-departments.html |archive-date=March 20, 2018}} As part of the approval process, the US Army held a public hearing to solicit opinions on the bridge plan.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/04/25/archives/hearing-on-bridge-today-backers-and-opponents-of-span-at-battery-to.html |title=HEARING ON BRIDGE TODAY; Backers and Opponents of Span at Battery to Appear |date=April 25, 1939 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 20, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321063350/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/04/25/archives/hearing-on-bridge-today-backers-and-opponents-of-span-at-battery-to.html |archive-date=March 21, 2018}} To solidify their opposition to the bridge plans, 17 civic groups formed a committee,{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/04/17/archives/17-groups-to-unite-in-fight-on-bridge-civic-and-realty-officials.html |title=17 GROUPS TO UNITE IN FIGHT ON BRIDGE; Civic and Realty Officials Form Committee to Oppose Battery Span at Army Hearing PROGRAM BEING PREPARED Many Chances Still Open to Block Moses Project, Heads of Campaign Declare |date=April 17, 1939 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 20, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320231029/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/04/17/archives/17-groups-to-unite-in-fight-on-bridge-civic-and-realty-officials.html |archive-date=March 20, 2018}} and the Municipal Art Society criticized the proposed bridge as an act of "vandalism" toward the city's public parks.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/04/23/archives/art-group-continues-fight-on-bridge-plan-municipal-society-makes.html |title=ART GROUP CONTINUES FIGHT ON BRIDGE PLAN; Municipal Society Makes New Attack on Battery Span |date=April 23, 1939 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 20, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321130305/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/04/23/archives/art-group-continues-fight-on-bridge-plan-municipal-society-makes.html |archive-date=March 21, 2018}} Opponents claimed that the bridge would block naval traffic, a suggestion that La Guardia and Moses refuted.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/04/26/archives/mayor-at-hearing-pleads-for-bridge-mayor-park-commissioner-in.html |title=Mayor at Hearing Pleads for Bridge; Mayor, Park Commissioner in Action at Bridge Hearing |date=April 26, 1939 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 20, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321132115/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/04/26/archives/mayor-at-hearing-pleads-for-bridge-mayor-park-commissioner-in.html |archive-date=March 21, 2018}}

The Department of War ultimately declined to endorse the Brooklyn–Battery Bridge. In May 1939 Robert Woodring, the US Secretary of War, blocked the construction of the bridge due to concerns over the span's potential to become a naval obstruction during a war, since the Brooklyn Navy Yard was located shoreward of the proposed bridge.{{cite web |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/news/squared-accounts-battery-bridge-july-1939-chapter-137-article-1.936930 |title=Squared Accounts The Battery Bridge July 1939 Chapter 137 |last=Maeder |first=Jay |date=July 13, 2000 |website=NY Daily News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180524083035/http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/news/squared-accounts-battery-bridge-july-1939-chapter-137-article-1.936930 |archive-date=May 24, 2018 |url-status=live |access-date=May 24, 2018}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/05/19/archives/army-bars-plans-for-battery-span-revision-is-ready-finds-present.html |title=ARMY BARS PLANS FOR BATTERY SPAN; REVISION IS READY; Finds Present Proposal for Bridge to Brooklyn Would Bring Navigation Perils BUT WAY IS LEFT OPEN Mayor and Moses Are Confident Modified Program Will Meet Objections |date=May 19, 1939 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 20, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321063610/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/05/19/archives/army-bars-plans-for-battery-span-revision-is-ready-finds-present.html |archive-date=March 21, 2018}} In response, Moses submitted a revised plan for the bridge and asked the Department of War to reconsider.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/05/26/archives/contract-is-drawn-for-battery-span-board-fixes-public-hearing-for.html |title=CONTRACT IS DRAWN FOR BATTERY SPAN; Board Fixes Public Hearing for June 8 on Proposed Compact if Army Approves Bridge ITS TERMS ARE GENERAL Delegates Powers to Moses Body--Isaacs Sees Park Neglected in Plans |date=May 26, 1939 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 20, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321132207/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/05/26/archives/contract-is-drawn-for-battery-span-board-fixes-public-hearing-for.html |archive-date=March 21, 2018}} Moses and Brooklyn politicians declared that they would not accept anything other than an endorsement of the second plan.{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52609845/ |title=Boro Ultimatum on Battery Bridge Is Placed Before Army Engineers |last=David |first=Lester |date=June 7, 1939 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 21, 2018 |pages=1, 12 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322021034/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52609845/ |archive-date=March 22, 2018}} However, in July, the War Department also rejected the second plan, since the new plan would also pose a wartime hazard.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/07/18/archives/battery-bridge-rejected-by-woodring-as-war-peril-mayor-revives-tube.html |title=BATTERY BRIDGE REJECTED BY WOODRING AS WAR PERIL; MAYOR REVIVES TUBE PLAN; NAVY YARD DANGER Army Head Says It Would Be Cut Off by Wrecking of SpanMOSES IS NOT SURPRISEDSees 'Sabotaging' of Protect inWashington--La Guardiato Work for Tunnel |date=July 18, 1939 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 20, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321132110/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/07/18/archives/battery-bridge-rejected-by-woodring-as-war-peril-mayor-revives-tube.html |archive-date=March 21, 2018}}{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52635758/ |title=Battle for New Boro-Battery Traffic Link |date=July 18, 1939 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 19, 2018 |pages=1, 4 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321192525/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52635758/ |archive-date=March 21, 2018}} Advocates for the bridge called the rejection a "setback to business". They also discounted the decision as hypocritical since numerous other bridges (including the Manhattan and Brooklyn bridges, which stood between the proposed bridge and the Navy Yard) would also constitute wartime hazards by the Army's reasoning.{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52635845/ |title=Moses, Ingersoll and Crews Attack Rejection of Brooklyn-Battery Span |date=July 18, 1939 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 19, 2018 |pages=1, 4 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321192546/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52635845/ |archive-date=March 21, 2018}}{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52641534/ |title=Why Mr. Woodring, Look at Bridges You would Have to Tear Down |last=Schmalacker |first=Joseph |date=July 31, 1939 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 21, 2018 |page=11 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322020527/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52641534/ |archive-date=March 22, 2018}}

Moses continued to support the bridge, praising it as less intrusive and cheaper than a tunnel, despite great public opposition to a bridge.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/07/27/archives/moses-continues-fight-on-tunnel-gives-engineers-views-to-show-tube.html |title=MOSES CONTINUES FIGHT ON TUNNEL; Gives Engineer's Views to Show Tube Would Mar Battery Park More Than Bridge OFFERS COST ESTIMATES Span Is Figured at $44,000,000, Compared with $89,000,000 for Rival Project |date=July 27, 1939 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 20, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321063551/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/07/27/archives/moses-continues-fight-on-tunnel-gives-engineers-views-to-show-tube.html |archive-date=March 21, 2018}} In October, in a last effort to garner official acceptance for the Battery Bridge plan, Moses and La Guardia appealed directly to President Roosevelt to form an independent committee to study the proposal.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/10/24/archives/battery-bridge-up-to-roosevelt-la-guardia-goes-over-head-of-war.html |title=BATTERY BRIDGE UP TO ROOSEVELT; La Guardia Goes Over Head of War Department to Ask for an Independent Survey |date=October 24, 1939 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 20, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321063614/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/10/24/archives/battery-bridge-up-to-roosevelt-la-guardia-goes-over-head-of-war.html |archive-date=March 21, 2018}}{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52622557/ |title=Moses Bares Final Plea for Battery Span |last=David |first=Lester |date=October 30, 1939 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 21, 2018 |pages=1, 9 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322021032/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52622557/ |archive-date=March 22, 2018}} Moses again revised the plan, adding a ramp to Governors Island so the Army forces could also use the bridge, in a fashion similar to the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge's connection to the Army reservation on Yerba Buena Island in California. However, Roosevelt upheld the Department of War's decision and declined to create such a committee.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/11/01/archives/roosevelt-rejects-battery-bridge-plan-but-mayor-says-he-will-never.html |title=Roosevelt Rejects Battery Bridge Plan, But Mayor Says He Will Never Give It Up |date=November 1, 1939 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 20, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321063118/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/11/01/archives/roosevelt-rejects-battery-bridge-plan-but-mayor-says-he-will-never.html |archive-date=March 21, 2018}}

= Tunnel plans finalized =

File:Variable-message sign Welcome to the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel - B&T 5962 (8119224993).jpg at the tunnel's entrance]]

In July 1939, after the bridge plan was canceled, the proposal for the Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel was revisited. Around this time, Roosevelt's administration was considering loosening PWA requirements and lowering interest rates so that the Battery Tunnel could qualify for these funds.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/07/20/archives/plans-for-tunnel-at-battery-rushed-agencies-move-to-ask-funds-as.html |title=PLANS FOR TUNNEL AT BATTERY RUSHED; Agencies Move to Ask Funds as Soon as Federal Lending Facilities Are Ready LEGAL PROBLEM STUDIED Effect of Rejection of Bridge an Authority Questioned-- Highways Discussed |date=July 20, 1939 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 13, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314042757/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/07/20/archives/plans-for-tunnel-at-battery-rushed-agencies-move-to-ask-funds-as.html |archive-date=March 14, 2018}} By November, La Guardia was arranging to obtain financing for the tunnel, even if it had to come from private sources.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/11/05/archives/funds-are-sought-to-finance-tunnel-possibility-of-getting-cash-for.html |title=FUNDS ARE SOUGHT TO FINANCE TUNNEL; Possibility of Getting Cash for Brooklyn-Battery Tube to Be Taken Up in Few Days NO CITY MONEY AVAILABLE La Guardia Defends Recent Improvements--Asks Parents to Fight for School Aid Belt Parkway Praised Literacy Not Enough |date=November 5, 1939 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 20, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321063316/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/11/05/archives/funds-are-sought-to-finance-tunnel-possibility-of-getting-cash-for.html |archive-date=March 21, 2018}}{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52756210/ |title=Battery Tunnel Funds Sought |date=November 5, 1939 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 19, 2018 |page=1 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321130952/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52756210/ |archive-date=March 21, 2018}} After a meeting with La Guardia, RFC chair Jones announced that there were no obstacles to granting a $70-million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|70000000|1939}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}) loan toward the tunnel project. The city was expecting to start construction once the loan was received.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/11/16/archives/us-loan-forecast-for-battery-tube-jesse-jones-sees-no-obstacles-to.html |title=U.S. LOAN FORECAST FOR BATTERY TUBE; Jesse Jones Sees No Obstacles to Financing After 2-Hour Parley With La Guardia |date=November 16, 1939 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 20, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321063552/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/11/16/archives/us-loan-forecast-for-battery-tube-jesse-jones-sees-no-obstacles-to.html |archive-date=March 21, 2018}}{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52762792/ |title=Battery Tube Plans Ready for Approval |date=November 16, 1939 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 19, 2018 |page=1 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321130853/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52762792/ |archive-date=March 21, 2018}} The tunnel plans were completed and sent to federal agencies for approval that month.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/11/22/archives/plans-completed-for-brooklyn-tube-sent-to-washington-at-once-for.html |title=PLANS COMPLETED FOR BROOKLYN TUBE; Sent to Washington at Once for Federal Approval, the Mayor Reveals READY TO START QUICKLY Work Can Begin 21 Days After U.S. Sanctions the Project, He Declares |date=November 22, 1939 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 20, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321063424/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/11/22/archives/plans-completed-for-brooklyn-tube-sent-to-washington-at-once-for.html |archive-date=March 21, 2018}}

The New York City Tunnel Authority announced in March 1940 that it would start construction within 40 days. Preliminary construction and land acquisition for the Brooklyn approach was already underway. The Army had already approved the tunnel but, due to a minor change in the plan, had to hold another hearing, and the Army was expected to uphold the permit.{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52681606/ |title=Borough Rushes Battery Tube Plans |date=March 12, 1940 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 21, 2018 |pages=1, 2 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322015812/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52681606/ |archive-date=March 22, 2018}} In May, La Guardia signed a preliminary contract to start construction.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/05/23/archives/mayor-clears-way-for-battery-tunnel-signs-preliminary-agreements-to.html |title=MAYOR CLEARS WAY FOR BATTERY TUNNEL; Signs Preliminary Agreements to Speed Construction |date=May 23, 1940 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 20, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321063600/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/05/23/archives/mayor-clears-way-for-battery-tunnel-signs-preliminary-agreements-to.html |archive-date=March 21, 2018}} Moses stated that he wanted to complete the tunnel, a crucial link in the Circumferential Parkway System, as soon as possible.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/06/12/archives/moses-will-press-tunnel-link-work-going-ahead-with-plan-despite.html |title=MOSES WILL PRESS TUNNEL LINK WORK; Going Ahead With Plan Despite Lack of Final Approval of Brooklyn Project CALLS HIGHWAY ESSENTIAL $4,000,000 Worth of Land Obtained by Bridge Authority for Wider Right of Way |date=June 12, 1940 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 21, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321133905/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/06/12/archives/moses-will-press-tunnel-link-work-going-ahead-with-plan-despite.html |archive-date=March 21, 2018}} The RFC granted the city $57 million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|57000000|1940}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}) for the tunnel project later that month.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/06/30/archives/battery-tube-loan-approved-by-rfc-57000000-of-projects-cost.html |title=BATTERY TUBE LOAN APPROVED BY RFC; $57,000,000 of Project's Cost Provided as Mayor Opens 33-Mile Belt Parkway |date=June 30, 1940 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 21, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322015512/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/06/30/archives/battery-tube-loan-approved-by-rfc-57000000-of-projects-cost.html |archive-date=March 22, 2018}}{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/53865649/ |title=30-Year Clamor for the Tube is All Over But the Digging |date=June 30, 1940 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 21, 2018 |page=3 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322021156/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/53865649/ |archive-date=March 22, 2018}} Ole Singstad, the chief engineer of the New York City Tunnel Authority, was commissioned to design the tunnel. As a cost-saving measure, the Tunnel Authority briefly considered constructing the Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel by digging a trench under the East River and then covering it up.{{cite web |title=TUNNEL BUILDING BY TRENCH STUDIED |website=The New York Times |date=May 10, 1940 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/05/10/archives/tunnel-building-by-trench-studied-authority-weighs-proposal-of.html |access-date=April 19, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420010726/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/05/10/archives/tunnel-building-by-trench-studied-authority-weighs-proposal-of.html |archive-date=April 20, 2018}}

In mid-1940, 400 Brooklyn residents living in the tunnel's right-of-way were evicted.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/07/09/archives/400-are-to-be-evicted-deputy-sheriffs-begin-serving-orders-in.html |title=400 ARE TO BE EVICTED; Deputy Sheriffs Begin Serving Orders in Brooklyn |date=July 9, 1940 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 21, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322020558/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/07/09/archives/400-are-to-be-evicted-deputy-sheriffs-begin-serving-orders-in.html |archive-date=March 22, 2018}} On the Manhattan side, a large part of Little Syria, a mostly Christian Syrian/Lebanese neighborhood centered around Washington Street, was razed to create the entrance ramps for the tunnel.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/25/nyregion/25quarter.html |title=When an Arab Enclave Thrived Downtown |last=Dunlap |first=David W. |date=August 24, 2010 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 23, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504124805/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/25/nyregion/25quarter.html?_r=1 |archive-date=May 4, 2021}} Many of the shops and residents of Little Syria later moved to Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn.{{cite book |title=Community of Many Worlds: Arab Americans in New York City |last1=Benson |first1=Kathleen |last2=Kayal |first2=Philip M. |publisher=Museum of the City of New York |year=2002 |isbn=0-8156-0739-3 |location=New York |page=[https://archive.org/details/communityofmanyw00bens/page/18 18] |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/communityofmanyw00bens/page/18}} The city ultimately spent $4 million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|4000000|1940}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}) on land acquisition.{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/53596604/ |title=Condemnation for Tube Costs City $3,264,142 |date=October 29, 1940 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 21, 2018 |page=2 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708201454/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/53596604/ |archive-date=July 8, 2018}}

= Construction starts =

File:Informal Remarks At The Ceremonies Incident To Ground Breaking For The Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel - NARA - 197931.tif

The Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel's groundbreaking ceremony was supposed to be held on October 8, 1940, with President Roosevelt in attendance.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/09/23/archives/president-to-break-ground-oct-8-for-the-57000000-battery-tube.html |title=President to Break Ground Oct. 8 For the $57,000,000 Battery Tube; Exercises in Brooklyn to Start Work on Link Scheduled for Completion in 1944 With Capacity of 16,000,000 Cars a Year |date=September 23, 1940 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 21, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322015802/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/09/23/archives/president-to-break-ground-oct-8-for-the-57000000-battery-tube.html |archive-date=March 22, 2018}} At the time, the president was in the final weeks of his reelection campaign for the 1940 United States presidential election, and he was expected to campaign at several places around New York City.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/10/18/archives/roosevelt-to-make-political-tour-with-5-major-speeches-one-here.html |title=Roosevelt to Make Political Tour, With 5 Major Speeches, One Here; President to Swing Through Crucial Eastern States in Last Fortnight of Campaign-- Will Address Garden Rally Oct. 28 |date=October 18, 1940 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 21, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322020601/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/10/18/archives/roosevelt-to-make-political-tour-with-5-major-speeches-one-here.html |archive-date=March 22, 2018}} The groundbreaking was ultimately pushed back to October 28. At the ceremony, Roosevelt extolled the benefits of a tunnel as opposed to a bridge, while Mayor La Guardia invited the president to return for the opening ceremony in four years.{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/53596361/ |title=FDR Launches Boro Tunnel in Campaign Swing of City |date=October 28, 1940 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 21, 2018 |pages=1, 3 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322020447/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/53596361/ |archive-date=March 22, 2018}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/10/29/archives/president-breaks-ground-for-tunnel-invited-by-mayor-to-return-to.html |title=PRESIDENT BREAKS GROUND FOR TUNNEL; Invited by Mayor to Return to the City in His 'Official Capacity' in 1944 HOPES HE 'CAN' ACCEPT Says Defense Reasons Rules Out Bridge--Predicts Project Will Pay for Itself |date=October 29, 1940 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 21, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315133619/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/10/29/archives/president-breaks-ground-for-tunnel-invited-by-mayor-to-return-to.html |archive-date=March 15, 2018}} Three days later, the city approved a motion to widen Hamilton Avenue from {{Convert|80|to|300|ft|m}} to make way for the Brooklyn tunnel approach, as well as awarded a contract for the tunnel's lining to Bethlehem Steel.{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/53597129/ |title=City Acts to Pave Way for Tunnel Approach |date=October 31, 1940 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 21, 2018 |page=3 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322021205/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/53597129/ |archive-date=March 22, 2018}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/10/31/archives/tunnel-lining-bids-in-bethlehem-units-lowest-on-iron-for.html |title=TUNNEL LINING BIDS IN; Bethlehem Units Lowest on Iron for Battery-Brooklyn Tube |date=October 31, 1940 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 21, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322015509/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/10/31/archives/tunnel-lining-bids-in-bethlehem-units-lowest-on-iron-for.html |archive-date=March 22, 2018}}

The start of actual tunneling was delayed due to dispute between a dockworkers' union, which was commissioned to dig the tunnel, and a sandhogs' union, which claimed that its members were entitled to work on the project because the sandhogs specialized in building tunnels.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/12/10/archives/carpenters-pass-pickets-at-tunnel-10-resume-jobs-at-brooklynbattery.html |title=CARPENTERS PASS PICKETS AT TUNNEL; 10 Resume Jobs at BrooklynBattery Project DespiteOpposition of SandhogsA.F.L. RULING IS DEFIEDUnderground Workers InsistThey Have Right to AllPreliminary Construction |date=December 10, 1940 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 21, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322020316/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/12/10/archives/carpenters-pass-pickets-at-tunnel-10-resume-jobs-at-brooklynbattery.html |archive-date=March 22, 2018}}{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52771153/ |title=Battery Tunnel Work Halted by Union Row |date=December 2, 1940 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 21, 2018 |page=1 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322020529/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52771153/ |archive-date=March 22, 2018}} This disagreement turned into a violent protest{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1941/02/11/archives/2-policemen-hurt-in-sandhog-fights-9-pickets-arrested-in-day-of.html |title=2 POLICEMEN HURT IN SANDHOG FIGHTS; 9 Pickets Arrested in Day of Strife at Battery End of Brooklyn Tunnel Job AREA IS HEAVILY GUARDED Jurisdictional Dispute Leads to Attacks on Men Leaving Work -- One Is Sentenced |date=February 11, 1941 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 21, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322020246/https://www.nytimes.com/1941/02/11/archives/2-policemen-hurt-in-sandhog-fights-9-pickets-arrested-in-day-of.html |archive-date=March 22, 2018}} and multiday strike in February 1941.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1941/02/14/archives/sandhogs-to-cease-picketline-fights-but-interunion-row-is-no-nearer.html |title=SANDHOGS TO CEASE PICKET-LINE FIGHTS; But Interunion Row Is No Nearer Settlement |date=February 14, 1941 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 21, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322022320/https://www.nytimes.com/1941/02/14/archives/sandhogs-to-cease-picketline-fights-but-interunion-row-is-no-nearer.html |archive-date=March 22, 2018}} The next year, some union sandhog workers were banned from working on the Battery Tunnel project due to a disagreement with their union's parent union.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1942/03/02/archives/no-delay-in-battery-tube-but-authorities-fear-sandhog-row-will.html |title=NO DELAY IN BATTERY TUBE; But Authorities Fear Sandhog Row Will Cause Snag Soon |date=March 2, 1942 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 22, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322081857/https://www.nytimes.com/1942/03/02/archives/no-delay-in-battery-tube-but-authorities-fear-sandhog-row-will.html |archive-date=March 22, 2018}}

Another issue arose when it was revealed that the Great New York Aquarium at Castle Clinton, at the Battery on the Manhattan side, would need to be demolished to make way for the tunnel.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1941/02/08/archives/battery-aquarium-to-be-demolished-doomed-by-brooklyn-tunnel-it-will.html |title=BATTERY AQUARIUM TO BE DEMOLISHED; Doomed by Brooklyn Tunnel, It Will Be Replaced by a Modern One in Bronx COST PUT AT $2,000,000 Modern Exhibition Technique to Be Utilized to Mirror Nature, Osborn Says |date=February 8, 1941 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 21, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322015949/https://www.nytimes.com/1941/02/08/archives/battery-aquarium-to-be-demolished-doomed-by-brooklyn-tunnel-it-will.html |archive-date=March 22, 2018}} The aquarium considered moving to Coney Island on the southern shore of Brooklyn.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1941/05/03/archives/aquarium-weighs-coney-island-site-city-considers-erection-of-new.html |title=AQUARIUM WEIGHS CONEY ISLAND SITE; City Considers Erection of New $2,000,000 Exhibition Hall Fronting on Boardwalk |date=May 3, 1941 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 21, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322015436/https://www.nytimes.com/1941/05/03/archives/aquarium-weighs-coney-island-site-city-considers-erection-of-new.html |archive-date=March 22, 2018}} To expedite construction of the tunnel, the city closed the Great New York Aquarium and moved its fish to other aquariums in September 1941.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1941/09/23/archives/fish-to-leave-old-home-aquarium-to-start-dispersing-thousands-of.html |title=FISH TO LEAVE OLD HOME; Aquarium to Start Dispersing Thousands of Specimens |date=September 23, 1941 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 21, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322015515/https://www.nytimes.com/1941/09/23/archives/fish-to-leave-old-home-aquarium-to-start-dispersing-thousands-of.html |archive-date=March 22, 2018}} Moses advocated for the demolition of Castle Clinton,{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1942/06/26/archives/aquarium-doomed-by-estimate-board-moses-scoffs-at-proposal-to.html |title=AQUARIUM DOOMED BY ESTIMATE BOARD; Moses Scoffs at Proposal to Restore Old Fort, Saying It 'Never Fired a Shot' MANY PLEAD FOR SAVING IT But the Vote Is 11 to 5 for Demolition to Make Way for Battery Tunnel |date=June 26, 1942 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 22, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322082100/https://www.nytimes.com/1942/06/26/archives/aquarium-doomed-by-estimate-board-moses-scoffs-at-proposal-to.html |archive-date=March 22, 2018}} but preservationists who opposed Moses's proposed action asked federal judge to grant an injunction to prevent demolition.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1942/08/20/archives/injunction-sought-to-save-aquarium-suit-today-will-ask-court-to.html |title=INJUNCTION SOUGHT TO SAVE AQUARIUM; Suit Today Will Ask Court to Restrain Moses From Razing Fort Clinton |date=August 20, 1942 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 22, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322082203/https://www.nytimes.com/1942/08/20/archives/injunction-sought-to-save-aquarium-suit-today-will-ask-court-to.html |archive-date=March 22, 2018}} Even though Moses initially had the injunction dismissed,{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1943/04/25/archives/moses-wins-fight-to-raze-aquarium-court-of-appeals-has-denied.html |title=MOSES WINS FIGHT TO RAZE AQUARIUM; Court of Appeals Has Denied Injunction Sought by Civic Groups Opposing Him ACTION WAS BEGUN IN 1941 Contest Was Marked by Fierce Exchange Between Park Chief and Pierce T. Wetter |date=April 25, 1943 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 22, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322082339/https://www.nytimes.com/1943/04/25/archives/moses-wins-fight-to-raze-aquarium-court-of-appeals-has-denied.html |archive-date=March 22, 2018}} the federal government later designated the castle a US historic monument, which prohibited him from demolishing the castle.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1946/08/13/archives/aquarium-block-made-a-monument-truman-signs-bill-designating-castle.html |title=AQUARIUM BLOCK MADE A MONUMENT; Truman Signs Bill Designating Castle Clinton, Battery Park, a National Shrine |date=August 13, 1946 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 22, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322082209/https://www.nytimes.com/1946/08/13/archives/aquarium-block-made-a-monument-truman-signs-bill-designating-castle.html |archive-date=March 22, 2018}} The tunnel project would also require demolishing {{Convert|2|acre|ha|spell=in}} of the Battery in order to build a seawall,{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1941/05/13/archives/new-moses-plan-dooms-aquarium-he-also-would-take-2-more-acres-from.html |title=NEW MOSES PLAN DOOMS AQUARIUM; He Also Would Take 2 More Acres From Sea for Battery Park as Tube Is Built MAYOR SEEMS TO AGREE Asks Department Heads to Study Details -- Disguised Air Shafts Suggested |date=May 13, 1941 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 21, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322022137/https://www.nytimes.com/1941/05/13/archives/new-moses-plan-dooms-aquarium-he-also-would-take-2-more-acres-from.html |archive-date=March 22, 2018}} and, as a result of the downsizing of the Battery, an architect was hired to study the redesign of the park.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1941/04/07/archives/battery-plan-ordered-architect-is-commissioned-to-study-its.html |title=BATTERY PLAN ORDERED; Architect Is Commissioned to Study Its Redesigning |date=April 7, 1941 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 21, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322015235/https://www.nytimes.com/1941/04/07/archives/battery-plan-ordered-architect-is-commissioned-to-study-its.html |archive-date=March 22, 2018}} This, in turn, led to a public competition for potential park redesigns.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1942/08/13/archives/37-plans-offered-for-battery-park-judges-to-meet-next-week-to-pass.html |title=37 PLANS OFFERED FOR BATTERY PARK; Judges to Meet Next Week to Pass on Drawings in Contest |date=August 13, 1942 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 22, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322082337/https://www.nytimes.com/1942/08/13/archives/37-plans-offered-for-battery-park-judges-to-meet-next-week-to-pass.html |archive-date=March 22, 2018}}

In August 1940, the city filed plans for two drawbridges across the Gowanus Canal as part of the Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel approach project.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/08/05/archives/gowanus-canal-to-get-new-bridge-triborough-authority-files-plans.html |title=GOWANUS CANAL TO GET NEW BRIDGE; Triborough Authority Files Plans for Twin Single-Leaf Bascule at Hamilton Ave. PROVIDES DIVIDED ROADS Represents Change in Link to Belt Parkway, as High Level Span Was Contemplated |date=August 5, 1940 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 21, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322020234/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/08/05/archives/gowanus-canal-to-get-new-bridge-triborough-authority-files-plans.html |archive-date=March 22, 2018}} The US Army officially approved plans for the Gowanus Canal bridge in October, just before the tunnel was set to begin construction.{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/53594413/ |title=Army Approves Gowanus Bridge |date=October 22, 1940 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 21, 2018 |page=4 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322021021/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/53594413/ |archive-date=March 22, 2018}} The Gowanus bridge's contract was awarded in December 1940.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/12/11/archives/bids-for-bridge-opened-1910501-is-lowest-to-span-the-gowanus-canal.html |title=BIDS FOR BRIDGE OPENED; $1,910,501 Is Lowest to Span the Gowanus Canal |date=December 11, 1940 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 21, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322015851/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/12/11/archives/bids-for-bridge-opened-1910501-is-lowest-to-span-the-gowanus-canal.html |archive-date=March 22, 2018}} A contract for the Gowanus Parkway approach to the tunnel and bridge was awarded the next month.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1941/01/05/archives/el-to-link-belt-road-gowanus-parkway-to-the-new-brooklynbattery.html |title='EL' TO LINK BELT ROAD; Gowanus Parkway to the New Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel Is Begun |last=Mathieu |first=George M. |date=1941 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 21, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322020029/https://www.nytimes.com/1941/01/05/archives/el-to-link-belt-road-gowanus-parkway-to-the-new-brooklynbattery.html |archive-date=March 22, 2018}} In mid-1941, planners realized that Hicks Street, on the Brooklyn side, would also need to be widened so that traffic from the north could enter the tunnel, whose Brooklyn portal faced southeast.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1941/06/15/archives/hicks-street-widening-to-be-pushed-section-to-form-true-link-to.html |title=HICKS STREET WIDENING TO BE PUSHED; Section to Form True Link To Gowanus Parkway -- A Tunnel Approach |last=Bennett |first=Charles G. |date=June 15, 1941 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 22, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322142943/https://www.nytimes.com/1941/06/15/archives/hicks-street-widening-to-be-pushed-section-to-form-true-link-to.html |archive-date=March 22, 2018}} By May 1942, the Gowanus Parkway was completed between Hicks Street and the Belt Parkway. The parkway also included a bridge over the Gowanus Canal, a fixed span rising {{Convert|90|ft|m}} above the waterway before descending to Hicks Street.{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/53592268/ |title=Gowanus Elevated Parkway Opens |date=May 6, 1942 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 22, 2018 |page=1 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322082240/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/53592268/ |archive-date=March 22, 2018}} Construction on an extension of the highway along Hicks Street did not start until 1946.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1946/08/21/archives/25000000-artery-begun-in-brooklyn-odwyer-cashmore-dig-soil-for-link.html |title=$25,000,000 ARTERY BEGUN IN BROOKLYN; O'Dwyer, Cashmore Dig Soil for Link Between Queens and Tunnel to Battery |date=August 21, 1946 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 22, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322082001/https://www.nytimes.com/1946/08/21/archives/25000000-artery-begun-in-brooklyn-odwyer-cashmore-dig-soil-for-link.html |archive-date=March 22, 2018}}

A new plan for the Manhattan approaches was released in mid-1941. This plan, believed to reduce traffic congestion, consisted of extending the West Side Elevated Highway south to the Battery with a ramp from the southbound highway leading directly into the tunnel. The Battery Park Underpass would be built between the West Side Highway and the FDR Drive. As a result, the approaches to the tunnel would only need to connect to the west side of the Battery, and traffic accessing the North River piers on the West Side would not be interrupted by tunnel traffic.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1941/08/25/archives/approach-plans-for-tube-ready-west-side-highway-extension-and.html |title=APPROACH PLANS FOR TUBE READY; West Side Highway Extension and Underpass in Battery Park to Speed Traffic EAST RIVER DRIVE LINKED Minimum Interference With Trucks Serving West Street Piers Held Essential |date=August 25, 1941 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 21, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322015853/https://www.nytimes.com/1941/08/25/archives/approach-plans-for-tube-ready-west-side-highway-extension-and.html |archive-date=March 22, 2018}} However, this was not the case for traffic from Brooklyn, which would have to go through a traffic light before accessing the ramp for the elevated highway.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1950/03/22/archives/brooklyn-tunnel-will-open-may-25-tae-new-brooklynbattery-tunnelits.html |title=Brooklyn Tunnel Will Open May 25; Tae New Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel--Its Approaches and Exits |last=Ingraham |first=Joseph C. |date=March 22, 1950 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 22, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323040859/https://www.nytimes.com/1950/03/22/archives/brooklyn-tunnel-will-open-may-25-tae-new-brooklynbattery-tunnelits.html |archive-date=March 23, 2018}}

The tunnel-boring project consisted of digging two separate bores from each end. Bids for digging the tunnel's shafts from the Brooklyn side were advertised and let the same month.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/08/07/archives/shaft-bids-opened-for-battery-tube-work-on-two-excavations-to-start.html |title=SHAFT BIDS OPENED FOR BATTERY TUBE; Work on Two Excavations to Start in Two Weeks |date=August 7, 1940 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 21, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322022140/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/08/07/archives/shaft-bids-opened-for-battery-tube-work-on-two-excavations-to-start.html |archive-date=March 22, 2018}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/08/20/archives/battery-tunnel-contract-let.html |title=Battery Tunnel Contract Let |date=August 20, 1940 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 21, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322020252/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/08/20/archives/battery-tunnel-contract-let.html |archive-date=March 22, 2018}} Contracts for boring the tunnels from the Manhattan side were opened in May 1941.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1941/05/28/archives/opens-battery-tube-bids-authority-says-lowest-for-major-digging-job.html |title=OPENS BATTERY TUBE BIDS; Authority Says Lowest for Major Digging Job Is $13,888,000 |date=May 28, 1941 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 21, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322020438/https://www.nytimes.com/1941/05/28/archives/opens-battery-tube-bids-authority-says-lowest-for-major-digging-job.html |archive-date=March 22, 2018}} The Manhattan contract was awarded to Mason Hangar in October of the same year.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1941/10/06/archives/city-accepts-bid-on-battery-tube-mason-hangar-inc-gets-job-of.html |title=CITY ACCEPTS BID ON BATTERY TUBE; Mason & Hangar, Inc., Gets Job of Building Manhattan Part of Brooklyn Tunnel |date=October 6, 1941 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 21, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322022154/https://www.nytimes.com/1941/10/06/archives/city-accepts-bid-on-battery-tube-mason-hangar-inc-gets-job-of.html |archive-date=March 22, 2018}}{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52805037/ |title=Boro-Battery Tube Contract Awarded |date=October 6, 1941 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 21, 2018 |page=5 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322082245/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52805037/ |archive-date=March 22, 2018}} A contest for designing the Governors Island ventilation building was also held, and the contract was ultimately given to the architectural firm McKim, Mead & White.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1941/09/15/archives/awards-are-made-by-tunnel-board-mckim-mead-white-win-first-prize-of.html |title=AWARDS ARE MADE BY TUNNEL BOARD; McKim, Mead & White Win First Prize of $2,000 for Design for Ventilating Building IT WILL BE IN MID-RIVER 57 Architects or Firms Took Part in Contest Over Unit of Battery Vehicular Tube |date=September 15, 1941 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 21, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322020458/https://www.nytimes.com/1941/09/15/archives/awards-are-made-by-tunnel-board-mckim-mead-white-win-first-prize-of.html |archive-date=March 22, 2018}} The last tunneling project, a contract to dig in either direction from Governors Island until the tubes connected to each other, was advertised in December 1941.{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/59244598/ |title=Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel Contracts Almost Complete |date=December 12, 1941 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 21, 2018 |page=7 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322082246/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/59244598/ |archive-date=March 22, 2018}}

= Construction halts and restarts =

The tunnel was originally expected for completion by 1944. La Guardia had promised that, during World War II, the Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel would be given priority status over other construction projects due to its importance to the Brooklyn economy.{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52610258/ |title=Mayor Promises City Priorities for All Vital Supplies |date=August 12, 1941 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 22, 2018 |page=20 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322082242/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52610258/ |archive-date=March 22, 2018}} However, the Battery Tunnel project was not deemed a high-importance destination for steel, so the tunnel's priority status for the receipt of steel was revoked in February 1942. Although digging work continued, the tunnel could not be finished until after the war.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1942/03/03/archives/war-takes-steel-from-battery-tube-work-goes-on-but-probably-cannot.html |title=WAR TAKES STEEL FROM BATTERY TUBE; Work Goes On, but Probably Cannot Be Completed Till End of the Conflict |date=March 3, 1942 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 22, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322082328/https://www.nytimes.com/1942/03/03/archives/war-takes-steel-from-battery-tube-work-goes-on-but-probably-cannot.html |archive-date=March 22, 2018}} In October 1942, Moses recommended that tunnel work be halted completely to conserve steel and other metals that were needed for the war.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1942/10/06/archives/moses-asks-halt-on-tunnel-work-would-suspend-construction-of.html |title=MOSES ASKS HALT ON TUNNEL WORK; Would Suspend Construction of Brooklyn-Battery Tube to Save Strategic Metals 28,000 TONS ARE INVOLVED Park Commissioner Says Job Will Take Four Years and Cannot Help in War |date=October 6, 1942 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 22, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322082152/https://www.nytimes.com/1942/10/06/archives/moses-asks-halt-on-tunnel-work-would-suspend-construction-of.html |archive-date=March 22, 2018}} At this time, the federal War Production Board (WPB) released an order to stop work on the Brooklyn end, although digging from the Manhattan side was allowed to continue because that work consisted solely of digging through solid rock.{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52685498/ |title=Work Continues at Manhattan End of Battery Tunnel |date=October 18, 1942 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 22, 2018 |page=2 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323030453/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52685498/ |archive-date=March 23, 2018}} By the end of the month, the WPB ordered a halt to all construction work on the tunnel's Manhattan end as well.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1942/10/31/archives/battery-tunnel-is-halted-by-wpb-protest-by-city-authority-appeals.html |title=BATTERY TUNNEL IS HALTED BY WPB; PROTEST BY CITY; Authority Appeals, Declaring Work Could Go On 18 Months With No New Materials MAYOR WANTS JOBS SAVED 'Assumes' No Vengeance Is Behind Order to Conserve Critical War Supplies BATTERY TUNNEL IS HALTED BY WPB |date=October 31, 1942 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 22, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322081711/https://www.nytimes.com/1942/10/31/archives/battery-tunnel-is-halted-by-wpb-protest-by-city-authority-appeals.html |archive-date=March 22, 2018}} Due to opposition over potentially firing the sandhogs, they were allowed to continue working until a final review of the WPB's action was conducted.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1942/11/08/archives/wpb-lets-sandhogs-continue-tube-job-tunneling-to-go-on-pending.html |title=WPB LETS SANDHOGS CONTINUE TUBE JOB; Tunneling to Go On Pending Final Review of Stoppage Order Issued on Oct. 30 |date=November 8, 1942 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 22, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322081938/https://www.nytimes.com/1942/11/08/archives/wpb-lets-sandhogs-continue-tube-job-tunneling-to-go-on-pending.html |archive-date=March 22, 2018}}{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52866710/ |title=Battery Tube Work Permitted to Continue |date=November 8, 1942 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 22, 2018 |page=1 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322082156/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52866710/ |archive-date=March 22, 2018}} At the time, the bores from Manhattan and Brooklyn were in various stages of completion.

By September 1944, the war was winding down and Mayor La Guardia was petitioning the US government to allow the manufacture of washers, nuts, and screws for the Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel construction effort.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1944/09/21/archives/city-tunnel-work-awaits-wpb-move-making-of-bolts-called-key-to.html |title=CITY TUNNEL WORK AWAITS WPB MOVE; Making of Bolts Called Key to Resumption on $87,000,000 Brooklyn-Battery Tubes MANPOWER ALSO FACTOR But Local Agency Says It Can Be Ready in Three Months to Finish Job in Three Years |date=September 21, 1944 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 22, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322082329/https://www.nytimes.com/1944/09/21/archives/city-tunnel-work-awaits-wpb-move-making-of-bolts-called-key-to.html |archive-date=March 22, 2018}} The federal government gave its permission the next month. During the war, the tunnel shafts had flooded, so they had to be drained first before construction could continue.{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52833708/ |title=Battery Tunnel Job Gets WPB Green Light |date=September 13, 1945 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 22, 2018 |page=3 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322204802/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52833708/ |archive-date=March 22, 2018}} In mid-1945, after the war ended, the Triborough Bridge Authority was merged with the Tunnel Authority, allowing the new Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority (TBTA) to take over the project.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1945/07/26/archives/tunnel-authority-being-reorganized-shortridge-displaced-as-the.html |title=TUNNEL AUTHORITY BEING REORGANIZED; Shortridge Displaced as the General Manager, Singstad Dropped as Chief Engineer MOSES HEADS THE AGENCY Initial Steps Announced in the Consolidation With Triborough Bridge Authority Here McLaughlin in Tunnel Post La Guardia Not in Accord |date=July 26, 1945 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 22, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322143001/https://www.nytimes.com/1945/07/26/archives/tunnel-authority-being-reorganized-shortridge-displaced-as-the.html |archive-date=March 22, 2018}} Moses, the TBTA head, promptly fired Singstad and replaced him with TBTA Chief Engineer Ralph Smillie, who designed the remainder of the tunnel.{{cite web |url=http://www.mta.info/press-release/bridges-tunnels/brooklyn%E2%80%93battery-tunnel-milestone-vital-nyc-link-60-years |title=Press Release – Bridges & Tunnels – Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel Milestone: Vital NYC Link for 60 Years |date=May 19, 2010 |website=MTA |access-date=March 22, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323030745/http://www.mta.info/press-release/bridges-tunnels/brooklyn%E2%80%93battery-tunnel-milestone-vital-nyc-link-60-years |archive-date=March 23, 2018}} The WPB approved the resumption of tunnel work in September of that year. The TBTA advertised for bids to construct the Brooklyn toll plaza in May 1946.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1946/04/03/archives/brooklyn-plaza-bids-opened.html |title=Brooklyn Plaza Bids Opened |date=April 3, 1946 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 22, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322142733/https://www.nytimes.com/1946/04/03/archives/brooklyn-plaza-bids-opened.html |archive-date=March 22, 2018}} Because of objections to the proposed Manhattan ventilation building's design, the TBTA changed the plans so that the tower would look like a granite monument rather than a simple ventilation tower.{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/53703589/ |title=Battery Tunnel Outlet to be Ornamental |date=January 20, 1945 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 22, 2018 |page=8 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322204731/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/53703589/ |archive-date=March 22, 2018}}

Moses directed the tunnel be finished with a different method for finishing the tunnel walls. This resulted in leaking, and, according to Moses biographer Robert Caro, the TBTA fixed the leaks by using a design almost identical to Singstad's original.{{Cite Power Broker}}{{rp|696–697}} Singstad later claimed that Smillie had caused "excessive" leakage by not using Singstad's experimental caulking design to prevent leaks. Smillie denied that the leakage was excessive and that Singstad's caulking method had been replaced because that method was actually the cause of the leak.

Workers from both sides continued working on the tunnel, mining caverns until the tubes from each side connected with each other.{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/54416298/ |title=There's a Deafening Roar, and a Tunnel Slashes 6 Feet Farther Toward Its Goal |last=Blauvelt |first=Paul |date=March 30, 1947 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 22, 2018 |page=23 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322204937/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/54416298/ |archive-date=March 22, 2018}} In July 1947, the eastern tube for future northbound traffic was the first to be holed-through, with workers from each side shaking hands as a small pipe was passed through from one side to another. The pipe was then removed, and the openings covered up, to prevent drastic changes in pressure at either end of the tube.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1947/07/20/archives/2-borings-linked-in-battery-tunnel-fourinch-hole-18-feet-long-shows.html |title=2 BORINGS LINKED IN BATTERY TUNNEL; Four-Inch Hole 18 Feet Long Shows Tube's Segments Are Centered Exactly |date=July 20, 1947 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 22, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322082127/https://www.nytimes.com/1947/07/20/archives/2-borings-linked-in-battery-tunnel-fourinch-hole-18-feet-long-shows.html |archive-date=March 22, 2018}}{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52816198/ |title=Boro-Battery Tunnel Link Cut Through |date=July 20, 1947 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 22, 2018 |page=1 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322204915/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52816198/ |archive-date=March 22, 2018}} The tunnels from Manhattan and Brooklyn had connected at a point under Governors Island, with an error of {{Convert|0.375|in|cm}}, and work continued until there was enough assurances that the tunnels had equal pressure readings.{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52817950/ |title=Engineers Join Battery Tunnel Borings Within Fraction of an Inch |date=July 24, 1947 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 22, 2018 |page=2 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323030730/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52817950/ |archive-date=March 23, 2018}}

After the tunnel was holed through, the TBTA awarded contracts for the construction of the Governors Island ventilation building.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1947/08/21/archives/plan-battery-tube-work-contractors-get-ventilation-and-blower.html |title=PLAN BATTERY TUBE WORK; Contractors Get Ventilation and Blower Building Jobs |date=August 21, 1947 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 22, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322082402/https://www.nytimes.com/1947/08/21/archives/plan-battery-tube-work-contractors-get-ventilation-and-blower.html |archive-date=March 22, 2018}} Construction on this ventilation building started in January 1949.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1949/01/14/archives/lungs-of-tunnel-to-breathe-in-bay-126foot-ventilating-tower-will.html |title=LUNGS' OF TUNNEL TO BREATHE IN BAY; 126-Foot Ventilating Tower Will Begin Next Week to Rise From Harbor |date=1949 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 22, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322233404/https://www.nytimes.com/1949/01/14/archives/lungs-of-tunnel-to-breathe-in-bay-126foot-ventilating-tower-will.html |archive-date=March 22, 2018}} The plans for the Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel also included a seven-story parking garage alongside the Manhattan portal, which broke ground in August 1948. The garage was slated to be the first publicly owned parking complex in the city, and so the city government proposed offering lower parking rates compared to privately-owned garages.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1948/08/17/archives/cut-rates-planned-at-battery-garage-ground-is-broken-for-building.html |title=CUT RATES PLANNED AT BATTERY GARAGE; Ground Is Broken for Building to Park 1,500 Autos -- First in City Publicly Owned |date=August 17, 1948 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 22, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322230352/https://www.nytimes.com/1948/08/17/archives/cut-rates-planned-at-battery-garage-ground-is-broken-for-building.html |archive-date=March 22, 2018}}

The Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel was slated to be connected with several parkways and highways on either side, which were built in tandem with the tunnel. On the Brooklyn side, the Brooklyn–Queens Expressway was under construction, providing a connector to the tunnel from the north. Although it was substantially complete by December 1948, the expressway could not open until the tunnel was complete.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1948/12/18/archives/new-highway-link-speeded-in-kings-only-sophisticated-finishing.html |title=NEW HIGHWAY LINK SPEEDED IN KINGS; Only 'Sophisticated, Finishing Touches' Remain to Be Applied, Cashmore Says |last=Ingraham |first=Joseph C. |date=December 18, 1948 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 22, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322230322/https://www.nytimes.com/1948/12/18/archives/new-highway-link-speeded-in-kings-only-sophisticated-finishing.html |archive-date=March 22, 2018}} On the Manhattan side, the southernmost section of the West Side Elevated Highway, which connected to the Battery and the future tunnel, opened in November 1948.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1948/11/28/archives/highway-section-opens-tomorrow-mayor-to-cut-ribbon-at-11-am-to.html |title=HIGHWAY SECTION OPENS TOMORROW; Mayor to Cut Ribbon at 11 A.M. to Start Flow of Elevated Traffic on West Side |date=November 28, 1948 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 22, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323040857/https://www.nytimes.com/1948/11/28/archives/highway-section-opens-tomorrow-mayor-to-cut-ribbon-at-11-am-to.html |archive-date=March 23, 2018}} An extension of the East River Drive (by now renamed the FDR Drive{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1945/06/29/archives/council-votes-to-name-east-drive-for-roosevelt.html |title=Council Votes to Name East Drive for Roosevelt |date=June 29, 1945 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 22, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323035723/https://www.nytimes.com/1945/06/29/archives/council-votes-to-name-east-drive-for-roosevelt.html |archive-date=March 23, 2018}}) to the future Battery Park Underpass and Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel was approved in 1949.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1949/09/30/archives/south-st-highway-gets-green-light-preliminary-authorization-for.html |title=SOUTH ST. HIGHWAY GETS GREEN LIGHT; Preliminary Authorization for Elevated Road Made by Board of Estimate |date=September 30, 1949 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 22, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323034114/https://www.nytimes.com/1949/09/30/archives/south-st-highway-gets-green-light-preliminary-authorization-for.html |archive-date=March 23, 2018}} Eventually, the Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel was also slated to connect to the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge to Staten Island.{{cite web |last=Crowell |first=Paul |title=Tunnel Authority Asks Army For Narrows Bridge Permit; PROPOSED NARROWS BRIDGE BETWEEN STATEN ISLAND AND BROOKLYN Army Permit for Narrows Bridge Applied for by Tunnel Authority |website=The New York Times |date=July 19, 1948 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1948/07/19/archives/tunnel-authority-asks-army-for-narrows-bridge-permit-proposed.html |access-date=March 22, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315005458/https://www.nytimes.com/1948/07/19/archives/tunnel-authority-asks-army-for-narrows-bridge-permit-proposed.html |archive-date=March 15, 2018}} However, the Battery Park Underpass was not expected to be completed until 1952, and the FDR Drive extension would take even longer to be completed. Additionally, although a direct ramp from the Brooklyn-bound tunnel to the northbound Brooklyn–Queens Expressway was planned, construction was being delayed due to the difficulty of evicting tenants within the path of the ramp. Moreover, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge could not be financed, let alone started, until the Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel was completed.{{cite web |title=NARROWS CROSSING SEEN 4 YEARS AWAY; Financing of Bridge to Wait Until Finish of the Battery Tunnel, Set for 1950 BOND ISSUE IS PLANNED 6,540 – Foot Span Connecting Staten Island and Brooklyn Will Cost $78,000,000 |website=The New York Times |date=May 26, 1949 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1949/05/26/archives/narrows-crossing-seen-4-years-away-financing-of-bridge-to-wait.html |access-date=March 22, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315003643/https://www.nytimes.com/1949/05/26/archives/narrows-crossing-seen-4-years-away-financing-of-bridge-to-wait.html |archive-date=March 15, 2018}}

Due to extra costs caused by delays and striking sandhogs, the authority petitioned the RFC for $14 million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|14000000|1947}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}) in funds in August 1947,{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1947/08/13/archives/tunnel-authority-plans-refinancing-bond-issue-proposed-to-repay-rfc.html |title=TUNNEL AUTHORITY PLANS REFINANCING; Bond Issue Proposed to Repay RFC Loans, Bridge Tolls to Carry Vehicular Tubes |date=August 13, 1947 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 22, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322082235/https://www.nytimes.com/1947/08/13/archives/tunnel-authority-plans-refinancing-bond-issue-proposed-to-repay-rfc.html |archive-date=March 22, 2018}} and, in December of the same year, asked for another $2 million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|2000000|1947}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}).{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1947/12/02/archives/new-tunnel-funds-asked-authority-applies-again-to-rfc-for.html |title=NEW TUNNEL FUNDS ASKED; Authority Applies Again to RFC for Brooklyn-Battery Help |date=December 2, 1947 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 22, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322082340/https://www.nytimes.com/1947/12/02/archives/new-tunnel-funds-asked-authority-applies-again-to-rfc-for.html |archive-date=March 22, 2018}} In February 1948, the RFC agreed to extend another $28 million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|28000000|1948}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}) toward the completion of the tunnel.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1948/02/17/archives/rfc-grants-loan-to-finish-tunnel-24000000-to-be-in-addition-to.html |title=RFC GRANTS LOAN TO FINISH TUNNEL; $24,000,000 to Be in Addition to $57,000,000 Lent Earlier for the Battery Project REFINANCING IS INVOLVED Money for Parking Garage Provided -- Offer Now Being Studied by Authority |date=February 17, 1948 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 22, 2018 |language=en |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323092504/https://www.nytimes.com/1948/02/17/archives/rfc-grants-loan-to-finish-tunnel-24000000-to-be-in-addition-to.html |url-status=live }} By mid-1948, the tunnel was 70 percent complete, despite material shortages and cost overruns, and was expected to open to traffic in early 1950.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1948/07/24/archives/battery-tunnel-now-70-complete-after-struggle-against-handicaps.html |title=Battery Tunnel Now 70% Complete After Struggle Against Handicaps; Early 1950 Seen as Likely Date for Opening as 2,000 Men Speed Tube to Brooklyn |last=Freeman |first=Ira Henry |date=July 24, 1948 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 22, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322230336/https://www.nytimes.com/1948/07/24/archives/battery-tunnel-now-70-complete-after-struggle-against-handicaps.html |archive-date=March 22, 2018}} Work on the tunnel progressed, and the tunnel was 94 percent complete by late 1949.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1949/11/27/archives/battery-tunnel-is-94-complete-2500-workmen-dwindle-to-875-tube.html |title=BATTERY TUNNEL IS 94% COMPLETE; 2,500 Workmen Dwindle to 875 -- Tube Tiling, Lights Now Being Installed |last=Freeman |first=Ira H. |date=November 27, 1949 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 22, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323040940/https://www.nytimes.com/1949/11/27/archives/battery-tunnel-is-94-complete-2500-workmen-dwindle-to-875-tube.html |archive-date=March 23, 2018}} A reporter for the Brooklyn Eagle made an unsanctioned drive between the two ends of the tunnel, noting that tiles, lighting, and a road surface had yet to be added, although the bores themselves were complete.{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52854894/ |title=Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel Open, If You Can Find Plaza Entrance |date=December 4, 1949 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 22, 2018 |page=9 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323031226/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52854894/ |archive-date=March 23, 2018}} The tubes included four fluorescent-lighting installations with a total of 5,776 bulbs. At the time, it comprised the world's largest continuous fluorescent installation in the world and was the first crossing in the city to have fluorescent lights.{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52873864/ |title=2 Miles of Fluorescent Lights to Shine in Battery Tunnel |date=January 4, 1949 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 22, 2018 |page=3 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323031353/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52873864/ |archive-date=March 23, 2018}} The strips of clay tiles on the tubes' ceilings were advertised as the US's longest continuous uses of clay tiles.{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/53933593/ |title=Tunnel Tiling "Unveiled" |date=February 23, 1949 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 22, 2018 |page=9 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323031239/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/53933593/ |archive-date=March 23, 2018}}

= Opening =

File:MANHATTAN ENTRANCE TO THE BROOKLYN-BATTERY TUNNEL - NARA - 549920.jpg

The Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel opened to traffic on May 25, 1950, with a ceremony officiated by Mayor William O'Dwyer.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1950/05/26/archives/brooklyn-tunnel-costing-80000000-opened-by-mayor-marking-opening-of.html |title=Brooklyn Tunnel Costing $80,000,000 Opened By Mayor |last=Ingraham |first=Joseph C. |date=May 26, 1950 |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=March 6, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902153332/http://www.nytimes.com/1950/05/26/archives/brooklyn-tunnel-costing-80000000-opened-by-mayor-marking-opening-of.html |archive-date=September 2, 2017}}{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/53869494/ |title=Boro-Battery Tube Opens |date=February 23, 1949 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 22, 2018 |pages=1, 5 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323030756/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/53869494/ |archive-date=March 23, 2018}} Part of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, along Hicks Street from the Battery Tunnel north to Atlantic Avenue, opened the same day.{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/53869558/ |title=Brooklyn-Queens Highway Link to Tunnel Opens, Too |date=February 23, 1949 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 22, 2018 |page=9 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323031317/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/53869558/ |archive-date=March 23, 2018}} At the time, the Brooklyn Eagle described the Battery Tunnel as "the nation's largest, most modern underwater vehicular tunnel", which took three minutes to traverse from end to end. The Eagle also estimated that the tunnel cost {{Convert|736|$/in|$/cm}} (equivalent to {{Convert|{{inflation|US-GDP|736|1950}}|$/in|$/cm}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}) that was built.{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/53869518/ |title=Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel: Modern Wonder of World |date=May 25, 1950 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 14, 2018 |page=50 |via=newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315003753/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/53869518/ |archive-date=March 15, 2018}} With a cost of $80 million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|80000000|1950}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}), the Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel was also dubbed the most expensive tunnel in the United States.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1950/05/25/archives/tube-to-brooklyn-will-open-today-new-brooklynbattery-tunnel-ready.html |title=TUBE TO BROOKLYN WILL OPEN TODAY; New Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel Ready to Handle Today's Opening Traffic |last=Falk |first=Sam |date=May 25, 1950 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323040935/https://www.nytimes.com/1950/05/25/archives/tube-to-brooklyn-will-open-today-new-brooklynbattery-tunnel-ready.html |archive-date=March 23, 2018 |url-status=live |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} It was expensive enough that the TBTA had been forced to look around the world for a company that could cover the tunnel's $33.5-million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|33500000|1950}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}) insurance policy.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1950/05/28/archives/world-combed-to-get-insurance-of-33500000-on-brooklyn-tube-world-is.html |title=World Combed to Get Insurance Of $33,500,000 on Brooklyn Tube; WORLD IS COMBED TO INSURE TUNNEL Policy Issued in Fractions Tube's Income Insured |last=Ingraham |first=Joseph C. |date=May 28, 1950 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 22, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323034209/https://www.nytimes.com/1950/05/28/archives/world-combed-to-get-insurance-of-33500000-on-brooklyn-tube-world-is.html |archive-date=March 23, 2018}} However, the cost was expected to be counterbalanced, in part, through the $0.35 tolls and the time savings afforded. Truckers at Bush Terminal, located south of the tunnel's portal, predicted that they would save 35 minutes a day and $1 million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|1000000|1950}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}) a year by driving through the tunnel.

Within the first five and a half hours of its opening, 10,563 motorists had paid a toll to use the tunnel. Within the first day, 40,000 motorists used the tunnel, and, at that rate, it was estimated that the tunnel might see 14 million vehicles per year, 40 percent more than originally estimated. This was in spite of the fact that traffic speeds were limited to {{Convert|40|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, which reduced throughput. The 1,050-spot garage above the tunnel's northern portal opened a little more than a month after the tunnel opened. During the Battery Tunnel's first year of operation, the tunnel grossed nearly $5.5 million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|5500000|1950}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}) in toll revenues, and, according to Caro, exceeded its 15-million-annual-vehicle capacity.{{rp|698}} Another analysis by the Brooklyn Eagle found that 13.86 million vehicles had used the tunnel in its first year; this was lower than Caro's estimate but higher than both the TBTA's initial estimate of 10 million vehicles per year and expert forecasts of eight million annual vehicles.{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52910347/ |title=Battery Tunnel's 1st Year Clicks Off 13 Million Tolls |date=July 30, 1951 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 22, 2018 |page=5 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323031200/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52910347/ |archive-date=March 23, 2018}}

Some road infrastructure projects at both ends of the tunnel were completed shortly after the tunnel opened. The first associated project to be completed was the Battery Park Underpass on the Manhattan side, which opened in April 1950.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1951/04/11/archives/city-opens-underpass-at-battery-10000000-link-in-express-route-new.html |title=City Opens Underpass at Battery, $10,000,000 Link in Express Route; NEW BATTERY PARK UNDERPASS OPENS |date=April 11, 1951 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 22, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912191224/http://www.nytimes.com/1951/04/11/archives/city-opens-underpass-at-battery-10000000-link-in-express-route-new.html |archive-date=September 12, 2017}} Two months later, officials opened a ramp on the Brooklyn side, which led from the southbound tunnel lanes to the northbound Brooklyn–Queens Expressway.{{Cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/53703671/ |title=Battery Tube Link Opens This Week |date=June 24, 1951 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=March 22, 2018 |page=1 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323031203/https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/53703671/ |archive-date=March 23, 2018}} The Battery Park Underpass was connected to the FDR Drive elevated viaduct, and thus to the FDR Drive, in May 1954.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1954/05/29/archives/underpass-linked-to-east-side-drive-ceremony-at-battery-end-of.html |title=UNDERPASS LINKED TO EAST SIDE DRIVE; Ceremony at Battery End of Elevated Highway Officially Completes Peripheral Road MAYOR LAUDS ENGINEERS Borough President Speaks at Gathering of 2,000 at South Street and Coenties Slip |date=May 29, 1954 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 22, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323034141/https://www.nytimes.com/1954/05/29/archives/underpass-linked-to-east-side-drive-ceremony-at-battery-end-of.html |archive-date=March 23, 2018}} The Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel project also entailed the restoration of Battery Park, which reopened in 1952 after a 12-year shutdown.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1952/07/14/archives/city-will-dedicate-new-battery-park-reopens-its-earliest-historic.html |title=CITY WILL DEDICATE NEW BATTERY PARK; Reopens Its Earliest Historic Site Tomorrow, Restoring Landmark of 4 Centuries AREA WORTH $74,000,000 Its Place in Life of People Will Be Hailed by Mayor in Ceremony Led by Moses |date=July 14, 1952 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 22, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323040931/https://www.nytimes.com/1952/07/14/archives/city-will-dedicate-new-battery-park-reopens-its-earliest-historic.html |archive-date=March 23, 2018}}

= Later years =

The tubes were designed for two lanes in each direction. This was changed in 1956, when the Brooklyn-bound western tube was changed to handle bidirectional traffic during morning rush hours, owing to heavy rush-hour traffic congestion.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1956/02/01/archives/battery-tunnel-to-start-rushhour-plan-today.html |title=Battery Tunnel to Start Rush-Hour Plan Today |date=February 1, 1956 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 22, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323040943/https://www.nytimes.com/1956/02/01/archives/battery-tunnel-to-start-rushhour-plan-today.html |archive-date=March 23, 2018}} A northbound high-occupancy vehicle lane (HOV lane) was later added during the morning rush hours. It led from Staten Island to Manhattan via the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, the Gowanus Expressway, and the Battery Tunnel.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/01/07/nyregion/neighborhood-report-staten-island-up-close-update-all-fast-lanes-aren-t-equal.html |title=NEIGHBORHOOD REPORT: STATEN ISLAND UP CLOSE -- UPDATE; All Fast Lanes Aren't Equal, Riders to Manhattan Find |last=O'Grady |first=Jim |date=2001 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 23, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527154359/http://www.nytimes.com/2001/01/07/nyregion/neighborhood-report-staten-island-up-close-update-all-fast-lanes-aren-t-equal.html |archive-date=May 27, 2015}} A large volume of tunnel drivers also used the garage on the Manhattan side, so in 1965, plans were made to expand the garage.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/01/30/archives/garage-addition-is-planned-at-battery-tunnel-entrance.html |title=Garage Addition Is Planned At Battery Tunnel Entrance |date=1965 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 22, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323040912/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/01/30/archives/garage-addition-is-planned-at-battery-tunnel-entrance.html |archive-date=March 23, 2018}} The expanded garage, which was completed in 1968, had 2,126 spots. The city also built a new 278-spot garage nearby for short-term parking.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/06/17/city-plans-garage-near-battery-in-65-for-brief-parking.html |title=City Plans Garage Near Battery in '65 For Brief Parking |date=June 17, 1964 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 22, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323041000/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/06/17/city-plans-garage-near-battery-in-65-for-brief-parking.html |archive-date=March 23, 2018}}

In 1957, workers performing maintenance on the tunnel observed that the tiled ceiling in the Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel was leaking. About {{cvt|10000|ft2|m2}} of the {{cvt|360000|ft2|m2}} of ceiling was found to have corroded. The TBTA restored the tubes' ceilings starting in 1959 at a cost of $250,000 (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|250000|1959}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}).{{cite web |last=Stengren |first=Bernard |title=Seepage Into Battery Tunnel To Cause $250,000 Repair Job; Replacement of Ceiling Tiles to Begin in June -- One Tube to Be Closed at a Time During Night Work |website=The New York Times |date=April 22, 1959 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1959/04/22/archives/seepage-into-battery-tunnel-to-cause-250000-repair-job-replacement.html |access-date=October 29, 2018 |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030035854/https://www.nytimes.com/1959/04/22/archives/seepage-into-battery-tunnel-to-cause-250000-repair-job-replacement.html |url-status=live }}

In 1971, the Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel was designated Interstate 478 in preparation for the "Westway" project, which would reconstruct the West Side Highway to Interstate Highway standards. Although the project was canceled in 1985, the I-478 designation still exists and is contiguous with the entirety of the Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel. However, I-478 is not posted on any public signage. Under an agreement with Verizon Wireless, the Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel received cellular service in 1995.{{Cite news|last=Chan|first=Sewell|date=2005-08-25|title=Race Is on for Cellular System for the Subway|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/25/nyregion/race-is-on-for-cellularsystem-for-the-subway.html|access-date=2022-07-12|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=July 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712041014/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/25/nyregion/race-is-on-for-cellularsystem-for-the-subway.html|url-status=live}}

The Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel was closed completely after the September 11 attacks due to the proximity of the Manhattan portal to the World Trade Center site. Although many major crossings within the city were also closed following the attacks, they reopened relatively quickly, albeit with HOV restrictions during rush hours.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/03/30/nyregion/talk-of-ground-zero-tribute-as-west-street-reopens.html |title=Talk of Ground Zero Tribute, as West Street Reopens |last=Cardwell |first=Diane |date=March 30, 2002 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 23, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323162027/http://www.nytimes.com/2002/03/30/nyregion/talk-of-ground-zero-tribute-as-west-street-reopens.html |archive-date=March 23, 2018}} The western tube of the Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel was the first part of the tunnel to reopen, in October 2001, and carried only southbound traffic.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/10/11/nyregion/nation-challenged-traffic-city-reopening-brooklyn-battery-tunnel-outbound-some.html |title=A NATION CHALLENGED: THE TRAFFIC; City Is Reopening Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel Outbound, and Some Streets in Lower Manhattan |last=Kennedy |first=Randy |date=October 11, 2001 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 23, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323160413/http://www.nytimes.com/2001/10/11/nyregion/nation-challenged-traffic-city-reopening-brooklyn-battery-tunnel-outbound-some.html |archive-date=March 23, 2018}} However, the West Side Highway was closed to traffic south of Canal Street, some 30 blocks north of the tunnel portal, and part of the highway had been destroyed during the attacks. Consequently, officials feared that traffic in the tunnel would be backed up at least 40 blocks if the highway was reopened.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/02/06/nyregion/car-restriction-into-manhattan-is-extended.html |title=Car Restriction Into Manhattan Is Extended |last=Kennedy |first=Randy |date=February 6, 2002 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 23, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323160441/http://www.nytimes.com/2002/02/06/nyregion/car-restriction-into-manhattan-is-extended.html |archive-date=March 23, 2018}} As a result, work started on a temporary roadway leading from the highway to the tunnel.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/02/28/nyregion/interim-road-to-reconnect-battery-tunnel.html |title=Interim Road To Reconnect Battery Tunnel |last=Steinhauer |first=Jennifer |date=February 28, 2002 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 23, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323160411/http://www.nytimes.com/2002/02/28/nyregion/interim-road-to-reconnect-battery-tunnel.html |archive-date=March 23, 2018}} The northbound tube, which reopened in March 2002, was the last crossing into Manhattan to reopen.File:Hugh L. Carey Tunnel during Hurricane Sandy vc.jpg

In 2010, New York State legislators voted to rename the Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel after former Governor Hugh Carey. The tunnel was officially renamed the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel on October 22, 2012.{{cite news |last=Durkin |first=Erin |title=Battery Tunnel renamed after former New York governor Hugh L. Carey |url=http://articles.nydailynews.com/2012-10-22/news/34660175_1_ed-koch-queensboro-bridge-new-names-brooklyn-battery-tunnel |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130130062838/http://articles.nydailynews.com/2012-10-22/news/34660175_1_ed-koch-queensboro-bridge-new-names-brooklyn-battery-tunnel |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 30, 2013 |access-date=October 30, 2012 |newspaper=Daily News |date=October 22, 2012 |location=New York City}} Less than a week after the tunnel was officially renamed, it was closed in preparation for Hurricane Sandy, marking the first-ever weather-related-closure for the tunnel.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/10/nyregion/hurricane-sandy-showed-vulnerability-of-citys-tunnels.html |title=Storm Showed Vulnerability of City's Tunnels |last=Rosenthal |first=Elisabeth |date=November 9, 2012 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 23, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323162221/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/10/nyregion/hurricane-sandy-showed-vulnerability-of-citys-tunnels.html |archive-date=March 23, 2018}} It was subsequently flooded after a severe storm surge.{{Cite news |url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/hurricane-sandy-floods-new-york-city-photos-show-devastation |title=Hurricane Sandy Floods New York City, Photos Show Devastation |date=October 30, 2012 |work=Fox News |access-date=March 23, 2018 |language=en-US |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323092555/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/10/30/hurricane-sandy-floods-new-york-city-photos-show-devastation.html |archive-date=March 23, 2018}}{{Cite news |url=http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/gallery/2012/10/sandy_new_york_city_photos_flooding_and_power_outages_in_manhattan_brooklyn.html |title=Flooded, Darkened New York |date=October 30, 2012 |work=Slate |access-date=March 23, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=1091-2339 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323094205/http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/gallery/2012/10/sandy_new_york_city_photos_flooding_and_power_outages_in_manhattan_brooklyn.html |archive-date=March 23, 2018}} The Hugh L. Carey Tunnel reopened on November 13{{cite web |title=Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel Reopens To Limited Traffic Tuesday |website=CBS New York |date=November 13, 2012 |url=http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/11/13/brooklyn-battery-tunnel-to-reopen-to-limited-traffic-soon/ |access-date=March 23, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323092342/http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/11/13/brooklyn-battery-tunnel-to-reopen-to-limited-traffic-soon/ |archive-date=March 23, 2018}} following a cleanup process that included the removal of an estimated {{Convert|86|e6USgal|e6l e6impgal}} of water. It was the last New York City river crossing to reopen.{{cite news |url=https://blogs.wsj.com/metropolis/2012/11/13/all-tunnels-cleared-as-traffic-returns-to-hugh-carey/ |title=All Tunnels Cleared as Traffic Returns to Hugh Carey |last=Mann |first=Ted |work=Metropolis |publisher=The Wall Street Journal |date=November 13, 2012 |access-date=November 13, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121116020959/http://blogs.wsj.com/metropolis/2012/11/13/all-tunnels-cleared-as-traffic-returns-to-hugh-carey/ |archive-date=November 16, 2012}}

The flooding resulting from Hurricane Sandy demonstrated how floodprone the tunnel was since the sea level around the tunnel had risen {{Convert|9|in|cm|spell=in}} since its opening in 1951, and the portals were located on very low land to begin with. The MTA subsequently began testing inflatable dams at the tunnel's portals.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Brooklyn-Battery-Tunnel-Hugh-Carey-Flooding-Test-Inflatable-Dam-Sandy-MTA-220759101.html |title=MTA Tests Hurricane Dams Inside Battery Tunnel |last=Siff |first=Andrew |date=August 23, 2013 |work=NBC New York |access-date=March 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323154822/https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Brooklyn-Battery-Tunnel-Hugh-Carey-Flooding-Test-Inflatable-Dam-Sandy-MTA-220759101.html |archive-date=March 23, 2018 |url-status=live |language=en}} In October 2017, a pair of {{Convert|25|ST|t LT|adj=on}} floodgates were installed on the Manhattan-side openings of the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel. The Manhattan floodgates were supposed to be accompanied by a pair on the Brooklyn side,{{cite news |url=http://abc7ny.com/exclusive-look-at-new-floodgates-for-nyc-tunnels/2562628/ |title=Exclusive look at new floodgates for MTA's Midtown, Hugh Carey tunnels in NYC |last=Hoffer |first=Jim |work=ABC News |date=October 24, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171128053953/http://abc7ny.com/exclusive-look-at-new-floodgates-for-nyc-tunnels/2562628/ |archive-date=November 28, 2017}} as well as a seawall. This combined project was 63 percent complete {{As of|March 2018|alt=as of a March 2018 MTA report}}.{{Cite web |url=http://web.mta.info/mta/news/books/pdf/180319_1200_B&T.pdf |title=Bridges and Tunnels Committee Meeting |date=March 19, 2018 |publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority |page=110 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323154809/http://web.mta.info/mta/news/books/pdf/180319_1200_B%26T.pdf |archive-date=March 23, 2018 |url-status=live |access-date=March 22, 2018}} In 2017–2018, the tiled walls in the Queens–Midtown and Brooklyn–Battery tunnels were replaced due to damage suffered during Hurricane Sandy. The retiled white walls have gold-and-blue stripes, representing the official state colors of New York. Controversy arose over the cost of retiling the tunnels, which cost a combined $30 million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|30000000|2018}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}), because of the ongoing transit crisis at the time.{{cite web |title=Cuomo had the MTA waste $30M on tunnel vanity project |website=New York Post |date=July 23, 2018 |url=https://nypost.com/2018/07/22/cuomo-had-the-mta-waste-30m-on-tunnel-vanity-project/ |access-date=July 24, 2018 |archive-date=July 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724061926/https://nypost.com/2018/07/22/cuomo-had-the-mta-waste-30m-on-tunnel-vanity-project/ |url-status=live }}

On September 28, 2023, an 18-wheel tractor entered the Brooklyn-bound tunnel, traveling the wrong way to Manhattan, and got stuck inside the tunnel, backing up traffic for several hours.{{Cite web |date=2023-09-28 |title=Traffic nightmare: Tractor trailer gets stuck in Manhattan-bound side of Battery Tunnel |url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/tractor-trailer-gets-stuck-in-manhattan-bound-side-of-battery-tunnel-jamming-traffic/4720924/ |access-date=2023-09-28 |website=NBC New York |language=en-US |archive-date=September 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929080008/https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/tractor-trailer-gets-stuck-in-manhattan-bound-side-of-battery-tunnel-jamming-traffic/4720924/ |url-status=live }}

Tolls

{{as of|2023|08|06|df=us}}, drivers pay $11.19 per car or $4.71 per motorcycle for tolls by mail/non-NYCSC E-Z Pass. E-ZPass users with transponders issued by the New York E‑ZPass Customer Service Center pay $6.94 per car or $3.02 per motorcycle. Mid-Tier NYCSC E-Z Pass users pay $8.36 per car or $3.57 per motorcycle. All E-ZPass users with transponders not issued by the New York E-ZPass CSC will be required to pay Toll-by-mail rates.{{cite web|url=https://new.mta.info/tolls/vehicle-types|title=Car Toll Rates|at=Footnote 3|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|access-date=August 27, 2024|archive-date=August 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190829194309/https://new.mta.info/fares-and-tolls/bridges-and-tunnels/tolls-by-vehicle/cars|url-status=live}}

The E-ZPass toll payment system has been accepted at the Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel since December 1996.{{Cite news |last=Gross |first=Jane |date=1997-03-25 |title=Electronic Tolls Are Catching On, And Commuters Are Catching Up |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/03/25/nyregion/electronic-tolls-are-catching-on-and-commuters-are-catching-up.html |access-date=2025-01-30 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} Open-road cashless tolling started on January 4, 2017. The tollbooths were dismantled, and drivers were no longer allowed to pay cash at the tunnel. Instead, cameras and E-ZPass readers are mounted on new overhead gantries manufactured by TransCore{{Cite web |url=https://transcore.com/projects/mta-bt |title=Project Profile Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), New York |access-date=2022-07-11 |website=TransCore |archive-date=July 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712032949/https://transcore.com/projects/mta-bt |url-status=live }} are located on the Manhattan side. A vehicle without E-ZPass has a picture taken of its license plate and a bill for the toll is mailed to its owner.{{cite web |title=What Is Cashless Tolling? |website=MTA Bridges & Tunnels |url=http://web.mta.info/bandt/cashless/ |access-date=September 1, 2019 |archive-date=September 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190901193345/http://web.mta.info/bandt/cashless/ |url-status=live }} For E-ZPass users, sensors detect their transponders wirelessly.{{cite web |last=Siff |first=Andrew |title=Automatic Tolls to Replace Gates at 9 NYC Spans: Cuomo |website=NBC New York |date=October 5, 2016 |url=http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Automatic-Tolls-Coming-to-New-York-City-Bridges-Tunnels-NYC-396050241.html |access-date=December 25, 2016 |archive-date=December 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225145426/http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Automatic-Tolls-Coming-to-New-York-City-Bridges-Tunnels-NYC-396050241.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=MTA rolls out cashless toll schedule for bridges, tunnels |website=ABC7 New York |date=December 21, 2016 |url=http://abc7ny.com/1666924/ |access-date=December 25, 2016 |archive-date=December 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225214031/http://abc7ny.com/1666924/ |url-status=live }}

=Historical tolls=

class="wikitable sortable" \|+Historical passenger tolls for the Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel{{Efn\|This table lists the peak tolls for two-axle vehicles. Motorcycle tolls and off-peak tolls are lower, and tolls for vehicles with additional axles are higher.}} ! rowspan="2" scope="col" \| Years !! colspan="2" scope="col" \| Toll !! colspan="2" scope="col" \| Toll equivalent in {{inflation/year\|index=US}}{{inflation/fn\|index=US}} ! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" \|{{Abbr\|Ref.\|References cited}}
Cash !E-ZPass !Cash !E-ZPass
1950–1972 \| align="right" \| $0.35 \| rowspan="10" {{N/A}} \| align="center" \| ${{formatprice\|{{inflation\|US\|0.35\|1972\|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice\|{{inflation\|US\|0.35\|1950\|r=2}}}} \| rowspan="10" {{N/A}} \|
1972–1975 \| align="right" \| $0.70 \| align="center" \| ${{formatprice\|{{inflation\|US\|0.70\|1975\|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice\|{{inflation\|US\|0.70\|1972\|r=2}}}} \|{{cite web \|last=Prial \|first=Frank J. \|date=January 7, 1972 \|title=Triborough Tolls Cause Snarls Inside and Outside Cars \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1972/01/07/archives/triborough-tolls-cause-snarls-inside-and-outside-cars.html \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030035852/https://www.nytimes.com/1972/01/07/archives/triborough-tolls-cause-snarls-inside-and-outside-cars.html \|archive-date=October 30, 2018 \|access-date=October 29, 2018 \|website=The New York Times}}
1975–1980 \| align="right" \| $0.75 \| align="center" \| ${{formatprice\|{{inflation\|US\|0.75\|1980\|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice\|{{inflation\|US\|0.75\|1975\|r=2}}}} \|{{cite web \|date=September 2, 1975 \|title=New Fares and Tolls \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1975/09/02/archives/new-fares-and-tolls.html \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030035517/https://www.nytimes.com/1975/09/02/archives/new-fares-and-tolls.html \|archive-date=October 30, 2018 \|access-date=October 29, 2018 \|website=The New York Times}}
1980–1982 \| align="right" \| $1.00 \| align="center" \| ${{formatprice\|{{inflation\|US\|1.00\|1982\|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice\|{{inflation\|US\|1.00\|1980\|r=2}}}} \|{{cite web \|last=Goldman \|first=Ari L. \|date=May 17, 1980 \|title=Tolls Are Raised For Two Tunnels And Six Bridges; Will Affect Four Boroughs --Some Trips to Cost $1 Expected to Yield $33 Million Verrazano-Narrows Is Exempt M.T.A. Increases Tolls for 2 Tunnels and 6 Bridges \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1980/05/17/archives/tolls-are-raised-for-two-tunnels-and-six-bridges-will-affect-four.html \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030035647/https://www.nytimes.com/1980/05/17/archives/tolls-are-raised-for-two-tunnels-and-six-bridges-will-affect-four.html \|archive-date=October 30, 2018 \|access-date=October 29, 2018 \|website=The New York Times}}
1982–1984 \| align="right" \| $1.25 \| align="center" \| ${{formatprice\|{{inflation\|US\|1.25\|1984\|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice\|{{inflation\|US\|1.25\|1982\|r=2}}}} \|{{cite web \|date=April 18, 1982 \|title=Tolls Rise Tomorrow For Several Crossings \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/04/18/nyregion/tolls-rise-tomorrow-for-several-crossings.html \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030035445/https://www.nytimes.com/1982/04/18/nyregion/tolls-rise-tomorrow-for-several-crossings.html \|archive-date=October 30, 2018 \|access-date=October 29, 2018 \|website=The New York Times}}
1984–1986 \| align="right" \| $1.50 \| align="center" \| ${{formatprice\|{{inflation\|US\|1.50\|1985\|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice\|{{inflation\|US\|1.50\|1986\|r=2}}}} \|{{cite web \|last=Daley \|first=Suzanne \|date=December 17, 1983 \|title=M.T.A. RAISES FARES AND TOLLS BY 20% ACROSS THE BOARD \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/12/17/nyregion/mta-raises-fares-and-tolls-by-20-across-the-board.html \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030041344/https://www.nytimes.com/1983/12/17/nyregion/mta-raises-fares-and-tolls-by-20-across-the-board.html \|archive-date=October 30, 2018 \|access-date=October 29, 2018 \|website=The New York Times}}
1986–1987 \| align="right" \| $1.75 \| align="center" \| ${{formatprice\|{{inflation\|US\|1.75\|1987\|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice\|{{inflation\|US\|1.75\|1986\|r=2}}}} \|{{cite news \|date=December 31, 1985 \|title=Motorists - New Tolls on TBTA Bridges and Tunnels 11:59 PM Weds Jan 1, 1986 \|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24946245/motorists_new_tolls_on_tbta_bridges/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030090625/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24946245/motorists_new_tolls_on_tbta_bridges/ \|archive-date=October 30, 2018 \|access-date=October 29, 2018 \|work=New York Daily News \|page=245 \|via=Newspapers.com}}
1987–1989 \| align="right" \| $2.00 \| align="center" \| ${{formatprice\|{{inflation\|US\|2.00\|1989\|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice\|{{inflation\|US\|2.00\|1987\|r=2}}}} \|{{cite web \|last=Bronstein \|first=Scott \|date=February 8, 1987 \|title=DRIVERS IRKED BY TOLL RISE AT 5 BRIDGES AND TUNNELS \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/02/08/nyregion/drivers-irked-by-toll-rise-at-5-bridges-and-tunnels.html \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030035631/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/02/08/nyregion/drivers-irked-by-toll-rise-at-5-bridges-and-tunnels.html \|archive-date=October 30, 2018 \|access-date=October 29, 2018 \|website=The New York Times}}
1989–1993 \| align="right" \| $2.50 \| align="center" \| ${{formatprice\|{{inflation\|US\|2.50\|1993\|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice\|{{inflation\|US\|2.50\|1989\|r=2}}}} \|{{cite web \|last=Pitt \|first=David E. \|date=July 18, 1989 \|title=Toll Increase at Bridges Is Described as Smooth \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/07/18/nyregion/toll-increase-at-bridges-is-described-as-smooth.html \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030090611/https://www.nytimes.com/1989/07/18/nyregion/toll-increase-at-bridges-is-described-as-smooth.html \|archive-date=October 30, 2018 \|access-date=October 29, 2018 \|website=The New York Times}}
1993–1996 \| align="right" \| $3.00 \| align="center" \| ${{formatprice\|{{inflation\|US\|3.00\|1996\|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice\|{{inflation\|US\|3.00\|1993\|r=2}}}} \|{{cite news \|date=January 30, 1993 \|title=Commuter Alert \|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24946889/commuter_alert/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030041036/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24946889/commuter_alert/ \|archive-date=October 30, 2018 \|access-date=October 29, 2018 \|work=The Journal-News \|location=White Plains, NY \|page=9 \|via=Newspapers.com}}
1996–2003 \| align="right" \| $3.50 \| align="right" \| $3.50 \| align="center" \| ${{formatprice\|{{inflation\|US\|3.50\|2003\|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice\|{{inflation\|US\|3.50\|1996\|r=2}}}} \| align="center" \| ${{formatprice\|{{inflation\|US\|3.50\|2003\|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice\|{{inflation\|US\|3.50\|1996\|r=2}}}} \|{{cite web \|date=March 26, 1996 \|title=Bridge and Tunnel Traffic Smooth as Tolls Rise \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/03/26/nyregion/bridge-and-tunnel-traffic-smooth-as-tolls-rise.html \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030035853/https://www.nytimes.com/1996/03/26/nyregion/bridge-and-tunnel-traffic-smooth-as-tolls-rise.html \|archive-date=October 30, 2018 \|access-date=October 29, 2018 \|website=The New York Times}}
2003–2005 \| align="right" \| $4.00 \| align="right" \| $4.00 \| align="center" \| ${{formatprice\|{{inflation\|US\|4.00\|2005\|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice\|{{inflation\|US\|4.00\|2003\|r=2}}}} \| align="center" \| ${{formatprice\|{{inflation\|US\|4.00\|2005\|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice\|{{inflation\|US\|4.00\|2003\|r=2}}}} \|{{cite news \|date=May 19, 2003 \|title=Tolls rise on Manhattan bridges and tunnels \|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24949406/tolls_rise_on_manhattan_bridges_and/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030042600/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24949406/tolls_rise_on_manhattan_bridges_and/ \|archive-date=October 30, 2018 \|access-date=October 29, 2018 \|work=Poughkeepsie Journal \|location=Poughkeepsie, NY \|page=6A \|via=Newspapers.com}}
2005–2008 \| align="right" \| $4.50 \| align="right" \| $4.00 \| align="center" \| ${{formatnum:{{round\|{{Inflation\|US\|4.5\|2008\|r=2}}\|2}}–{{Inflation\|US\|4.5\|2005\|r=2}}\|2}} \| align="center" \| ${{formatnum:{{round\|{{Inflation\|US\|4\|2008\|r=2}}\|2}}–{{Inflation\|US\|4\|2005\|r=2}}\|2}} \|{{cite web \|last=Lee \|first=Jennifer 8. \|date=March 14, 2005 \|title=Bridge-and-Tunnel Blues: Paying More to Cross Over \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/14/nyregion/bridgeandtunnel-blues-paying-more-to-cross-over.html \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030035617/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/14/nyregion/bridgeandtunnel-blues-paying-more-to-cross-over.html \|archive-date=October 30, 2018 \|access-date=October 29, 2018 \|website=The New York Times}}
2008–2010 \| align="right" \| $5.00 \| align="right" \| $4.15 \| align="center" \| ${{formatnum:{{round\|{{Inflation\|US\|5\|2010\|r=2}}\|2}}–{{Inflation\|US\|5\|2008\|r=2}}\|2}} \| align="center" \| ${{formatnum:{{round\|{{Inflation\|US\|4.15\|2010\|r=2}}\|2}}–{{Inflation\|US\|4.15\|2008\|r=2}}\|2}} \|{{cite news \|date=March 16, 2008 \|title=Toll hikes start on bridges, tunnels \|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24949691/toll_hikes_start_on_bridges_tunnels/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030090651/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24949691/toll_hikes_start_on_bridges_tunnels/ \|archive-date=October 30, 2018 \|access-date=October 29, 2018 \|work=The Journal-News \|location=White Plains, NY \|page=12 \|via=Newspapers.com}}
2010–2015 \| align="right" \| $6.50 \| align="right" \| $4.80 \| align="center" \| ${{formatnum:{{round\|{{Inflation\|US\|6.5\|2015\|r=2}}\|2}}–{{Inflation\|US\|6.5\|2010\|r=2}}\|2}} \| align="center" \| ${{formatnum:{{round\|{{Inflation\|US\|4.8\|2015\|r=2}}\|2}}–{{Inflation\|US\|4.8\|2010\|r=2}}\|2}} \| {{cite web \|last=Grynbaum \|first=Michael M. \|date=October 28, 2010 \|title=M.T.A. Raises Bridge and Tunnel Tolls \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/28/nyregion/28tolls.html \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030035645/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/28/nyregion/28tolls.html \|archive-date=October 30, 2018 \|access-date=October 29, 2018 \|website=The New York Times}}{{cite web \|url=http://web.mta.info/bandt/traffic/btmain.html \|title=2010 Toll Information \|publisher=MTA Bridges & Tunnels \|access-date=May 14, 2010 \|url-status=unfit \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514044013/http://www.mta.info/bandt/traffic/btmain.html \|archive-date=May 14, 2011}}
2015–2017 \| align="right" \| $8.00 \| align="right" \| $5.54 \| align="center" \| ${{formatnum:{{round\|{{Inflation\|US\|8\|2017\|r=2}}\|2}}–{{Inflation\|US\|8\|2015\|r=2}}\|2}} \| align="center" \| ${{formatnum:{{round\|{{Inflation\|US\|5.54\|2017\|r=2}}\|2}}–{{Inflation\|US\|5.54\|2015\|r=2}}\|2}} \| {{cite web \|title=M.T.A. Is Raising Fares and Tolls; One Subway or Bus Ride Will Cost $2.75 \|website=The New York Times \|date=January 23, 2015 \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/23/nyregion/mta-raises-fares-subways-and-buses.html \|access-date=October 29, 2018 \|archive-date=October 30, 2018 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030041329/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/23/nyregion/mta-raises-fares-subways-and-buses.html \|url-status=live }}{{cite web \|url=http://web.mta.info/bandt/traffic/btmain.html \|title=2015 Toll Information \|publisher=MTA Bridges & Tunnels \|access-date=April 22, 2015 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150422061534/http://web.mta.info/bandt/traffic/btmain.html \|archive-date=April 22, 2015}}
2017–2019 \| align="right" \| $8.50 \| align="right" \| $5.76 \| align="center" \| ${{formatnum:{{round\|{{Inflation\|US\|8.5\|2019\|r=2}}\|2}}–{{Inflation\|US\|8.5\|2017\|r=2}}\|2}} \| align="center" \| ${{formatnum:{{round\|{{Inflation\|US\|5.76\|2019\|r=2}}\|2}}–{{Inflation\|US\|5.76\|2017\|r=2}}\|2}} \| {{cite web \|title=M.T.A. Votes to Raise Fares and Tolls: What You Need to Know \|website=The New York Times \|date=January 25, 2017 \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/25/nyregion/mta-subway-bus-toll-metrocard-fare-increase.html \|access-date=March 5, 2019 \|archive-date=March 6, 2019 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306052526/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/25/nyregion/mta-subway-bus-toll-metrocard-fare-increase.html \|url-status=live }}{{cite web \|url=http://web.mta.info/bandt/traffic/btmain.html \|title=2017 Toll Information \|publisher=MTA Bridges & Tunnels \|access-date=March 16, 2017 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426225055/http://web.mta.info/bandt/traffic/btmain.html \|archive-date=April 26, 2017}}
2019–2021 \| align="right" \| $9.50 \| align="right" \| $6.12 \| align="center" \| ${{formatnum:{{round\|{{Inflation\|US\|9.5\|2021\|r=2}}\|2}}–{{Inflation\|US\|9.5\|2019\|r=2}}\|2}} \| align="center" \| ${{formatnum:{{round\|{{Inflation\|US\|6.12\|2021\|r=2}}\|2}}–{{Inflation\|US\|6.12\|2019\|r=2}}\|2}} \| {{cite web \|title=Subway Fares Are Rising Again. But That Won't Solve the M.T.A.'s Crisis. \|work=The New York Times \|date=February 27, 2019 \|issn=0362-4331 \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/27/nyregion/mta-fares-hike.html \|access-date=March 5, 2019 \|archive-date=March 4, 2019 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190304220532/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/27/nyregion/mta-fares-hike.html \|url-status=live }}{{cite web \|title=New Fares and Tolls Take Effect \|website=Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) \|date=February 27, 2019 \|url=https://new.mta.info/sites/default/files/2019-03/B%26T_toll_tables_03-01-19.pdf \|access-date=March 5, 2019 \|archive-date=March 6, 2019 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306043838/https://new.mta.info/sites/default/files/2019-03/B%26T_toll_tables_03-01-19.pdf \|url-status=live }}
2021–2023 \| align="right" \| $10.17 \| align="right" \| $6.55 \| align="center" \| ${{formatnum:{{round\|{{Inflation\|US\|10.17\|2023\|r=2}}\|2}}–{{Inflation\|US\|10.17\|2021\|r=2}}\|2}} \| align="center" \| ${{formatnum:{{round\|{{Inflation\|US\|6.55\|2023\|r=2}}\|2}}–{{Inflation\|US\|6.55\|2021\|r=2}}\|2}} \| {{cite web \| last=Guse \| first=Clayton \| title=MTA jacking up tolls 7% across-the-board on New York City bridges and tunnels \| website=New York Daily News \| date=February 18, 2021 \| url=https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/ny-nyc-mta-bridges-tunnels-tolls-increase-20210218-jgnc3f7wvngfzmxdgyo5s3wdxa-story.html \| access-date=March 14, 2021}}
2023–present \| align="right" \| $11.19 \| align="right" \| $6.94 \| align="center" \| $11.19 \| align="center" \| $6.94 \| {{cite web \| last=Bascome \| first=Erik \| title=These are the new MTA bridge and tunnel toll rates \| website=silive \| date=August 6, 2023 \| url=https://www.silive.com/news/2023/08/reminder-mta-toll-increases-take-effect-on-sunday.html \| access-date=April 6, 2024}}

class="wikitable sortable"

|+Historical passenger tolls for the Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel{{Efn|This table lists the peak tolls for two-axle vehicles. Motorcycle tolls and off-peak tolls are lower, and tolls for vehicles with additional axles are higher.}}

! rowspan="2" scope="col" | Years !! colspan="2" scope="col" | Toll !! colspan="2" scope="col" | Toll equivalent in {{inflation/year|index=US}}{{inflation/fn|index=US}}

! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" |{{Abbr|Ref.|References cited}}

Cash

!E-ZPass

!Cash

!E-ZPass

1950–1972

| align="right" | $0.35

| rowspan="10" {{N/A}}

| align="center" | ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|0.35|1972|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice|{{inflation|US|0.35|1950|r=2}}}}

| rowspan="10" {{N/A}}

1972–1975

| align="right" | $0.70

| align="center" | ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|0.70|1975|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice|{{inflation|US|0.70|1972|r=2}}}}

|{{cite web |last=Prial |first=Frank J. |date=January 7, 1972 |title=Triborough Tolls Cause Snarls Inside and Outside Cars |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1972/01/07/archives/triborough-tolls-cause-snarls-inside-and-outside-cars.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030035852/https://www.nytimes.com/1972/01/07/archives/triborough-tolls-cause-snarls-inside-and-outside-cars.html |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=October 29, 2018 |website=The New York Times}}

1975–1980

| align="right" | $0.75

| align="center" | ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|0.75|1980|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice|{{inflation|US|0.75|1975|r=2}}}}

|{{cite web |date=September 2, 1975 |title=New Fares and Tolls |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1975/09/02/archives/new-fares-and-tolls.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030035517/https://www.nytimes.com/1975/09/02/archives/new-fares-and-tolls.html |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=October 29, 2018 |website=The New York Times}}

1980–1982

| align="right" | $1.00

| align="center" | ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|1.00|1982|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice|{{inflation|US|1.00|1980|r=2}}}}

|{{cite web |last=Goldman |first=Ari L. |date=May 17, 1980 |title=Tolls Are Raised For Two Tunnels And Six Bridges; Will Affect Four Boroughs --Some Trips to Cost $1 Expected to Yield $33 Million Verrazano-Narrows Is Exempt M.T.A. Increases Tolls for 2 Tunnels and 6 Bridges |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1980/05/17/archives/tolls-are-raised-for-two-tunnels-and-six-bridges-will-affect-four.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030035647/https://www.nytimes.com/1980/05/17/archives/tolls-are-raised-for-two-tunnels-and-six-bridges-will-affect-four.html |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=October 29, 2018 |website=The New York Times}}

1982–1984

| align="right" | $1.25

| align="center" | ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|1.25|1984|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice|{{inflation|US|1.25|1982|r=2}}}}

|{{cite web |date=April 18, 1982 |title=Tolls Rise Tomorrow For Several Crossings |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/04/18/nyregion/tolls-rise-tomorrow-for-several-crossings.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030035445/https://www.nytimes.com/1982/04/18/nyregion/tolls-rise-tomorrow-for-several-crossings.html |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=October 29, 2018 |website=The New York Times}}

1984–1986

| align="right" | $1.50

| align="center" | ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|1.50|1985|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice|{{inflation|US|1.50|1986|r=2}}}}

|{{cite web |last=Daley |first=Suzanne |date=December 17, 1983 |title=M.T.A. RAISES FARES AND TOLLS BY 20% ACROSS THE BOARD |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/12/17/nyregion/mta-raises-fares-and-tolls-by-20-across-the-board.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030041344/https://www.nytimes.com/1983/12/17/nyregion/mta-raises-fares-and-tolls-by-20-across-the-board.html |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=October 29, 2018 |website=The New York Times}}

1986–1987

| align="right" | $1.75

| align="center" | ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|1.75|1987|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice|{{inflation|US|1.75|1986|r=2}}}}

|{{cite news |date=December 31, 1985 |title=Motorists - New Tolls on TBTA Bridges and Tunnels 11:59 PM Weds Jan 1, 1986 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24946245/motorists_new_tolls_on_tbta_bridges/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030090625/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24946245/motorists_new_tolls_on_tbta_bridges/ |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=October 29, 2018 |work=New York Daily News |page=245 |via=Newspapers.com}}

1987–1989

| align="right" | $2.00

| align="center" | ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|2.00|1989|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice|{{inflation|US|2.00|1987|r=2}}}}

|{{cite web |last=Bronstein |first=Scott |date=February 8, 1987 |title=DRIVERS IRKED BY TOLL RISE AT 5 BRIDGES AND TUNNELS |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/02/08/nyregion/drivers-irked-by-toll-rise-at-5-bridges-and-tunnels.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030035631/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/02/08/nyregion/drivers-irked-by-toll-rise-at-5-bridges-and-tunnels.html |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=October 29, 2018 |website=The New York Times}}

1989–1993

| align="right" | $2.50

| align="center" | ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|2.50|1993|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice|{{inflation|US|2.50|1989|r=2}}}}

|{{cite web |last=Pitt |first=David E. |date=July 18, 1989 |title=Toll Increase at Bridges Is Described as Smooth |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/07/18/nyregion/toll-increase-at-bridges-is-described-as-smooth.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030090611/https://www.nytimes.com/1989/07/18/nyregion/toll-increase-at-bridges-is-described-as-smooth.html |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=October 29, 2018 |website=The New York Times}}

1993–1996

| align="right" | $3.00

| align="center" | ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|3.00|1996|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice|{{inflation|US|3.00|1993|r=2}}}}

|{{cite news |date=January 30, 1993 |title=Commuter Alert |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24946889/commuter_alert/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030041036/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24946889/commuter_alert/ |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=October 29, 2018 |work=The Journal-News |location=White Plains, NY |page=9 |via=Newspapers.com}}

1996–2003

| align="right" | $3.50

| align="center" | ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|3.50|2003|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice|{{inflation|US|3.50|1996|r=2}}}}

|{{cite web |date=March 26, 1996 |title=Bridge and Tunnel Traffic Smooth as Tolls Rise |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/03/26/nyregion/bridge-and-tunnel-traffic-smooth-as-tolls-rise.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030035853/https://www.nytimes.com/1996/03/26/nyregion/bridge-and-tunnel-traffic-smooth-as-tolls-rise.html |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=October 29, 2018 |website=The New York Times}}

2003–2005

| align="right" | $4.00

| align="center" | ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|4.00|2005|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice|{{inflation|US|4.00|2003|r=2}}}}

|{{cite news |date=May 19, 2003 |title=Tolls rise on Manhattan bridges and tunnels |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24949406/tolls_rise_on_manhattan_bridges_and/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030042600/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24949406/tolls_rise_on_manhattan_bridges_and/ |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=October 29, 2018 |work=Poughkeepsie Journal |location=Poughkeepsie, NY |page=6A |via=Newspapers.com}}

2005–2008

| align="right" | $4.50

| align="right" | $4.00

| align="center" | ${{formatnum:{{round|{{Inflation|US|4.5|2008|r=2}}|2}}–{{Inflation|US|4.5|2005|r=2}}|2}}

| align="center" | ${{formatnum:{{round|{{Inflation|US|4|2008|r=2}}|2}}–{{Inflation|US|4|2005|r=2}}|2}}

|{{cite web |last=Lee |first=Jennifer 8. |date=March 14, 2005 |title=Bridge-and-Tunnel Blues: Paying More to Cross Over |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/14/nyregion/bridgeandtunnel-blues-paying-more-to-cross-over.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030035617/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/14/nyregion/bridgeandtunnel-blues-paying-more-to-cross-over.html |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=October 29, 2018 |website=The New York Times}}

2008–2010

| align="right" | $5.00

| align="right" | $4.15

| align="center" | ${{formatnum:{{round|{{Inflation|US|5|2010|r=2}}|2}}–{{Inflation|US|5|2008|r=2}}|2}}

| align="center" | ${{formatnum:{{round|{{Inflation|US|4.15|2010|r=2}}|2}}–{{Inflation|US|4.15|2008|r=2}}|2}}

|{{cite news |date=March 16, 2008 |title=Toll hikes start on bridges, tunnels |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24949691/toll_hikes_start_on_bridges_tunnels/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030090651/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24949691/toll_hikes_start_on_bridges_tunnels/ |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=October 29, 2018 |work=The Journal-News |location=White Plains, NY |page=12 |via=Newspapers.com}}

2010–2015

| align="right" | $6.50

| align="right" | $4.80

| align="center" | ${{formatnum:{{round|{{Inflation|US|6.5|2015|r=2}}|2}}–{{Inflation|US|6.5|2010|r=2}}|2}}

| align="center" | ${{formatnum:{{round|{{Inflation|US|4.8|2015|r=2}}|2}}–{{Inflation|US|4.8|2010|r=2}}|2}}

| {{cite web |last=Grynbaum |first=Michael M. |date=October 28, 2010 |title=M.T.A. Raises Bridge and Tunnel Tolls |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/28/nyregion/28tolls.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030035645/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/28/nyregion/28tolls.html |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=October 29, 2018 |website=The New York Times}}{{cite web |url=http://web.mta.info/bandt/traffic/btmain.html |title=2010 Toll Information |publisher=MTA Bridges & Tunnels |access-date=May 14, 2010 |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514044013/http://www.mta.info/bandt/traffic/btmain.html |archive-date=May 14, 2011}}

2015–2017

| align="right" | $8.00

| align="right" | $5.54

| align="center" | ${{formatnum:{{round|{{Inflation|US|8|2017|r=2}}|2}}–{{Inflation|US|8|2015|r=2}}|2}}

| align="center" | ${{formatnum:{{round|{{Inflation|US|5.54|2017|r=2}}|2}}–{{Inflation|US|5.54|2015|r=2}}|2}}

| {{cite web |title=M.T.A. Is Raising Fares and Tolls; One Subway or Bus Ride Will Cost $2.75 |website=The New York Times |date=January 23, 2015 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/23/nyregion/mta-raises-fares-subways-and-buses.html |access-date=October 29, 2018 |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030041329/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/23/nyregion/mta-raises-fares-subways-and-buses.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://web.mta.info/bandt/traffic/btmain.html |title=2015 Toll Information |publisher=MTA Bridges & Tunnels |access-date=April 22, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150422061534/http://web.mta.info/bandt/traffic/btmain.html |archive-date=April 22, 2015}}

2017–2019

| align="right" | $8.50

| align="right" | $5.76

| align="center" | ${{formatnum:{{round|{{Inflation|US|8.5|2019|r=2}}|2}}–{{Inflation|US|8.5|2017|r=2}}|2}}

| align="center" | ${{formatnum:{{round|{{Inflation|US|5.76|2019|r=2}}|2}}–{{Inflation|US|5.76|2017|r=2}}|2}}

| {{cite web |title=M.T.A. Votes to Raise Fares and Tolls: What You Need to Know |website=The New York Times |date=January 25, 2017 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/25/nyregion/mta-subway-bus-toll-metrocard-fare-increase.html |access-date=March 5, 2019 |archive-date=March 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306052526/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/25/nyregion/mta-subway-bus-toll-metrocard-fare-increase.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://web.mta.info/bandt/traffic/btmain.html |title=2017 Toll Information |publisher=MTA Bridges & Tunnels |access-date=March 16, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426225055/http://web.mta.info/bandt/traffic/btmain.html |archive-date=April 26, 2017}}

2019–2021

| align="right" | $9.50

| align="right" | $6.12

| align="center" | ${{formatnum:{{round|{{Inflation|US|9.5|2021|r=2}}|2}}–{{Inflation|US|9.5|2019|r=2}}|2}}

| align="center" | ${{formatnum:{{round|{{Inflation|US|6.12|2021|r=2}}|2}}–{{Inflation|US|6.12|2019|r=2}}|2}}

| {{cite web |title=Subway Fares Are Rising Again. But That Won't Solve the M.T.A.'s Crisis. |work=The New York Times |date=February 27, 2019 |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/27/nyregion/mta-fares-hike.html |access-date=March 5, 2019 |archive-date=March 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190304220532/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/27/nyregion/mta-fares-hike.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=New Fares and Tolls Take Effect |website=Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) |date=February 27, 2019 |url=https://new.mta.info/sites/default/files/2019-03/B%26T_toll_tables_03-01-19.pdf |access-date=March 5, 2019 |archive-date=March 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306043838/https://new.mta.info/sites/default/files/2019-03/B%26T_toll_tables_03-01-19.pdf |url-status=live }}

2021–2023

| align="right" | $10.17

| align="right" | $6.55

| align="center" | ${{formatnum:{{round|{{Inflation|US|10.17|2023|r=2}}|2}}–{{Inflation|US|10.17|2021|r=2}}|2}}

| align="center" | ${{formatnum:{{round|{{Inflation|US|6.55|2023|r=2}}|2}}–{{Inflation|US|6.55|2021|r=2}}|2}}

| {{cite web | last=Guse | first=Clayton | title=MTA jacking up tolls 7% across-the-board on New York City bridges and tunnels | website=New York Daily News | date=February 18, 2021 | url=https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/ny-nyc-mta-bridges-tunnels-tolls-increase-20210218-jgnc3f7wvngfzmxdgyo5s3wdxa-story.html | access-date=March 14, 2021}}

2023–present

| align="right" | $11.19

| align="right" | $6.94

| align="center" | $11.19

| align="center" | $6.94

| {{cite web | last=Bascome | first=Erik | title=These are the new MTA bridge and tunnel toll rates | website=silive | date=August 6, 2023 | url=https://www.silive.com/news/2023/08/reminder-mta-toll-increases-take-effect-on-sunday.html | access-date=April 6, 2024}}

=Congestion toll=

Congestion pricing in New York City was implemented in January 2025.{{cite web | last=Hu | first=Winnie | last2=Ley | first2=Ana | title=New York City Welcomes Congestion Pricing With Fanfare and Complaints | website=The New York Times | date=January 5, 2025 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/05/nyregion/nyc-congestion-pricing-tolls.html | access-date=January 8, 2025 |postscript=none}}; {{cite web | last=Bridge | first=Rowan | title=New York becomes first US city with congestion charge | website=BBC Home | date=January 5, 2025 | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjr2wn3zvqvo | access-date=January 8, 2025}} Drivers who enter Manhattan via the tunnel pay a second toll if they exit onto Trinity Place.{{cite web | last=Anderson | first=Renee | title=Congestion pricing maps show which New York roads and tunnels are and are not impacted | website=CBS New York | date=January 3, 2025 | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/nyc-congestion-pricing-maps/ | access-date=January 8, 2025}} The congestion charges are collected via E-ZPass and tolls-by-mail.{{Cite news|last=Ley|first=Ana|date=2023-06-28|title=How Might Congestion Pricing Actually Work in New York?|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/28/nyregion/congestion-pricing-nyc.html|access-date=2023-12-02|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=December 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202231919/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/28/nyregion/congestion-pricing-nyc.html|url-status=live}} The charges vary based on time of day and vehicle class, but the congestion toll is charged once per day. Drivers who use the Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel to enter the congestion zone will receive a credit toward the congestion charge during the day, and they would pay a discounted toll at night.{{cite web |last=Bascome |first=Erik |date=December 2, 2023 |title=NYC congestion pricing: How much you'll pay, crossing credits, exemptions and more |url=https://www.silive.com/news/2023/12/nyc-congestion-pricing-how-much-youll-pay-crossing-credits-exemptions-and-more.html |access-date=December 2, 2023 |website=silive |archive-date=December 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202190441/https://www.silive.com/news/2023/12/nyc-congestion-pricing-how-much-youll-pay-crossing-credits-exemptions-and-more.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web | last1=Kramer | first1=Marcia | last2=Williams | first2=Doug | last3=Duddridge | first3=Natalie | title=Congestion pricing draft report obtained by CBS New York shows $15 toll for most drivers entering Manhattan's Central Business District | website=CBS New York | date=November 30, 2023 | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/congestion-pricing-costs-new-york-central-business-district/ | access-date=December 2, 2023 | archive-date=December 2, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202040711/https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/congestion-pricing-costs-new-york-central-business-district/ | url-status=live }} Drivers who use the tunnel and then remain on the FDR Drive or West Side Highway south of 60th Street would be exempt from the congestion toll.{{cite web | last=Ley | first=Ana | title=$15 Tolls Likely for New York's Congestion Pricing Program | website=The New York Times | date=November 29, 2023 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/29/nyregion/tolls-congestion-pricing-nyc.html | access-date=November 30, 2023 | issn=0362-4331 | archive-date=November 30, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130000205/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/29/nyregion/tolls-congestion-pricing-nyc.html/ | url-status=live }}

Interstate 478

{{Infobox road

| state = NY

| route = 478

| type = I

| maint = MTA Bridges and Tunnels

| length_mi = 2.14

| length_ref =

| established = 1971

| restrictions = No hazardous goods

| direction_a = South

| terminus_a = {{Jct|state=NY|I|278}} in Red Hook

| direction_b = North

| terminus_b = {{Jct|state=NY|NY|9A|road|West Side Highway|Parkway|FDR}} in Battery Park City

| counties = Kings, New York

| previous_type = NY

| previous_route = 474

| next_type = I

| next_route = 481

}}{{maplink|frame=yes|frame-lat=40.7233|frame-long=-73.9276|width=420|height=320|frame-align=left|text=The segments of I-78 and its auxiliaries in New York City and Nassau County that were built (black), canceled segments (dark red), and segments that were canceled with multiple different proposed routings (light red, of which all in Manhattan were proposals for I-478).|from=Interstate 78 in New York with auxillaries.map}}I-478 is the official route designation for the Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel and its approaches, although it is not signed as such. I-478's south end is at the tunnel's south end, I-278 in Brooklyn, and the highway extends {{Convert|2.14|mi|km}} to the tunnel's north end at NY 9A (West Street) in Lower Manhattan.{{cite book |url=https://www.dot.ny.gov/divisions/operating/oom/transportation-systems/repository/2017%20tour-bk.pdf |title=Official Description of Highway Touring Routes, Bicycling Touring Routes, Scenic Byways, & Commemorative/Memorial Designations in New York State |author=New York State Department of Transportation |date=January 2017 |access-date=January 15, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170110020634/https://www.dot.ny.gov/divisions/operating/oom/transportation-systems/repository/2017%20tour-bk.pdf |archive-date=January 10, 2017}}{{cite web |url=https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/national_highway_system/interstate_highway_system/routefinder/table02.cfm |title=Table 2: Auxiliary Routes of the Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways as of December 31, 2016 |last=Adderly |first=Kevin |date=December 31, 2016 |work=Route Log and Finder List |publisher=Federal Highway Administration |access-date=September 24, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703182115/https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/national_highway_system/interstate_highway_system/routefinder/table02.cfm |archive-date=July 3, 2017}}*{{cite web |url=https://www.dot.ny.gov/divisions/engineering/technical-services/hds-respository/HighwayInventory-KingsCounty-2016.zip |title=Kings County Inventory Listing |date=August 7, 2015 |publisher=New York State Department of Transportation |format=CSV |access-date=September 5, 2017 |archive-date=July 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702141820/https://www.dot.ny.gov/divisions/engineering/technical-services/hds-respository/HighwayInventory-KingsCounty-2016.zip |url-status=live }}

{{cite web |url=https://www.dot.ny.gov/divisions/engineering/technical-services/hds-respository/HighwayInventory-NewYorkCounty-2016.zip |title=New York County Inventory Listing |date=August 7, 2015 |publisher=New York State Department of Transportation |format=CSV |access-date=September 5, 2017 |archive-date=July 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701201050/https://www.dot.ny.gov/divisions/engineering/technical-services/hds-respository/HighwayInventory-NewYorkCounty-2016.zip |url-status=live }} The entirety of I-478 is concurrent with the tunnel. Before receiving the I-478 designation, the tunnel had been part of NY 27A from the 1950s to 1970.{{cite map |title=New York |publisher=Sunoco |cartography=Rand McNally and Company |year=1952}}{{cite map |title=New York and New Jersey Tourgide Map |publisher=Gulf Oil Company |cartography=Rand McNally and Company |year=1960}} NY 27A still exists, but, since 1970, it only runs within eastern Long Island.{{cite book |url=http://www.greaternyroads.info/pdfs/state70.pdf |title=Official Description of Touring Routes in New York State |author=State of New York Department of Transportation |date=January 1, 1970 |access-date=May 24, 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090326062441/http://www.greaternyroads.info/pdfs/state70.pdf |archive-date=March 26, 2009}}

The I-478 number was originally considered for other routes. In 1958, the I-478 route number was proposed for the Lower Manhattan Expressway branch along the Manhattan Bridge.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1958/09/19/archives/new-roads-with-new-numbers-will-parallel-old-us-routes.html |title=New Roads With New Numbers Will Parallel Old U.S. Routes |last=Wright |first=George Cable |date=September 19, 1958 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926100756/http://www.nytimes.com/1958/09/19/archives/new-roads-with-new-numbers-will-parallel-old-us-routes.html |archive-date=September 26, 2017 |url-status=live |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} This highway would have run between I-78 (which would have split to another branch that used the Williamsburg Bridge) and I-278.{{cite book |url=http://www.eastcoastroads.com/pdfs/state70.pdf |title=Description of Touring Routes in New York State for the Interstate (I), Federal (U.S.) and State (N.Y.) Route Number Systems |author=New York State Department of Transportation |date=January 1, 1970 |access-date=March 26, 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729021013/http://www.eastcoastroads.com/pdfs/state70.pdf |archive-date=July 29, 2017}} After the Lower Manhattan Expressway project was canceled in March 1971,{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1971/03/25/archives/lower-manhattan-road-killed-under-state-plan.html |title=Lower Manhattan Road Killed Under State Plan |last=Vines |first=Francis X. |date=March 25, 1971 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 19, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613001448/https://www.nytimes.com/1971/03/25/archives/lower-manhattan-road-killed-under-state-plan.html |archive-date=June 13, 2018}} the I-478 designation was also briefly proposed for an upgrade of the Grand Central Parkway between I-278 and I-678, as part of an effort to upgrade the Belt Parkway with truck lanes. This proposal was also canceled in May 1971.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1971/05/21/archives/governor-drops-plan-for-belt-parkway.html |title=Governor Drops Plan for Belt Parkway |last=Clines |first=Francis X. |date=May 21, 1971 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 19, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320044130/https://www.nytimes.com/1971/05/21/archives/governor-drops-plan-for-belt-parkway.html |archive-date=March 20, 2018}}

The Westway project was proposed in early 1971{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1971/04/04/archives/city-proposes-a-new-west-side-highway.html |title=City Proposes a New West Side Highway |last=Prial |first=Frank J. |date=April 4, 1971 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 19, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320044126/https://www.nytimes.com/1971/04/04/archives/city-proposes-a-new-west-side-highway.html |archive-date=March 20, 2018}} as part of an effort to replace the West Side Elevated Highway, a narrow and dangerously obsolete structure on Manhattan's west side.{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=G4A2AQAAMAAJ |title=West Side Hwy Project, New York: Environmental Impact Statement |publisher=New York State Department of Transportation; Federal Highway Administration, United States Department of Transportation |year=1977 |language=en |access-date=March 19, 2018}}{{Rp|10}} By mid-1971, the I-478 designation had been moved over to the Westway project.{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-MQDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA8 |title=The City Politic: Ratensky's Raiders |last=Blake |first=Peter |date=July 5, 1971 |publisher=New York Media, LLC |page=8 |language=en |access-date=March 19, 2018}} As originally planned, I-478 would have continued north to I-78 at the Holland Tunnel and I-495 at the Lincoln Tunnel via the Westway project.{{Rp|10}} An extension to I-95 at the George Washington Bridge via the Henry Hudson Parkway was initially considered.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1971/05/16/archives/legislators-here-oppose-plan-for-2-city-highways.html |title=Legislators Here Oppose Plan for 2 City Highways |last=Farrell |first=William E. |date=May 16, 1971 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 19, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320105538/https://www.nytimes.com/1971/05/16/archives/legislators-here-oppose-plan-for-2-city-highways.html |archive-date=March 20, 2018}} This was ultimately dropped from the final plan due to a state law that prohibited the conversion of the Henry Hudson Parkway to an Interstate Highway.{{Rp|10}} The project was approved by the US government in 1977.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/01/05/archives/westway-plan-wins-final-us-approval-boon-to-city-is-seen-work-could.html |title=Westway Plan Wins Final U.s. Approval; Boon to City Is Seen |last=Blumenthal |first=Ralph |date=January 5, 1977 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323035241/https://www.nytimes.com/1977/01/05/archives/westway-plan-wins-final-us-approval-boon-to-city-is-seen-work-could.html |archive-date=March 23, 2018 |url-status=live |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}

If fully completed, I-478 would have run along the Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel and West Side Highway, completing the portion of the Interstate Highway System within New York City.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1973/09/30/archives/85-of-interstate-roads-in-state-complete-at-a-cost-of-25billion.html |title=85% of Interstate Roads in State. Complete at a Cost of $2.5-Billion |last=Faber |first=Harold |date=September 30, 1973 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 22, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323032555/https://www.nytimes.com/1973/09/30/archives/85-of-interstate-roads-in-state-complete-at-a-cost-of-25billion.html |archive-date=March 23, 2018}} However, the Westway project was officially abandoned in 1985 after a series of lawsuits from environmental advocates.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/16/nyregion/16westway.html |title=After 20 Years of Delays, a River Park Takes Shape |last=Roberts |first=Sam |date=May 16, 2006 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 19, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306232637/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/16/nyregion/16westway.html |archive-date=March 6, 2018}}{{cite web |url=http://thevillager.com/villager_59/whywestwaysleepswith.html |title=Why Westway sleeps with the fishes |last1=Amateau |first1=Albert |date=June 16, 2004 |website=thevillager.com |publisher=The Villager |access-date=June 2, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304122348/http://thevillager.com/villager_59/whywestwaysleepswith.html |archive-date=March 4, 2016}} Although the I-478 designation was formally withdrawn from all public signage and plans,{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/10/07/nyregion/the-legacy-of-westway-lessons-from-its-demise.html |title=THE LEGACY OF WESTWAY: LESSONS FROM ITS DEMISE |last=Roberts |first=Sam |date=October 7, 1985 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619012904/https://www.nytimes.com/1985/10/07/nyregion/the-legacy-of-westway-lessons-from-its-demise.html |archive-date=June 19, 2018 |url-status=live |language=en}} the route number still applies to the Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel, albeit as an unsigned highway that is not marked on public signs.

=Exit list=

{{NYCint|exit

|county=Kings

|cspan=4

|borough=Brooklyn

|location=Red Hook

|lspan=4

|mile=0.0

|exit=–

|road={{jct|state=NY|I|278|dir1=west|name1=Brooklyn–Queens Expressway|location1=Verrazzano Bridge|to2=yes|Parkway|Belt|dir2=east}}

|notes=Southern terminus; former NY 27A

}}

{{NYCint|exit

|mile=0.1

|exit=–

|type=HOV

|road=HOV3+ to Verrazzano Bridge / Belt Parkway east

|notes=Southbound exit evenings, northbound entrance mornings

}}

{{NYCint|exit

|exit=26

|mile=0.2

|road=Hamilton Avenue (I-278 Alt. east)

|notes=No northbound exit; exit no. corresponds to I-278

|type=incomplete

}}

{{NYCint|exit

|mile=0.4

|exit=–

|type=incomplete

|road={{jct|state=NY|I|278|dir1=east|name1=Brooklyn–Queens Expressway|road|Atlantic Avenue}}

|notes=Southbound exit only; exit 25 on I-278

}}

{{jctplace|exit

|river=East River

|mile=0.5

|mile2=2.2

|type=etc

|place=Hugh L. Carey Tunnel (toll)

}}

{{NYCint|exit

|county=New York

|cspan=2

|borough=Manhattan

|location=Battery Park City

|lspan=2

|exit=–

|mile=2.3

|type=incomplete

|road=Trinity Place

|notes=Northbound exit and southbound entrance

}}

{{NYCint|exit

|mile=2.4

|exit=–

|road={{jct|state=NY|NY|9A|dir1=north|name1=West Street|Parkway|FDR|dir2=north|location1=Holland Tunnel|location2=Lincoln Tunnel|location3=East Side|location4=Staten Island Ferry}}

|notes=Northern terminus; at-grade intersection; exit 2 on West Side Highway

}}

Notes

References

External links

[https://books.google.com/books?id=miQDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA82 "Sandhogs Toughest Job"], September 1947, Popular Science
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xrr8qWGCwv4 Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel Construction Scenes (1947)]—from the MTA's YouTube web link (1:18 video clip)
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfeupmIF3eM Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel: Sixty Years]—from the MTA's YouTube web link (6:13 video clip)

{{Crossings navbox

|structure = Crossings

|place = East River

|bridge = Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel

|bridge signs = 25px
25px

|upstream = Joralemon Street Tunnel

|upstream signs = {{NYCS Joralemon|time=bullets}}

|downstream = Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge
(New York Harbor)

|downstream signs = 25px
25px

}}

Category:Crossings of the East River

Category:Robert Moses projects