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What are the names of the two tunnels that connect Manhattan with New Jersey under the Hudson river?

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LINCOLN TUNNEL AND HOLLAND TUNNEL - geography illustration
LINCOLN TUNNEL AND HOLLAND TUNNEL — geography

Connecting Manhattan with New Jersey under the Hudson River are two vital submerged roadways: the Holland Tunnel and the Lincoln Tunnel. These engineering marvels have been instrumental in facilitating vehicular traffic between the bustling island of Manhattan and the Garden State, serving millions of commuters and travelers for decades.

The Holland Tunnel, opened in 1927, holds a significant place in history as the world's first mechanically ventilated underwater vehicular tunnel. Before its construction, crossing the Hudson by car relied solely on ferries. The innovative ventilation system, crucial for dispelling dangerous carbon monoxide fumes, was a groundbreaking achievement designed by Ole Singstad, who took over as chief engineer after Clifford Milburn Holland, the tunnel's namesake, tragically passed away during its construction. This pioneering design set the standard for future underwater tunnels globally.

Following the success and increasing traffic demand on the Holland Tunnel, the Lincoln Tunnel was conceived and built further north. Its central tube opened in 1937, with additional tubes completed in 1945 and 1957, expanding its capacity. Named after Abraham Lincoln, this tunnel connects Weehawken, New Jersey, with Midtown Manhattan, providing another critical artery for cross-river travel and easing congestion on its predecessor.

Both the Holland and Lincoln Tunnels represent immense feats of civil engineering, involving challenging underwater construction and the dedication of countless workers, often called "sandhogs." These tunnels, owned and operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, continue to be indispensable components of the metropolitan area's transportation network, silently carrying a massive volume of traffic beneath the mighty Hudson.